Sacramento Republic Announces MLS Partnership With Timbers, Earthquakes

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — The Sacramento Republic will be teaming up with two Major League Soccer organizations in a new partnership announced Thursday.

Sacramento's new soccer team will serve as a feeder to both the San Jose Earthquakes and the Portland Timbers.

The deal works much the same way as the Sacramento River Cats arrangement with the Oakland Athletics.

"Its the proximity, being so close we can send players here and they can develop, said Earthquakes general manager John Doyle.

The Timbers entered MLS only five years ago, yet they are already considered a top-tier team. That talent will be on display in Sacramento.

"They get quality players, MLS players, playing in their market," Timbers GM Gavin Wilkinson said. "Part of our goal is to help Sacramento on the business side and the playing side to try and do some of the things that worked in Portland."

Doyle believes the partnership will help the Republic reach its goal of joining the MLS.

"Sacramento is such a hotbed for youth soccer that I think they can support a professional team," Doyle said.

The team plans to open its season in late April. The Cal Expo board is set to receive an update soon on the team's stadium.