Republic FC roster continues to take shape

Following Monday’s roster news, Sacramento Republic FC were back at it yesterday and today announcing that several key players will be back in 2020 to include forward Cameron Iwasa, midfielders Sam Werner and Jaime Villarreal, and defender Jordan McCrary. All four players were important pieces in 2019, and I think universally fans are pleased of the news.

Below is a quick breakdown for each player and what it means for the Quails moving forward:

Jordan McCrary

What a relief to get a guy of McCrary’s caliber back. He was easily one of the Republic’s most vocal and physical players last season. Never afraid to mix it up, McCrary made 29 appearances and led the team in interceptions (43), tackles (71) and tackles won (39). The team needs a player or two like McCrary, so good on Todd Dunivant to bring him back.

Sam Werner

I often ask myself how last season would have unfolded without Sam Werner. He was so critical during the first half of the season, that my sense is the Republic wouldn’t have made the playoffs without him. It was a breakout year for Werner, and it’s great that the Republic could bring back the most dynamic player on the squad in 2019. Until next season, his long-ball cross to Thomas Enevoldsen to give the Republic a 2-1 victory in the opening round of the playoffs will continue to replay in my head. If you forgot, I got you covered:

Jaime Villarreal

Villarreal was simply amazing last season, and was one of the bright spots at midfield. He led the team in appearances (36), minutes played (2,820) and starts (31), and was named by his teammates at MVP. At only 24 years-old, with seven years of experience behind him, including a stint in MLS, it seems the best is yet to come for Villarreal.

Cameron Iwasa

Sacramento’s captain, all-time leading scorer, and arguably the best player to ever to wear Old Glory Red (along with Rodrigo Lopez; relax people) is back. Iwasa led the team in goals (17), assists (6), shots (72) and shots on goal (32). While fans will rejoice that he’s back, selfishly, I want him to get another crack at MLS, because I think he has earned it. Time will tell on that front, but in the interim, what a boon for Dunivant and the Republic. He’s such a great player, competitor and nightmare for opposing back lines.

Who else would you like to see come back? Is there another player you would like the Republic bring in? Let us know below and be sure to stay locked here for all off-season roster moves.