Republic announce they have re-signed defender Elliott Hord

Sacramento Republic FC announced today that they had come to an agreement with defender Elliott Hord on a new contract ahead of the 2019 season. The deal also includes a club option for 2020 and is pending league and federation approval.

Hord has been with the club since August 2016, when he signed from Fresno Fuego FC of USL League Two (formerly the PDL) to replace Emrah Klimenta, who was lost to a season-ending injury. Since then, Hord has been nothing but fantastic for the Quails.

After starting the 2018 season on the injury list (he underwent arthroscopic surgery to repair a bone bruise on his right knee in mid-January), Hord came on late in the season when it was clear that he was finally back from his injury.

Hord had a particularly strong stretch of games between September 19-October 3 where he hit an absolute screamer on the road at Tulsa on September 19 (you can relive the shot below), and added important assists in a 1-0 win versus Portland Timbers 2 on September 29, and another assist against Swope Park on October 3 when the Republic were fighting for playoff positioning in a tight Western Conference.

With Hord now signed, the Republic have three defenders under contract including Shannon Gomez and Mitchell Taintor. Clearly the club will be adding more depth at the position in the weeks to come, and as far as I know, that still includes the possible return of Klimenta.

But back to Hord. I really like this move from the Republic. When I think about Hord, the first word that comes to me is consistent. He is a hard-worker, is a solid defender and is a force moving the ball up the right flank. And boy can he cross the ball.

Hord has a unique set of skills unlike anyone on the team. They are simply better with him. With his injury now behind him, I expect him to deliver a strong season for the Republic.

What are your thoughts? Are you excited that Hord is coming back?

Sound off in the comments section below!