Sacramento Republic FC bolsters backline with addition of Freddy Kleemann

Sacramento Republic FC has announced the signing of defender Freddy Kleemann to a contract for the 2025 season.

Feb 13, 2025, 6:57 AM

VANCOUVER, BC - SEPTEMBER 04: Freddy Kleemann #19 of Austin FC (L) grabs Deiber Caicedo #7 of the V...

(Photo by Christopher Morris - Corbis/Getty Images)

The following release is courtesy of Sacramento Republic FC Communications

Sacramento Republic FC announced today that the club has signed defender Freddy Kleemann. He will be added to the roster for the 2025 season pending league and federation approval. Per club policy, the terms of the contract were not disclosed.

“Freddy is a proven commodity in our league and has logged impressive minutes the past two seasons,” said Republic FC President and General Manager Todd Dunivant. “He brings a physical presence to our backline and fits with our style to win the ball back as quickly as possible.”

Kleeman has spent the last two seasons with the Tampa Bay Rowdies, originally joining the Eastern Conference club in 2023 to play for current Republic FC Head Coach Neill Collins.

Bringing a physical presence to the backline 💪@SacRepublicFC has signed @FreddyKleemann 🖊️

➡️ https://t.co/HH3xK8nyTv pic.twitter.com/uqb3FwpVGt

— USL Championship (@USLChampionship) February 12, 2025

More on Sacramento Republic FC defender Freddy Kleemann

With Tampa Bay, he featured for 4,208 minutes in 58 appearances, and was an anchor for the team’s backline, posting 181 clearances, 38 blocks, 48 interceptions, and 39 tackles won. In that time frame, he was dominant in the air, ranking seventh among league defenders with 155 aerial duels won. During his tenure, Kleemann featured in all but four of the Rowdies’ 21 shutouts.

The 6’4” California native was selected 11^th overall in the 2021 MLS SuperDraft by Austin FC and signed his first professional contract with the club for its inaugural season before making three appearances. He also spent time in USL Championship on loan for Birmingham Legion in 2021 and 2022, where he made four appearances and recorded 15 clearances.

Kleemann had a standout collegiate career at the University of Washington. In his senior year, he appeared in every match en route to winning the 2019 Pac-12 Championship, while also earning conference academic honors. In 2018, Kleeman and the Huskies represented the United States in the FISU (International University Sports Federation) America Games in Brazil and brought home the gold medal.

Republic FC fans will have the opportunity to meet Kleemann and the entire 2025 team at Fan Fest on February 22. The day will begin with the inaugural Strive for 45 3K Fun Run & Walk at 11:30 a.m., followed by a preseason friendly against Ventura County FC at 2:00 p.m. Following the match, attendees can meet the team with autograph and photo opportunities throughout the stadium. Visit SacRepublicFC.com/FanFest for additional details about match tickets, Fun Run & Walk Registration, and Meet the Team.

Republic FC’s 2025 regular season officially kicks off on Saturday, March 8 when the club hosts Western Conference foe New Mexico United at Heart Health Park. Kickoff is at 7:00 p.m. and tickets are available now at http://sacrepublicfc.com/Tickets.

More Republic FC content from Sactown Sports

Sacramento Republic FC announced today that the club has signed defender Ryan Spaulding ahead of the 2025 season. He will be added to the club’s roster pending league and federation approval. Per club policy, the terms of the contract were not disclosed.

“Ryan is great addition to our left side,” said Republic FC President and General Manager Todd Dunivant. “He’s bringing a wealth of experience across various levels of American soccer, and we’re confident he will be an excellent fit in Sacramento.”

Spaulding has previously featured in USL Championship with Tampa Bay Rowdies on loan from MLS side New England Revolution. In 2023 under recently appointed Republic FC Head Coach Neill Collins, the veteran defender made nine appearances for the Florida club. He scored two goals and recorded an assist in four consecutive matches to earn two Team of the Week selections and a Player of the Month nomination. He would return to the Rowdies for a short-term loan in 2024.