Some big news out of Sacramento in the week ahead of the 2016 season opener, as Republic FC announced the signing of midfielder J.J. Koval.

Koval, a Stanford graduate, was drafted ninth overall by the San Jose Earthquakes in the 2014 MLS SuperDraft, and made 37 appearances with the ‘Quakes in two seasons. During that time, he was loaned to Sacramento twice, making three total appearances, and scoring once, at Arizona United SC on August 2nd, 2014.

This is exciting news for the Sacramento faithful. Koval brings MLS experience and leadership to the Republic midfield, which has a huge void to fill with the departure of Rodrigo Lopez. Presumably working with Ivan Mirkovic, Danny Barrera, and Octavio Guzman, Sacramento’s midfielder depth now stacks up remarkably well with the rest of the Western Conference.

Republic FC kicks off 2016 on Friday night in Tukwila, Washington facing Seattle Sounders FC 2.

How big is Koval’s signing for the Republic? Let us know in the comments.