SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Sacramento Republic FC announced on Tuesday the club had completed arrangements by which defender Mike da Fonte will be sent to MLS club the Colorado Rapids for an undisclosed sum. The center back has signed a two-year contract with the Rapids.

“Based on our club values, we have always supported our players and do our best to provide them opportunities to play at a higher level,” said Republic FC Director of Football Graham Smith. “In this case, Mike da Fonte has been presented with an opportunity to play with an MLS club and we are excited for the opportunity this presents to him and his future by playing with Coach Mastroeni.

“Mike has developed tremendously in this past year under the guidance of Paul [Buckle] and his staff, and that development is seen in the offer to him from Colorado. But, this is an opportunity that also benefits Republic FC by receiving value back that we can use to invest in our roster and continue the development of talent going into the 2017 season.”

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Da Fonte joined Republic FC prior to the 2016 season, after spending the 2015 season with New York Red Bulls II.  The defender made 19 USL appearances for Republic FC, including 18 starts and scored four USL goals.

“We are pleased to have Mike join our club for the next two seasons,” said Rapids Head Coach Pablo Mastroeni. “He is a very athletic central defender with experience in Europe and with two prominent USL sides. We look forward to welcoming Mike to the Rapids.”