PHOENIX – Phoenix Rising FC announced on Thursday the club had signed midfielder Emil Cuello ahead of the 2023 USL Championship season. The transaction is pending league and federation approval.

Cuello has recorded six goals and 10 assists in 58 appearances across the regular season and playoffs in the USL Championship across three seasons. This past campaign he made 22 appearances for Sacramento Republic FC, recording two goals and two assists in 1,059 minutes of action.

“I want to win a championship,” said Cuello. “My expectations are for all of us to come in everyday, work hard and believe we can achieve that. I want to enjoy this season and build good relationships with everyone here - the whole organization, my coaches, teammates and fans. I am grateful to be here. Ever since I came to the USL, [Phoenix] was one of the top clubs in the league. I have always liked the idea of coming to play here. I will give my everything for the team so we can achieve our goals and win a championship.”

Selected 19th overall by the LA Galaxy in the 2019 MLS SuperDraft, Cuello made his professional debut on March 2 of that same year, starting and playing 60 minutes in a 2-1 win for the Galaxy against Chicago Fire FC. The 26-year-old appeared in a total of 20 MLS matches for the Galaxy across the 2019 and 2020 seasons, recording one assist.

“We are very happy to have Emil with us,” said Rising FC Head Coach Juan Guerra. “He is a technically gifted player that will provide a lot of fluidity and tempo to our game. His hunger and character match the style we are establishing. He understands very well what we want to achieve this year.”

Cuello also gained experience in the USL Championship during his time with the Galaxy, appearing in six matches and scoring a goal for LA Galaxy II in 2019. He split time on loan with both San Antonio FC and Sacramento Republic FC during the 2021 season, scoring three goals and five assists, before signing with Sacramento ahead of the 2022 season.