Goalkeeper: Republic FC returns the same combination that helped the side post a cumulative 0.90 goals-against average during the regular season, with Evan Newton and veteran Dominik Jakubek both returning. Newton, a finalist for USL Goalkeeper of the Year in 2015, came to the fore later in the season as he posted a .745 save percentage, while Jakubek posted a 0.83 goals-against average in his 18 appearances in the regular season.

Defense: Republic FC could see some changes to its back line in the new season, particularly in the center of defense with the departure of Chris Christian after he made 28 appearances a season ago. The side does see a full complement of fullbacks return, with Emrah Klimenta back after suffering a torn ACL a season ago and both James Kiffe and Elliott Hord providing width down the flanks in attack. A new addition, meanwhile, is Enrique Montano, who returns to Northern California after two seasons with Louisville City FC.

Midfield: Danny Barrera returns after a standout season that saw him named to the USL All-League First Team, with his nine assists putting him second in the league. Veteran midfielder Jeremy Hall also returns, as does young Englishman Daniel Trickett-Smith. One of the smartest additions in the USL this offseason may be veteran Adam Moffat, who will bring strong ball-winning skills in the center of midfield and a fierce long-range shot to Bonney Field this season.

Forward: Another big offseason addition for Sacramento is Trinidad & Tobago international Trevin Caesar, who will likely be looked at as a replacement for 2016 All-League selection Cameron Iwasa after his departure for Sporting Kansas City in MLS. Caesar has scored 19 goals over the past two seasons in the USL, and will aim to maintain that pace as he vies for a berth in the squad at the Gold Cup. Sacramento has a good balance of experience and youth besides Caesar, with youngsters Wilson Kneeshaw and Harry Williams joined by newcomers Tyler Blackwood and Sammy Ochoa, who heads to Republic FC after scoring 20 goals in the past two seasons for Tulsa.