FRESNO, Calif. — Fresno Football Club announced a pair of former United Soccer League champions as its first-ever player signings for the club’s inaugural season. The Foxes have signed defender Michael “Mickey” Daly and midfielder Agustin “Auggie” Cazarez for the 2018 season, pending league and federation approval. Daly and Cazarez were members of Sacramento Republic FC’s USL championship team in 2014.

“The reason why I chose them is because they’re consistent,” said Fresno FC head coach Adam Smith. “They know the league. They are both of great character and hard working, and I know what I’m going get with them by signing them.” Smith coached both players during his time as an assistant for Republic FC, where he was the last three seasons.

“There’s no up and down with either player,” Smith added. “With Auggie and Mickey, they’re very consistent in the positions they play and that’s invaluable. You need that steadiness, strength and stability in the heart of the field and at the base of the teams spine, and for me that is crucial.”