Republic FC Continues with Frontline Additions with Kyle Edwards

Republic FC has announced the latest addition to the roster, with Kyle Edwards being acquired via transfer from Hartford Athletic. This agreement is pending league and federation approval.

Edwards spent the three previous seasons with Hartford Athletic. With 2025 being his best season to date. He set a new single-season club record with 12 goals scored over the course of the regular season. And he set a new league record with 8 goals coming off the bench. He had a strike rate of 0.95 goals per 90 minutes, the best mark from a player who has scored 10 goals, in a season, since 2020. That was set by Junior Flemmings of Phoenix Rising with a strike rate of 1.06 goals per 90 minutes, as Phoenix fought their way to the league championship game. For context, the best Republic player to score 10 goals in this span, and under this metric, was Kieran Phillips in 2024, with a strike rate of 0.73 goals per 90 minutes. Russell Cicerone was the top goal scorer last season with the Republic, but his strike rate was at 0.39 goals per 90 minutes. All of this to say, there is a gap in Edwards' efficiency rate compared to the best the Republic has had these past couple of seasons. Edwards made the best use of his minutes, helping claim some silverware for Hartford as they bested Sacramento in the USL Cup final.

Kyle's career began in the Houston Dynamo system, where he was drafted 86th overall in the 2020 MLS SuperDraft. He spent his first two professional seasons with Rio Grande Valley FC, the Dynamo's reserve side in the USL. He made 25 appearances for the Toros, notching 6 goals and 2 assists. In 2022, he moved to Dynamo's MLS NEXT Pro side, Hoyston Dynamo 2, where he made 13 appearances, getting a final tally of 5 goals and 2 assists.

Edwards has also featured on the international stage for St. Vincent and the Grenadines. With them, he has made 30 appearances, scoring 6 goals. His last goal came in St. Vincent and the Grenadines' only win in World Cup Qualifiers last year, when he scored in a 6-0 win over Anguilla.

Republic FC Head Coach Neill Collins on the signing: "Kyle is a proven goalscorer in our league who has shown he can make an impact when he steps on the pitch. We’re looking forward to bringing him on board and introducing him to our incredible fanbase.”

Kyle Edwards on coming to Sacramento: "I’m grateful for the opportunity to represent this amazing club and I can’t wait to get started.”

Now, with the signing of Edwards, the Republic has gone from zero center forwards to three, with the additions of Mayele Malango and Forster Ajago. And now I am really curious how this frontline is going to look. Are we looking at a two-striker formation? And I doubt Kyle Edwards would leave Hartford for another bench role, as he has brought success in this league. I would expect to see him getting some starting minutes. Now this seems to be a very physical front-line, made up of players who are solid on their feet. I will be curious to see if we bring in another striker with a different playstyle than the players already on the roster. And even if we don't bring in another striker, how will Neill rotate this set of players? Either way, who is going to be trusted with being the club's number one option come the start of the regular season? I am also curious about the midfield and if there is perhaps another signing or two for that area of the field.

Welcome to the club, Kyle!

Coach Neill Collins breaks down new signing Kyle Edwards 🎙️ “He’s a goal scorer. It’s simple as that.” 🎯 pic.twitter.com/JPqpy6aO5W

— Sacramento Republic FC (@SacRepublicFC) January 15, 2026

(Photo thanks to Sacramento Republic FC)