Republic FC Adds Six Players to Roster, Highlighting Youth Development Focus
Sacramento Republic FC has added six new players to its 2025 roster ahead of this weekend’s match against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC. The group features one short-term professional signing and five young players from the club’s academy system, reinforcing Sacramento’s ongoing commitment to player development and local talent.
Defender Tyler Clegg joins the club on a 25-day contract, while Jackson Martin, Jackson Montero, Diego Mellado, Jayden Fitzgerald Boes, and Tag Chalmers have been added on USL Academy contracts. All signings are pending league and federation approval.
“Every year, we look for chances to bring young talent into the first team environment,” said Republic FC President and General Manager Todd Dunivant. “These players have shown they’re ready to learn, grow, and compete at a professional level.”
Building from Within
Republic FC has long prioritized youth development, and this year is no different. Since 2017, 40 academy players have earned opportunities with the first team. The club continues to be a leader in the USL’s youth pathway, using its development pipeline to elevate homegrown players into the pro ranks.
Four of the five academy players added this week — Martin, Montero, Mellado, and Fitzgerald Boes — are current standouts in Republic FC’s Youth Development Academy. Three are committed to Division I college programs, and several have been with the club for years.
Montero and Martin, both Sacramento natives, joined Republic FC in 2017 and have played at every level of the academy. They helped lead the U15 squad to a historic semifinal finish at the 2022 MLS NEXT Cup — the only non-MLS academy to reach that stage. Montero is committed to University of the Pacific; Martin is headed to Princeton.
Fitzgerald Boes joined the academy in 2024 and has made an immediate impact with 22 goals and 15 assists across three age groups. He’s committed to play at Stanford in 2026. Mellado, also from Sacramento, has logged over 100 appearances in the academy since 2022, adding 10+ goals and 30+ assists. Both Montero and Mellado attend Elk Grove Charter School, Republic FC’s education partner designed to support student-athletes.
The club also added midfielder Tag Chalmers, an 18-year-old from El Dorado Hills who earned his opportunity through Republic FC’s Open Tryouts in January. Chalmers spent last season with Central Valley Fuego on an academy contract, making one appearance and being named to 15 matchday rosters.
Short-Term Depth from MLS NEXT Pro
With early injuries thinning the backline, Sacramento brought in experienced defender Tyler Clegg on a short-term deal. The 24-year-old center back spent the past two seasons with Portland Timbers 2 in MLS NEXT Pro, making 44 appearances and scoring three goals. He was twice called up to Portland’s first team, including during the U.S. Open Cup, where he scored against Orange County SC in 2023.
Clegg previously captained James Madison University, leading the Dukes to three straight conference titles.
“Tyler has impressed us and earned a shot to contribute right away,” Dunivant said. “With some early season injuries at center back, he gives us needed depth.”
Looking Ahead
As Sacramento aims for a strong start to the 2025 campaign, the club’s long-term strategy remains clear: invest in youth, elevate local talent, and build a roster that reflects the strength of the region.
Whether through the academy, open tryouts, or smart short-term signings, Republic FC continues to prove that the pathway to professional soccer runs straight through Sacramento.