SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Sacramento Republic FC announced on Tuesday the club has reached an agreement with Rio Grande Valley FC to acquire Rodrigo Lopez via transfer, pending league and federation approval. Per club policy, the terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Lopez returns to Republic FC after spending the 2021 season with the Toros, where he helped the side reach the Western Conference Semifinals of the 2021 USL Championship Playoffs, presented by TwinSpires. Lopez made 28 starts in 33 appearances for RGVFC and recorded six goals and six assists, placing him in the top three in both categories for the club.

“We’re very familiar with what RoRo can bring to our club and look forward to his integration in our revamped roster,” said Republic FC President and General Manager. “He can change a game with his ability on set pieces, and we expect him to bring the momentum and energy from last season into our locker room and onto the field.”

A native of Guadalajara, Mexico, Lopez was Republic FC’s first signing in 2013 ahead of its inaugural season in the Championship and played for the Indomitable Club during its first two seasons in 2014 and 2015. In 2014, he was named the MVP of the 2014 USL Championship Final as Republic FC earned the league title in its first year.

After leaving Sacramento following the 2015 season to compete in his native Mexico – where he played in both the Liga Ascenso and in Liga MX for Toluca FC – Lopez rejoined Republic FC in 2020. In 70 appearances across three seasons with Sacramento, the 34-year-old has scored 26 goals and added 18 assists, both in the top three in all-time club history.

Lopez has made 125 regular season appearances in the Championship overall, recording 29 goals and 33 assists while having also spent time with Orange County SC and Orlando City SC previously in the league.