Sacramento Republic sign 15-year-old Rafael Jauregui

Sacramento Republic FC announced the signing of Rafael Jauregui on a USL Academy Contract for the season Tuesday.

The 15-year-old midfielder will be eligible to play in Sac Republic’s upcoming USL Championship games, tentatively scheduled to kick off in less than two weeks’ time.

“Rafa is fearless every time he steps onto the field, and it is that confidence that serves him well at any level, be it our academy, our first team, or youth national teams,” said Republic FC general manager Todd Dunivant in a team statement. “His future is bright in Sacramento, and this is another important step for his development.”

Jauregui is a Sacramento native who has been with Sac Republic’s academy since 2017. On a USL Academy Contract, the player will be allowed to play first-team games but will retain his NCAA eligibility should he want to play college soccer in the future.

He joins goalkeeper Diego Ramos and midfielder Julian Chavez on a USL Academy Contract for SRFC.

Don’t be shocked to see Jauregui get some playing time when Sacramento Republic restart the 2020 USL Championship season later this month.

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