Sacramento, Calif. – Sacramento Republic FC announced the club has acquired midfielder Emil Cuello (kway-yo) on loan from San Antonio FC, and in a corresponding move has sent defender Mitchell Taintor on loan to San Antonio FC, pending league and federation approval. Taintor will join the Texas club through the remainder of the 2021 season after signing with Sacramento in January. Republic FC will retain the rights to Taintor at the end of the season.
“Emil’s creativity and quality will add a new dimension to our frontline. He is coming at a good time in the season to make an impact on our stretch run,” said Republic FC President and General Manager Todd Dunivant. “We had not expected to loan Mitch out this season, but a situation presented itself that made sense for both the club and for Mitch. Ultimately, we need to score and create more goals, and in order to get quality, we had to send quality in return. We’ll look forward to bringing Mitch back to Sacramento after his loan spell.”
He logged 24 appearances with the MLS side, including two Leagues Cup and U.S. Open Cup appearances. In 2019, he logged six starts with LA Galaxy II in the USL Championship.
Born in Argentina before moving to Utah as a child, Cuello was a standout at the men’s soccer program at Southern Methodist University (Dallas, Texas). In addition to scoring the game winning penalty to claim the 2018 AAC Tournament title, Cuello earned multiple honors at SMU – including AAC All-Rookie Team, AAC Most Outstanding Offense Player, and 2018 AAC Tournament Offense Most Valuable Player. While at college, he also played for USL League Two side Ocean City Nor’easters during their 2016 semifinal run.
Cuello, who will wear #11, will be available for selection this weekend when Republic FC take on San Diego SC at Heart Health Park on Saturday, August 28. Kickoff is set for 8:00 p.m. and the match will be broadcast on ESPN+. The Indomitable Club will salute the teachers of the region next weekend during Honor Our Educators Night. Tickets are available at www.sacrepublicfc.com/single-match-tickets and teachers can claim a special offer at www.sacrepublicfc.com/HonorOurEducators.
