SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Sacramento Republic FC announced on Saturday it had agreed to a contract for the 2017 USL season with defender Chris Christian, pending league and federation approval.  Christian will begin training with the club on Monday, Mar. 27 and will not be available for selection for Sunday’s 2017 USL regular season opener against Seattle Sounders FC 2.

“We are delighted to have Chris back for another season,” said Republic FC Head Coach and Technical Director Paul Buckle. “There was total transparency at the end of last season for Chris to view other options in Europe, while we kept the door open for him to make the return.  This is a great move for us, especially with our situation at center back.  We welcome someone back who we know very, very well and who our fans know well.”

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The defender made 28 USL appearances for Republic FC in 2016, all starts. Christian was one of only three Republic FC players to play over 2,500 USL minutes in 2016.  Prior to Republic FC, Christian played for Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC and Atlanta Silverbacks FC, as well as Ghana Premier League club Liberty Professionals FC and Moto Lubin, a Polish team.

Christian is anticipated to be available for selection beginning with Republic FC’s Opening Night match against Orange County SC on Saturday, Apr. 1 at Papa Murphy’s Park.