Republic FC continue to bolster midfield

Sacramento Republic FC continued to build out their 2019 roster today with the announcement that they have agreed to a USL Championship contract with midfielder, and Stanford Cardinal alum Sam Werner. The deal includes a club option for 2020 and is pending league and federation approval.

Werner is the second midfielder the Republic have added in as many weeks. Like Drew Skundrich, Warner also played soccer at Stanford University where he amassed nine goals and nine assists over four seasons (2014-2017).

His sudden-death goal in overtime in the 2017 College Cup propelled the Cardinal to their third-consecutive NCAA Division I title that also earned him the College Cup Most Outstanding Player honor. Additionally, Werner was named to the 2017 Top Drawer Soccer College Cup Best XI and he was recognized by Stanford with the Bob Murphy Award, which is “presented to the student athlete whose unforgettable performance in an athletics contest will secure a place in Stanford history.”

“Sam brings a winning mentality to our team and he has proven that he can step up in big moments,” said Republic General Manager Todd Dunivant in a news release. “He causes headaches for opponents and will bring tenacity to our front line.”

After graduating from Stanford, Werner played in Israel before signing with the Republic. He was also affiliated with the Portland Timbers youth system and played with the club’s U-18 from 2012-2014.

With the addition of Werner, the Republic now have seven midfielders under contract for the 2019 season. The biggest question at midfield still lingering out there is whether or not they bring back Jeremy Hall. Even with the addition of Werner, my guess is they will add one or two more to the midfield, so for those hoping Hall will come back...there’s still hope.