“Jaime has been the heartbeat of our central midfield and was voted by his teammates as club MVP for 2019,” said Republic FC General Manager Todd Dunivant. “Despite his young age, he will be entering his 7thseason as a pro and will add valuable experience to our team.”

During the 2019 United Soccer League Championship campaign, the 24-year-old midfielder led the boys in Old Glory Red in minutes played (2,820), appearances (36) and starts (31). Villarreal also added a pair of goals this season, the first of which was the game-winner against Austin Bold FC in early-April to seal a 1-0 win in Sacramento.

The former Major League Soccer midfielder was a force on the defensive front and finished second on the team this season in interceptions (40), behind only Jordan McCrary, third in tackles (57) and second in tackles won (37).

Villarreal signed with Republic FC prior to the 2018 season and made 25 appearances in league play, 21 of which were starts. During his first season with the Indomitable Club, the midfielder contributed one goal and three assists. His third assist of the campaign set up Villyan Bijev’s game-winner against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC and solidified a 1-0 win in mid-July last season.

Prior to joining the boys in Old Glory Red, Villarreal rose through the ranks of MLS-side LA Galaxy’s academy system. With the LA Galaxy first team, Villarreal made seven appearances including four starts after putting pen to paper for his first MLS contract in 2017 as a Homegrown player.

In 2014, the midfielder signed his first professional contract with Los Dos after playing for the LA Galaxy Academy.

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