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While the soccer world waits for the confirmation of Paul Pogba’s high-profile exit from Juventus to Manchester United, Republic FC has also been making moves of their own.
Two weeks ago, the club brought on Jeremy Hall on loan from the Tampa Bay Rowdies to replace Emrah Klimenta, whose season ended after injuring his ACL. Today, Republic FC announced a transaction in the opposite direction—rookie midfielder Chase Minter was loaned to conference rivals Tulsa Roughnecks FC (don’t worry, they currently sit in last place).
No details were disclosed regarding the duration of the loan, but Minter is already in Tulsa and was available for the match tonight against Orange County Blues FC.
NEWS: Republic FC loan midfielder Chase Minter to @RoughnecksFC.
— Republic FC (@SacRepublicFC) August 4, 2016
Read: https://t.co/vkoR67FtRw pic.twitter.com/ZEBxa7Nvoo
In an official statement, Republic’s Director of Football, Graham Smith, emphasized the club’s hope that the loan will give Minter a better opportunity for playing time and aid in his development, comparing it to Matt LaGrassa’s move away from Bonney Field and recent reintroduction into the first team.
Chase has remained on the periphery of our first team and we want him to play positive USL minutes. This is the same situation that happened with Matt LaGrassa and we have seen how well it worked with him, as he has come back and played meaningful minutes for us. We hope it will do the same with Chase.
Minter made his Republic FC debut on April 2nd, starting and playing 63 minutes in a 1-0 victory over Arizona United SC. The 23-year-old appeared in seven additional matches this season, recording 222 minutes and three starts across all competitions.
A native of Heath, Texas, Minter played collegiately at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo alongside fellow Republic players Matt LaGrassa and Kip Colvey. He was a prolific goal creator during his undergraduate years, finishing as the university’s career assist leader with 21. During his final year with the Mustangs, Minter led the team with seven goals and six assists, which earned him a place in the All-Big West Conference First Team, as well as the MAC Hermann Trophy Watch List (college soccer’s version of the Heisman Trophy).
Republic will hope Minter can replicate his collegiate form when he returns to Sacramento.
We wish Chase the best on his new stint in the Midwest and hope to see him back in the Indomitable City soon.
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