Tyler Blackwood scored six goals in 34 appearances for Republic FC in his first stint with the club in 2017. | Photo courtesy Steven Christy / OKC Energy FC
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Sacramento Republic FC announced on Friday the return of forward Tyler Blackwood for his second stint at the club, and the departure of midfielder Jure Matjasic. Blackwood has signed a USL Championship contract for the 2019 season, pending league and federation approval.
“We are excited to welcome Tyler back to Sacramento,” said Republic FC General Manager Todd Dunivant. “He’s proven himself in our league and is a reliable attacking force that is coming off another productive season. Tyler provides more versatility to our front line by playing in all four offensive positions.”
Blackwood re-joins Republic FC after previously playing for the club during the 2017 season. The center forward, who can also play on either wing, made 34 appearances in Old Glory Red and recorded six goals and three assists en route to a conference semifinal run in the USL Cup Playoffs.
After a season in Sacramento, Blackwood signed with USL Championship side Swope Park Rangers where he scored eight goals and tallied three assists in 36 appearances last year.
A native of London, England, Blackwood previously spent time with Queens Park Rangers in the English Championship and on loan with League Two outfit Newport County. He moved to the U.S. in 2011 to play collegiate soccer for the University of Tampa where he recorded 24 goals and eight assists in 33 games for the Tampa Spartans. Blackwood then transferred to the University of South Florida ahead of his senior year where he scored four goals and recorded three assists in 18 appearances.
After college, Blackwood signed with Phoenix Rising FC (then known as Arizona United) where he made 26 appearances, scoring eight goals and adding one assist for the club before joining Republic FC ahead of the 2017 season.
Matjasic departs Sacramento by mutual consent after recording three goals and five assists across 27 appearances in his lone season at the club.
“We would like to thank Jure for his contributions to the club and wish him nothing but the best in his next chapter,” said Dunivant.