September 2, 2022 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – Sacramento Republic FC News Release
Sacramento, Calif. – Earlier today, Sacramento Republic FC announced the addition of Jose Ponce from the club’s development academy to the first-team roster. The midfielder has signed a USL Academy Contract, making him eligible to join Republic FC in first team matches for the remainder of the 2022 season, pending league and federation approval.
“Jose has earned this opportunity to join the first team roster,” said Republic FC President and General Manager Todd Dunivant. “The depth and quality of our Academy has been a big benefit to the club throughout this season as we’ve leaned on our young players for important minutes.”
Ponce joined the club’s youth academy in 2017 after featuring for Davis Legacy. During the 2021-22 season, he led all players on Sacramento’s U17 squad in appearances (23), minutes (1,751), and scored six goals as the team finished the regular season unbeaten and secured a second consecutive berth in the MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs.
The Vacaville native becomes the 27th player all-time to rise through the ranks of the club’s youth system and earn an Academy Contract. He is the 10th player to do so this season, following Fernando Venegas, Chase Tanon, Tiago Suarez, JP Cortez, Corey Hart, and Jesus Sanchez in March, and Michaelaaron Ortez, Leonardo Martinez, and Daniel Govea in May. Cortez, Venegas, and Suarez have each made first-team appearances, contributing to a combined 273 minutes logged and 11 selections to the match day roster by academy contract players.
Pending approval, Ponce will be available for selection for this Saturday’s match at Louisville City FC at Lynn Family Stadium. Kickoff is set for 4:30 p.m., and the match will be broadcast live on Antenna TV 40.2, FOX40.com and on the FOX40 News mobile app, as well as streamed on ESPN+. Following the match, Republic FC will head south to Florida for the U.S. Open Cup Final at Exploria Stadium in Orlando.
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