Elk Grove native Matt LaGrassa returns home to play for Sacramento Republic FC
Among the overhauled roster for the Sacramento Republic FC is veteran Matt LaGrassa, a crafty and experienced midfielder who brings with him the experience of a season in the MLS.
“It’s crazy to think that I’ve come really full circle,” LaGrassa said Saturday.
The 29-year-old celebrated a homecoming of sorts as the Republic won their home opener at Heart Health Field Saturday night in front of an energetic group of supporters, many which drummed and sang throughout.
LaGrassa is back in Sacramento after growing up in Elk Grove, where he attended Pleasant Grove High. That came before he rose to play for Nashville FC of America’s top soccer league after playing four years at Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo.
That meant LaGrassa was responsible for 12 tickets for friends and family for Saturday night’s home opener, many of which he visited with after the team’s 3-1 win over El Paso.
“That’s what I wanted,” LaGrassa said. “Once you’ve done a certain amount of things in your career, you want to do it with people that are important to you. Now I feel like I get to do that every week, which is great.”
Republic have just three players remaining from its roster that were on the team to begin the 2020 campaign, and they lean heavily on veterans like LaGrassa to instill winning habits after missing the playoffs last season for the first time since the team’s inception in 2014.
“Matt’s got experience, he’s played at the highest level,” coach Mark Briggs said. “He’s still trying to get his fitness, he’s still trying to get his rhythm. But in moments like tonight, when we’re struggling in that first period. Those leaders, the importance of having a Matt Lagrassa ... that bit of experience allows you to get through those moments. And that’s the difference for us.”
Said LaGrassa: “I was a rookie, very inexperienced when I first started. Now I’ve played a number of years in this league, USL, and a couple of years in MLS, so hopefully I can take that experience, and obviously being on winning sides as well, and trying to share that in our culture, and help young guys improve their game and get better, and help the team in whatever way I can, and help the guys around me just elevate and do whatever they’re capable of.”
This season marks LaGrassa’s second stint with Sacramento FC. He played for the club in 2016 before bouncing around the USL playing for Tulsa, Reno and Nashville before getting added to Nashville’s roster in 2020 when it was elevated to the MLS.
“He’s a great guy,” said Rodrigo Lopez, another player who recently returned to Republic FC after stints elsewhere. “He’s just a guy that you want in the locker room. He’s a good leader. He’s a player that everyone would like to have. But we’re fortunate to have him now. He’s a hometown kid as well. He’s been a great leader, someone that leads by example and we’re happy to have him.”
Once LaGrassa found out he wouldn’t be returning to Nashville after having the option in his contract declined, he knew a return home would be the best move.
“It’s great to see this atmosphere again,” LaGrassa said. “I do think it’s one of a kind. I think this stadium’s one of a kind, I think these fans are one of a kind. It’s such a privilege and honor to play for them every week.”
