Republic FC announce three more roster moves

Sacramento Republic FC announced a series of roster moves over the last few days, starting with the announcement that they had signed defender Charalampos “Haris” Chantzpoulos. Chantzpoulos joins Republic FC from KPV (Kokkolan Palloveikot) in Finland’s first division Veikkausliiga.

The 24 year-old notched four goals in 17 appearances with KPV last season after joining the club midway through the season. With Chantzpoulos signed, it appears that the defender position is now set for the Quails heading into training camp.

The Republic also announced that they had released midfielder Jure Matjasic following the termination of his contract by mutual consent.

Matjasic joined the Republic last spring scoring three goals while adding five assists in 27 appearances. I always liked Matjasic, but it seemed like he could never quite make his presence felt with the club. He certainly was given the chance to do so. That aside, he was a true gentleman and we wish him the best.

Finally, the club announced yesterday that it is bringing back former forward Tyler Blackwood. Blackwood played last season with Swope Park Rangers where he scored eight goals and recorded three assists in 36 appearances.

As many know, Blackwood was part of the Republic in 2017 and was known for making really dangerous runs up the middle. On the flip side, I felt that he had a tendency to over-dribble at times.

But in watching his two performances last year at Papa Murphy’s Park, Blackwood seems to have taken the next leap as a professional. My guess is he has become the player the Republic envisioned when they signed him back in 2017, and why they ultimately decided to bring him back in 2019. Either way, the combination of Blackwood and Cameron Iwasa up top should be a headache for the opposition.

What do you think of the club’s transactions this week? Any other position you would still like to see them address? Sound off in the comment section below!