SAN ANTONIO – San Antonio FC announced on Monday it had signed versatile midfielder Emil Cuello ahead of the 2026 USL Championship season. The transaction is pending league and federation approval and per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Cuello returns for his second stint with SAFC after having previously competed for the side during the 2021 campaign. He posted two goals and three assists in 16 appearances for the Alamo City club before a transfer sent him to Sacramento Republic FC in August.
The 29-year-old went on to sign with Phoenix Rising ahead of the 2023 season, seeing action in 17 matches and helping the team win the USL Championship Final in his first year with the club. Overall, Cuello has recorded 10 goals, 15 assists and 105 chances created in 120 appearances in the league across the regular season and playoffs.
“We’re excited to welcome Emil back to San Antonio,” said SAFC Head Coach Carlos Llamosa. “Emil is a player with vast experience that can perform in multiple different positions, and we believe he’ll be a valuable addition to our group.”
Drafted 19th overall in the 2019 MLS SuperDraft, Cuello spent his first two professional seasons with LA Galaxy where he played in 24 matches while also spending time in USL Championship with reserve side the LA Galaxy II.
The Buenos Aires native moved to the United States at age five before competing for Southern Methodist University collegiately. Cuello tallied 12 goals and 17 assists in 73 appearances for the Mustangs from 2015-18, earning All-American Athletic Conference First Team honors in his senior season.