Sacramento Republic FC announce Lee Desmond, Nick Ross extensions
Sep 25, 2024, 11:52 AM | Updated: 5:16 pm
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - JULY 09: Lee Desmond #4 of Sacramento Republic FC and Nick Ross #19 warm up before their game against Seattle Sounders FC at Heart Health Park on July 09, 2024 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Eakin Howard/USSF/Getty Images for USSF)
(Photo by Eakin Howard/USSF/Getty Images for USSF)
The Sacramento Republic may be in the midst of the 2024 season, but they’re already ahead of the curb for next year by locking down two key players.
Sacramento Republic FC announced Wednesday that the club has re-signed both midfielder Nick Ross, and defender Lee Desmond for the 2025 season. Both contract extensions will go in place at the start of the new league year, pending league and U.S. soccer federation approval. Further details have not been disclosed at this time.
“Since arriving at the club, Lee and Nick have brought quality, professionalism, and leadership on and off the field,” Republic FC President and General Manager Todd Dunivant said, via team statement. “They are an integral part of the success we’ve seen, and we are thrilled to continue to have them with us as we work to bring a Championship to Sacramento this year and beyond.”
Back for more 😤🔥
Midfielder Nick Ross and defender Lee Desmond have been re-signed ahead of the 2025 USL Championship season. 🔒
🔗 https://t.co/nq2U5BW3Tw pic.twitter.com/gIGN3N47y6
— Sacramento Republic FC (@SacRepublicFC) September 25, 2024
Both Desmond and Ross joined Sacramento Republic prior to the 2022 season. They helped the Quails reach new heights that year, including a historic U.S. Open Cup run to the Final. Both men are on pace to join The Republic’s 100-appearance threshold, a mark only eight players have reached.
Individually, Desmond has served as co-captain since 2022, leading the team with 114 interceptions in that timespan. Meanwhile, Ross has had a big 2024 season, with a career-best nine goal contributions from the midfield. He is also the only Republic FC player to start every game this season.
“I’m very happy to extend my contract here in Sacramento,” Lee Desmond said. “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the last 3 years at the club and in the city and I feel like the future is exciting for both the club and me.”
“I’m really happy to be staying another year with Republic FC,” Nick Ross said. “The club has high standards on and off the pitch and I don’t think there are many better clubs in the league to be at. I’ve already had some great memories here and I’m looking forward to creating more.”
Locked in. 🔒 pic.twitter.com/WAExpghYUk
— Sacramento Republic FC (@SacRepublicFC) September 25, 2024
Sacramento Republic FC is back in action this Sunday as the club hosts New Mexico United. Kickoff from Heart Health Park is at 5:30 p.m. and limited tickets are still available at SacRepublicFC.com/Tickets. The match will also be broadcast to a national TV audience on ESPN2.
