SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Sacramento Republic FC announced on Monday its had signed defender Mike Da Fonte to a new contract for the 2017 USL season, pending league and federation approval. The defender will play his second USL season with Republic FC in 2017.

“Mike epitomizes what we stand for with his commitment on and off the field,” said Republic FC Head Coach and Technical Director Paul Buckle. “Mike got better and better as the season went on. He is not only a good defender, but he also showed his offensive prowess, scoring key goals for us off set pieces. I enjoyed working with him this season and look forward to working with him once again next season.”

• Year in Review: Sacramento Republic FC

Da Fonte joined Republic FC prior to the start of the 2016 USL season. The defender appeared in 19 USL matches for Republic FC this season, compiling 1,658 minutes.  Da Fonte was the second-leading USL scorer for Republic FC in 2016, scoring four goals. He also set a single-season record for most goals by a defender and is third in club history for goals by a defender, trailing Emrah Klimenta and Mickey Daly by a single goal.

Prior to joining Sacramento, Da Fonte played for the New York Red Bulls II, where he made 25 appearances in the 2015 USL regular season as the side reached the Eastern Conference Playoffs. The 25-year-old also previously competed in the PDL for the Westchester Flames.