Phoenix Rising FC re-signed midfielder Emil Cuello on December 29, 2023.
“I want to win a championship,” said Cuello when he initially signed with Rising in February of 2023. “My expectations are for all of us to come in everyday, work hard and believe we can achieve that.”
Cuello predicted the future and then willed it into existence during Phoenix’s four-game playoff run. The Argentine scored back-to-back game-winning goals, the first of which came in the 116th minute of a 2-1 overtime victory against Orange County on October 28. He followed up that performance by winning a 50-50 ball in Sacramento’s half and then pounding home a shot from 25-yards out to win Rising its third Western Conference title in six seasons.
“I am very happy to be coming back to Phoenix,” Cuello said. “We are all excited to build off what we accomplished in 2023 and defend our championship. I look forward to reuniting with my teammates, the staff and the fans to do it all over again. Last season we rose, in ‘24 we fly.”
Drafted 19th overall by the LA Galaxy in the 2019 MLS SuperDraft, Cuello, who turns 27 on January 2, made his professional debut on March 2 of that same year, starting and playing 60 minutes in a 2-1 win for LA against Chicago Fire. Cuello appeared in a total of 20 MLS matches for the Galaxy in 2019-20, recording one assist.
“I am full of joy to have Emi back for the 2024 season,” said Rising head coach Juan Guerra. “He showed in playoffs that he is one of the most-talented players in this league. He adds a lot to our continuity from our championship. He understands the way we want to do things, our vision, our culture, and our identity. He will be a valuable addition as we look to protect what we were able to achieve last season.”
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 between San Antonio FC and Sacramento FC during the 2021 season, scoring three goals and five assists. Cuello appeared in 22 matches for Sacramento in 2022, scoring twice with two assists.
Name: Emil Cuello
Pronunciation: A-meal Quay-Show
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5-11
Weight: 165
College: Southern Methodist University
DOB: January 2, 1997 (26)
Birthplace: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Hometown: Orem, Utah
