Sacramento Republic sign midfielder Justin Portillo via transfer

Jun 6, 2024, 12:51 PM

Sacramento Republic FC

San Francisco 49ers Beat Writer

Sacramento Republic FC have been one of the top teams in U.S. soccer this season, now adding a quality player to the fold in Justin Portillo.

The Quails announced the signing of the midfielder Thursday, via press release. The deal is a transfer from fellow USL Championship side FC Tulsa, with the fee undisclosed. Portillo is available for selection this Saturday for the Republic.

The deal is still pending league and federation approval.

This just in…✍️

The club has reached an agreement with FC Tulsa to transfer Justin Portillo to Sacramento. The midfielder will be available for selection this Saturday.

Welcome to Sacramento, Justin!

🔗 https://t.co/ireuDHedUh pic.twitter.com/hM7XHSHd80

— Sacramento Republic FC (@SacRepublicFC) June 6, 2024

Justin Portillo, 31, is an accomplished midfielder in the USL championship, ranking in the top 15th all-time for league appearances, minutes and assists. He won the USL Championship title with Real Monarchs SLC in 2019. The midfielder played two seasons for New Mexico United, before joining Tulsa at the start of the 2024 season.

“Justin is a proven winner who brings a Championship pedigree and over a decade of experience to our club,” Republic FC President and General Manager Todd Dunivant said in a statement. “He dictates play and loves getting on the ball, and those qualities, combined with his leadership abilities, will be a welcome addition to our group.”

Sacramento Republic have had success this season despite the injury bug lingering around. The Indomitable Club have lost star players Russell Cicerone and captain Rodrigo Lopez in recent weeks, with the latter out for the remainder of the 2024 season.

The signing of Justin Portillo can be seen as a replacement for Lopez, giving the Republic another formidable option in the center of the park.

Republic FC are back nine action this Saturday, traveling to face off with regional rival Monterey Bay F.C. The two Northern California clubs most recently met in the U.S. Open Cup Round of 32, with Sacramento taking a 2-0 victory. Sacramento currently sits second in the USL Western Conference at 21 league points.

Kickoff from Cardinale Stadium in Seaside, California is set for 7:00 p.m. and the match will be broadcast live in English and Spanish on Antenna TV 40.2 as well as streaming on FOX40.com, the FOX40 News mobile app, and ESPN+.