Lee Desmond Shines as Republic FC's Defensive MVP
USL Sacramento Republic FC

Lee Desmond Shines as Republic FC's Defensive MVP

Published on November 17, 2025 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Sacramento Republic FC News Release


Since joining Republic FC in 2022, Lee Desmond has continued to improve year after year. After dealing with injury setbacks in 2022 and 2023, he had a breakout USL season in 2024, and this year followed it up with a performance that earned him his first Team Defensive MVP Honor.

The Irish center back has been a dominant force in his 31 starts this season, helping Sacramento record an all-time best 17 clean sheets across all competitions. With Lee Desmond on the pitch, Republic FC's defense metrics were among the top of the league.

Desmond's impact has been key in Republic FC conceding just 27 goals this season, the second lowest mark across the entire league. Desmond played a part in each clean sheet, and led the team with a mark of +23 goals when he was on the field. He also set new club-career highs with 133 clearances, 85.11% passing accuracy, and a 98 successful aerial duels to earn two Team of the Week Selections and a spot on the USL Jägermeister Cup Round Two Team of the Round.

Beyond his team contributions, Lee reached new career milestones in 2025, including his first goal for Republic FC on August 2. Before that, on June 28th, against Rhode Island, Desmond became the 15th player in club history to reach 100 appearances and continued to climb the ranks. As four-year co-captain and now the player with the eighth most appearances for Sacramento, Lee continues to solidify his Sacramento legacy. His 1,525 completed passes are the highest of any player in the squad, reinforcing his role as a defensive anchor and a key distributor.

Beyond his numbers, Desmond's resilience tells another story. After missing significant time out with an Achilles injury in 2022, the defender has returned stronger than ever. His rise from FAI Cup Final Man of the Match with St. Patrick's Athletic in Dublin to a respected leader of Republic FC embodies his determination and growth. With each passing season, Desmond continues to elevate his presence on and off the pitch. His leadership and competitive spirit have cemented him as one of the most influential defenders in recent years for the club, carving out a legacy that continues to build.

Season ticket memberships for the 2025 season are now on sale, offering a range of benefits including discounts on merchandise and access to exclusive fan experiences, as well as priority seats in the new Republic Stadium at The Railyards.

For more information, or to purchase a membership today, visit SacRepublicFC.com/Memberships.

Check out the Sacramento Republic FC Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



United Soccer League Championship Stories from November 17, 2025


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central