SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Sacramento Republic FC announced on Tuesday the club had completed arrangements by which defender Mike da Fonte will be sent to MLS club the Colorado Rapids for an undisclosed sum. The center back has signed a two-year contract with the Rapids.

“Based on our club values, we have always supported our players and do our best to provide them opportunities to play at a higher level,” said Republic FC Director of Football Graham Smith. “In this case, Mike da Fonte has been presented with an opportunity to play with an MLS club and we are excited for the opportunity this presents to him and his future by playing with Coach Mastroeni.

“Mike has developed tremendously in this past year under the guidance of Paul [Buckle] and his staff, and that development is seen in the offer to him from Colorado. But, this is an opportunity that also benefits Republic FC by receiving value back that we can use to invest in our roster and continue the development of talent going into the 2017 season.”