Senior Max Alvarez is trading in his green and gold jersey for a white and red one.

Alvarez, who played four years for the Sacramento State men’s soccer team was just signed to the Sacramento Republic FC soccer club.

Republic FC is a professional soccer team that was founded in 2012. They are expected to make their United Soccer League pro debut this year.

Alvarez began his Hornet career with a bang. In his freshman year he recorded 10 goals, ranking third all-time in Sac State history. He also tallied 23 points that same year, ranking fourth all-time.

In his first year playing with the Hornets, he was a member of the Soccer America all-freshman team, as well as awarded second team all-MPSF honors.

Alvarez was discovered by Republic FC after they held open tryouts last November. Republic FC does not have a home field yet, but plans to build a soccer facility on the grounds at Cal Expo in the near future.

Alvarez is a native of Napa, Calif. During his senior season with Napa High School, he scored 42 goals, on his way to becoming the 2008 Napa player of the year.

This is not Alvarez’s first taste of professional soccer. Prior to beginning his final season with the Hornets, he played for FC Tucson during the summer break. In his 15 games with the Tucson Desert Ninjas, Alvarez recorded one goal and two assists.

It will however be a change of pace. FC Tucson plays in the USL Premier Development League, but Republic FC is getting ready to play in the USL Pro.

Sacramento Republic FC plans to begin their first season on March 29. They will play at Hughes Stadium at Sacramento City College.

Daniel Harrison can be reached on Twitter @DanHarrison88