Sacramento Republic sign winger Maalique Foster

Sacramento Republic announced their latest personnel move ahead of the 2021 season on Thursday, with the signing of winger Maalique Foster.

The 24-year-old is already well traveled, with stints to date in his native Jamaica, the USL Championship, Costa Rica and Israel.

“Maalique is a rising talent that we believe is poised for a breakout 2021 season,” said Republic FC general manager Todd Dunivant in a team statement. “His ability to stretch the defense will add a new dimension to our attack, and we are excited to add his consistent scoring production to our team.”

Foster began his career with Jamaican power Portmore United, winning the league in 2017-18 and scoring two goals in Concacaf League play in 2018.

From there, it becomes a bit more whirlwind. He signed for Costa Rican power Alajuelense in 2018, scoring two goals before heading out on loan to USL Championship side Rio Grande Valley FC for the first half of 2019, tallying three goals and four assists in 11 games. Then he went back to Costa Rica, but on loan to Santos de Guapiles, scoring five goals over the second half of last year.

Most recently, he was on loan with Israeli Premier League side Ironi Kiryat Shmona, where he made 13 appearances, mostly off the bench, as the club barely avoided relegation.

Foster is also a full Jamaican international, making eight appearances to date since debuting in 2018.

This is an interesting signing, kind of a risk/reward move. Jamaicans have a good track record in American pro soccer generally, and Foster playing in some far-flung locations shows he’s willing to get out there and push himself. At the same time, since leaving Jamaica, he consistently has played about 10-15 games before moving on to the next spot, so the frequent movement may show he’s struggled to settle, or it may just be the reality of being on the loan carousel. Now, he’s signing outright for Sac Republic, and may get a chance to actually settle in and get a real run of games.

Foster’s signing joins those of fellow newcomers Petteri Pennanen and Duke Lacroix, also announced this week. We’ll keep you posted on additional moves from the club as we learn more.

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