Republic FC has added another piece to its midfield corps, bringing in defensive midfielder Matt LaGrassa for a reunion with his hometown club. The Elk Grove native spent his first professional season with Republic FC after debuting with Tulsa Roughnecks, before moving on to feature for Reno 1868 FC and making the jump to Major League Soccer with Nashville SC.
Heralded back in December as one of the top candidates to make the move from MLS to USL this season, LaGrassa should fit in nicely with Mark Briggs’ existing midfield of Luis Felipe, Lee Desmond and Zeiko Lewis in his return to Sacramento. Since spending his debut pro season with his hometown club, LaGrassa has carved out an excellent career for himself, serving as a key contributor to strong defensive units at every stop. He was a regular with both Reno 1868 FC and Nashville SC as an integral piece to three very strong defensive teams that all reached the playoffs. From 2017-2019, he logged three consecutive 2,000+ minute campaigns, helping each team finish amongst the lowest in goals conceded.
Upon making the jump to MLS, LaGrassa offered more of the same. He came off the bench to help Nashville SC to a playoff appearance in the club’s inaugural season, and to a successful campaign that saw the Tennessee side drop just four matches in 2021.
As he returns to Sacramento, He’ll again have the opportunity to anchor a defensive unit ready for contributions from anywhere. Republic FC conceded just 42 scores in 2021, and despite the mark being amongst the top half of the entire league, it’s a tally many have motivations to lower even further. He brings more productivity to a midfield already looking to be a strong-suit, and is sure to be comfortable immediately as he returns to his hometown for a second stop.
