“Rafa took a big step forward in 2019 and made some critical saves for the team,” said Republic FC General Manager Todd Dunivant. “His locker room presence and leadership are just as impactful as his on-field contributions, which made it all the more important to keep Rafa in Sacramento.”

In 2019, Diaz started six United Soccer League Championship matches in net, posting a pair of shutouts and helping his squad tie a club record for most clean sheets during league play in a single season (12). He tallied 16 saves on the season, finishing the campaign with a 1.50 GAA and a save percentage of 64%.

Diaz also made one start in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup competition this season, shutting out Reno 1868 FC in mid-May, 1-0. The Sacramento shot-stopper made two saves on the night to preserve the win over Republic FC’s regional rivals. By blanking Reno, Diaz assisted in breaking the club’s clean sheet record across all competitions in a single season with 14.

The 28-year-old joined Republic FC prior to the 2018 season following three seasons in the New York Red Bulls system. In his first campaign with the Indomitable Club, Diaz made one start for Sacramento in the Second Round of U.S. Open Cup play where he led his side to a 3-1 win over San Francisco City.

Diaz originally joined Red Bulls II in 2015 for two seasons before moving to the MLS club in 2017. Prior to his time in New York, Diaz played with Orlando City SC for the 2014 season.

In college, Diaz played four seasons at St. John’s University (2009-2013) where he holds the school record for shutouts with 32.

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