LaGrassa not returning to Sacramento for 2017

According to an Instagram post, Matt LaGrassa will not be returning to Sacramento Republic FC for the 2017 season.

The Elk Grove native and Cal Poly alum signed his first ever professional contract with the Republic in 2016 and played 724 minutes, scored one goal, and contributed two assists in 13 games. LaGrassa's most successful time with Republic came near the end of the season after a successful loan stint with Tulsa Roughnecks, where he played 245 minutes in four games.

LaGrassa's strong performances late in the season, characterized by a high work rate in central midfield, endeared him to many in the Republic fanbase. This popularity and perception of him as a player with the potential to contribute more in 2017 might cause his departure to come as a disappointment to some in Sacramento.

There is no word yet as to where LaGrassa will end up for the 2017 season, although it would not be terribly surprising if Tulsa would want him to come back for a full season. LaGrassa would also likely have more opportunity for playing time on a team like Tulsa than Republic. There is also the chance that LaGrassa will find his way to an MLS 2 team like fellow former Cal Poly and Republic player, Chase Minter, who recently signed with Real Monarchs.

What do you think about the fact that LaGrassa is not coming back next year? Sound off in the comments below.