By SRFC Staff,

Sacramento Republic FC have agreed to a USL contract with defender Justin Schmidt for the 2018 season, with a club option for the 2019 season, pending league and federation approval.

“Justin was born to compete,” said Republic FC General Manager Todd Dunivant. “He brings a fire to our backline and will be key to organizing our entire group.”

Schmidt joins Republic FC after playing the 2017 season with Real Salt Lake and their USL affiliate Real Monarchs. Schmidt made nine MLS appearances, including seven starts, and five USL appearances, all starts, last season. In 2017, he was honored with the Jordan Guernsey Humanitarian of the Year Award for his work with Shriners Hospital and Big Brothers Big Sisters.

The defender was a standout in college, making 80 appearances in four seasons at the University of Washington, and he was a First Team All-Pac12 selection in 2016. Schmidt scored nine goals and recorded 19 assists in his collegiate career.

Sacramento Republic FC began training camp on Feb. 1 and will host their first 2018 friendly on Feb. 15 against MLS side Seattle Sounders FC followed by a friendly against MLS newcomers Los Angeles Football Club on Feb. 25.

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Justin Schmidt

Position: Defender

Height: 6-1

Weight: 200

Born: 11/02/1993

Birthplace: Everett, Washington