Republic FC Academy Director Eder Quintanilla to Join U.S. MNT U17s for International Tournament
September 15, 2022 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – Sacramento Republic FC News Release
This week, one of Republic FC’s decorated coaches has earned a tremendous opportunity – an assignment with the United States Youth National Team ranks.
From September 16 – September 26, Republic FC Academy Director Eder Quintanilla will join the U17 Men’s National Team in Zlin, Czech Republic for the Vaclav Jezek International Tournament. Quintanilla will serve on Head Coach Gonzalo Segares’ staff for training sessions and as the squad takes on Germany, Slovakia, and Czech Republicin three friendly matches. He is the first current Republic FC coach to serve national team duty; most recently, former SRFC academy coach Mikey Varas took the national team route last year, becoming the head coach for the United States’ U20 MNT squad.
“Eder’s attributes and passion for getting the best out of his players on a daily basis make him well deserving of this opportunity,” said Republic FC President and General Manager Todd Dunivant. “Our club is very proud of him and wishes him well on the trip.”
Quintanilla joined Sacramento’s Youth Development Academy in 2020 as Director of Talent Identification, before being elevated to the role of Academy Director prior to the start of the current Academy season. Since joining Republic FC from San Jose Earthquakes, he has led the club’s U15 squad to consecutive appearances in the MLS NEXT Cup playoffs, including the 2022 semifinal,and assisted the development of 12 players who have earned first team opportunities on Academy Contracts.
The selection adds another impressive stop on his coaching resume. Since the completion of his playing career in his native Spain, Quintanilla has coached at nearly every level of the amateur game. In addition to his time with San Jose, he’s coached players in youth system at one of Spain’s most historic clubs, Athletic Club Bilbao, as well as at the collegiate level in the U.S. with the Men’s Soccer staff at Wake Forest University. He holds a UEFA A License (2013), USSF A-Senior License (2019), U.S. Soccer Talent Scout License (2021), and an Elite Formation Coaching License (MLS and French Football Federation, 2018).
Quintanilla’s U17 squad opened up its 2022-23 season with a dominating 3-0 win over local foe Sacramento United, who was playing in its first MLS NEXT match, last weekend. Following his national team stint, Quintanilla will return to Sacramento’s squad as it continues the 2022-23 Academy season with regional bouts against Ballistic United and Breakers FC.
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