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Carlos Rodriguez will join Sacramento Republic for the 2016 season, per club release. He rounds out the depth chart at center back, joining Mike Da Fonte, Chris Christian, and Derek Foran.
This is a young player, but one that Coach Paul Buckle feels has a great future. Buckle said in the release, "This young lad has all the tools and I believe he will be a top class center back."
At 6'3" and 168 lbs, Rodriguez is already an imposing figure, and time will allow him to grow even stronger. If his skills progress, this makes him a like-for-like replacement for Nemanja Vuković.
Rodriguez comes to Sacramento from the heralded CESIFUT academy near his hometown of Torreon. The academy's website lists its alumni right across the top, and the names are impressive. Fellow Torreon native and Mexican National Team star Oribe Peralta is among them.
After first being seen by Buckle and Director of Football Graham Smith earlier in the off-season, Rodriguez joined the Republic at their February camp in Mexico.
What do you think? Is this a depth move, or are you looking for a young player like this to start right away? Let us know in the comments.