Ahead of the season, follow along as we profile each positional group for some perspective on the faces making up Republic FC’s roster
This past offseason, Republic FC’s midfield unit easily was the most significantly bolstered on paper. Joining a group of already reliable contributors from 2021, a number of additions – six to be exact – position Sacramento well to out-create and out-possess their opponents. As the season draws closer, take a look at the players that’ll man the middle for Sacramento this coming season:
Luis Felipe
Not much needs to be said about the 2021 Team MVP, who returned to USL in spectacular fashion last season. Felipe was arguably Sacramento’s most productive man, leading in a number of statistical categories – both offensively and defensively. This season, keeping the same consistency is a big ask, but one that Republic FC is comfortable making of #96 after a stellar campaign that saw him excel at the little things while also delivering some notable moments.
Emil Cuello
The midseason transfer from San Antonio brought Sacramento some of what they’d been missing on the pitch last season. Cuello’s creativity, strong left foot, and decisive offensive actions made the club more productive and offered an additional threat that could strike from anywhere and create chances with ease. Coming into 2022, he shouldn’t skip a beat, although he could certainly be a part of one of many battles for minutes throughout the season.
“Emil is a dynamic attacking player,” said Republic FC President and General Manager Todd Dunivant in December. “We believe he has a lot more to offer this season and will continue what he showed during his loan stint in 2021.”
Keko Gontán
The addition of the Spanish winger this offseason gave Republic FC something not many USL clubs can boast – a player with minutes logged against some of the world’s best players and most storied clubs. He enters 2022 with nearly 300 professional appearances under his belt, just under half of which have come in Spain’s La Liga and Italy’s Serie A, and over 20 goals and assists apiece.
In his North American debut this season, that experience will surely be a talking point, especially as he adapts to new surroundings and a new style of play. However, regardless of the adjustments he’ll be making come the start of the season, his big-play potential should keep eyes on him week over week. He’s already proved himself as a game changer in training camp, demanding attention from opposing defenses constantly in each of the club’s closed-door scrimmages.
Matt LaGrassa
LaGrassa came to Sacramento this past winter already familiar with the city and its fans – he featured for Republic FC in his debut pro season back in 2016. The Elk Grove native has made a name for himself since, becoming a key contributor to a bevy of top-ranked defensive units and making the jump to Major League Soccer with Nashville SC.
“LaGrassa has such an impact on his own both as a creator and a defender, making him a great add for this club,” John Morrissey of USL Tactics said of LaGrassa. “The depth he provides to this team is pretty incredible.” He’ll bring some much-needed stability to the middle of the field for Sacramento come March 12. But even with his defensive accomplishments well documented, he possesses great offensive potential that could make him a silent but deadly producer in the attacking third.
