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Sacramento Republic FC announced Wednesday they have re-signed defender Mitchell Taintor, after a year away.
Taintor returns for the 2021 season after playing the 2020 season with rival USL Championship Western Conference side San Antonio FC. With SAFC, he started 16 games and was a fixture in central defense, something he’s been known for throughout his career to date.
“Mitch is a proven leader who shares our indomitable mentality, and we’re thrilled to be welcoming him back to the club,” Republic FC general manager Todd Dunivant said in a team statement. “Mitch had two strong seasons here but also recognizes the unfinished business of bringing a trophy to Sacramento.”
Taintor previously played for Sac Republic in 2018-19, making 71 appearances across all competitions and scoring three goals and four assists.
The 26-year-old began his career in the Toronto FC organization, playing for two seasons for Toronto FC II and had a cameo in MLS with TFC, being loaned by Sacramento in a pinch in 2018 and scoring in his lone appearance in the top flight.
Couldn’t be happier to be back in Sactown. I missed y’all.. let’s get to work! @Sac_Battalion ❤️❤️ https://t.co/A2upMMsJeM
— Mitchell Taintor (@MitchellTaintor) December 16, 2020
This return seems like fantastic news and something I imagine fans are excited to see. Many were unhappy to see Taintor go to San Antonio, so I guess maybe everyone reconsidered and the band got back together. I’d expect Taintor to start next season at center back, likely alongside emerging youngster Hayden Sargis.
What do you think? Leave a comment below.