Sacramento Republic FC adds Liga MX veteran Michel Benítez

Dec 23, 2024, 8:50 AM

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Lead Editor & Kings Beat Writer

This release is courtesy of Sacramento Republic FC

Sacramento Republic FC announced that the club has acquired left wingback Michel (Mee-CHel) Benítez ahead of the 2025 season. He will be added to the club’s roster pending receipt of his P-1 Visa and ITC, and league and federation approval. Per club policy, the terms of the contract were not disclosed.

“Michel has playing experience at a very high level, which will be valuable for our group,” said Republic FC President and General Manager Todd Dunivant. “He will be a threat down our left side, and his two-way ability is a big plus for us.”

A few words from our newest signing, Michel 🗣️💬 pic.twitter.com/iEVXeUD1i1

— Sacramento Republic FC (@SacRepublicFC) December 20, 2024

Benítez began his career with Aguilas de la UAS, a youth club in his hometown of Sinaloa, Mexico, before joining the youth academy for Liga MX side C.D. Guadalajara in 2013. He continued to rise through the ranks of the Chivas system, scoring 10 goals in 61 appearances for the U-19 side before signing a contract with the first team in 2017. He would go on to make 24 appearances for the club, recording three goals and two assists across all competitions, winning the Liga MX championship and Copa MX tournament in 2017 before capturing the 2018 Concacaf Champions League title.

He then spent the next five years on various loan stints to Acenso MX sides Zacatepec and Celaya and Liga de Expansión MX club Tapatío. Across all clubs and competitions, he netted 10 goals and four assists in 87 appearances. In 2023, he signed with Club Atlético La Paz as a free agent and would score 13 goals in 53 Liga de Expansión MX appearances.

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Sacramento Republic FC announced today that Neill Collins has been named as the Indomitable Club’s fifth head coach and is set to lead the club beginning with the 2025 season. Per club policy, the terms of the contract were not disclosed.

“We are delighted to welcome Neill and his family to Sacramento,” said Republic FC President and General Manager Todd Dunivant. “His history of success in USL, combined with a steady demeanor and well-respected reputation, align with our pursuit of championship hardware. Neill is a proven winner, a fantastic leader, and we have no doubts he is the right man to lead our club forward.”

“I first of all would like to thank Todd and Kevin for this fantastic opportunity to join Sacramento Republic. I aim to repay that faith by working hard every day to bring success to for everyone associated with the club,” said newly appointed Head Coach Neill Collins. “Sacramento have been one of the most consistently successful teams in the USL for the past few years and I can’t wait to help build on that platform. I am well aware that Sacramento Republic is more than just what happens on the pitch and I look forward to being part of the community and creating special memories for our fans.”