PAPILLION, Neb. – Union Omaha on Thursday announced the signing of 22-year-old defender Shaft Brewer Jr. for the 2022 season, pending league and federation approval.

The Sacramento, Calif. native began his youth career in 2015 within the youth ranks of USL Championship side Sacramento Republic FC before developing with Major League Soccer's FC Dallas and German Bundesliga side RB Leipzig. Brewer Jr. made three appearances and scored one goal with Leipzig's U-19 side in the A-Junioren Bundesliga and DFB Junioren Pokal in 2017.

At the international level, Brewer Jr. has made 12 appearances with the United States U-18 and U-20 Men's Youth National Teams between 2016 and 2018, recording two goals and one assist.

MLS side Los Angeles FC acquired Brewer Jr.'s rights from FC Dallas during its inaugural 2018 season. Brewer Jr. made his professional debut with LAFC on June 2, 2018. Between 2018 and 2019, Brewer Jr. made five appearances with LAFC and later made nine appearances with USL Championship side Phoenix Rising FC on a pair of loans.

More recently, Brewer Jr. played for third-division Norweigian club IF Fram Larvik, racking up three goals and one assist in 34 2. Divisjon and NM Cup appearances between 2020 and 2021. Brewer Jr. returned to the United States and appeared with Des Moines Menace in the 2022 USL League Two Playoffs.

“Shaft is a very dynamic player with a unique background,” Union Omaha Head Coach Jay Mims said. “We are eager to continue to help him develop and excited to see his growth over time.”

“I'm very excited to sign with this prestigious club.” Brewer Jr. said. “I’m ready to get to work and win a championship with this team!”