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Sacramento Republic FC

Sacramento Republic FC Exercise Options

November 10, 2016 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Sacramento Republic FC News Release


SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Sacramento Republic FC have exercised contract options on defenders Emrah Klimenta and Carlos Rodriguez, midfielder Agustin Cazarez and goalkeepers Evan Newton and Dominik Jakubek. All five players will return to Republic FC for the 2017 USL season.

"All of these players were important members of our team last season," said Republic FC Head Coach and Technical Director Paul Buckle. "Augie is a pleasure to work with, is a hard worker and can play a lot of different positions, making him a great option to pick up. Emrah brings a lot of talent and is a very good professional. We have watched his rehab and he will greatly impact the team because he is such a great player down the right side. Carlos is also a very exciting pick up. We rate him very highly and he is a big part of our plans moving forward because of his ability on the ball, as well as his potential."

"Picking up Dominik and Evan gives us two great options in goal for next season," continued Buckle. "Dominik is someone that keeps himself very fit and strong and is a great example to the other players on how to be a professional. That, and the fact that he played more than half the matches last year made it a no brainer. Evan's character and his willingness to fight for his spot, as well as his ability when in games, showed us we wanted to bring him back."

Klimenta, who is the all-time Republic FC leader in USL minutes and starts, will return for his fourth season with the club after originally signing with Republic FC after an open tryout in 2014. Klimenta appeared in 14 USL matches in 2016 before suffering a season-ending ACL tear on July 2. The defender has five goals and six assists in 66 career USL appearances for Republic FC.

Cazarez first signed with Republic FC before the roster freeze deadline at the end of the 2014 USL season. Cazarez has made 31 USL appearances, including 24 starts over the last three seasons, scoring a goal. Last season, the midfielder made 14 appearances, recording 12 starts and 912 USL minutes. Cazarez has shown the versatility to play both as a midfielder and a defender, appearing in both roles as a member of Republic FC.

Rodriguez made nine USL appearances in his rookie season, playing 422 minutes. In all competitions, Rodriguez made 13 appearances, including eight starts. He scored his first goal with Republic FC on May 18 in a U.S. Open Cup match against CD Aguiluchos USA.

Republic FC will bring back both of their goalkeepers from the 2016 USL season. Jakubek and Newton split time in goal in 2016, with Jakubek appearing in 16 of the club's 30 USL regular season matches and Newton appearing in the other 14, as well as, in the club's lone USL Cup Playoff match. Both keepers were impressive this season, each recording goals against averages under one, with Jakubek earning a 0.88 and Newton a 0.93. Both keepers recorded six shutouts on the season.

The 2017 season will be the second with Republic FC for Newton and the fourth for Jakubek, who leads the club in USL goalkeeper appearances and minutes all-time with 34 and 2,849 respectively. Jakubek has also recorded the most USL shutouts in Republic FC history, recording 12 over the last three seasons.

Republic FC's second round of open tryouts takes place Nov. 26-27, at Cosumnes River College. Those interested in trying out may register at SacRepublicFC.com. For more information on tryouts or to view full biographies and statistics, visit SacRepublicFC.com.

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