San Antonio FC will start the 2017 season this weekend. After a full offseason, the club has made several changes both on and off the pitch. As we prepare for the first matchup of the year, check out 10 things to watch for in year two:
1. New Home Opponents: This season, San Antonio FC will host opponents at Toyota Field who have yet to visit the Alamo City. Expansion side Reno 1868, as well as USL mainstays Sacramento, Portland, and Real Monarchs, will all visit Toyota Field for the first time in 2017.
2. Reigniting Regional Rivalries: San Antonio FC will face their regional rivals yet again in 2017. The club will aim to earn their first win against RGV FC and Oklahoma City Energy FC, while Tulsa Roughnecks FC will look to earn their first victory against the Silver and Black.
3. The Midfield- The San Antonio FC technical staff added plenty of depth to the midfield, bringing in the likes of Pecka, Billy Forbes, Kris Tyrpak, Juan Nino, Devin Vega, and Maxi Rodriguez. In addition, midfielders Rafa Castillo, Miguel Salazar, Michael Reed, and Victor Araujo have returned to the club. With so many options available, competition to earn a starting spot will be fierce.
4. The Champ- Midfielder Kris Tyrpak joins San Antonio FC ahead of the 2017 season after winning the Western Conference title with Swope Park Rangers last season. Along the way, Tyrpak tallied an impressive seven goals for his team. Now, the midfielder will aim to surpass his accomplishments from last season while returning home to Texas.
5. Iron Man- San Antonio FC original Greg Cochrane played 2,901 minutes for the Silver and Black across all competitions in 2016, featuring in 97% of the team’s total minutes played. Along with the new faces in the SAFC back line, the left-back will look to impress again in 2017.
6. The Kid- Local San Antonio product Devin Vega signed his first pro contract with San Antonio FC during the offseason. Vega previously played for the FC Dallas Academy, which is widely recognized as one of the top in the nation. In addition, Vega has also represented the United States at the U-17 and U-19 levels. Despite being the youngest on the roster, Vega will look to capitalize on opportunities and break into the starting lineup early on.
7. Fear the Beard- Following a string of impressive performances in 2016, goalkeeper Matt Cardone returns to the Alamo City club after leading the USL in penalty saves last season. Now, the San Antonio native has the chance to further establish himself as a top goalkeeper in the league while enjoying the game in his home city.
8. SAFC Pro Academy- Following a speedy establishment in 2016 and its acceptance into the U.S. Soccer Development Academy, the SAFC Pro Academy will expand from one team to three in 2017. In addition, the newly-expanded Elite Training Program will serve as a platform to identify top players in the San Antonio area.
9. The Icon- After leading the club in goals scored last season, fan-favorite Rafa Castillo returns to the Alamo City. Castillo was an attacking threat for the club in 2016, leading the team in shots and shots on goal as well. With a new season on the horizon and a hungry mentality, Castillo will aim to prove himself yet again.
10. Emerging Fan Culture- During the club’s inaugural season, fans rallied together to ring in a new era of soccer in the Alamo City. Throughout the course of the season, groups came together to support the club in different ways. Mission City 118, the Gardeners, 210 Alliance, and the Crocketteers will lead the support at Toyota Field in 2017.
There’s plenty to look forward to for San Antonio FC this season. With a full offseason to prepare after their inaugural campaign, the club will aim to make improvements in several aspects in 2017.
San Antonio FC will start the 2017 season this weekend. After a full offseason, the club has made several changes both on and off the pitch. As we prepare for the first matchup of the year, check out 10 things to watch for in year two:
1. New Home Opponents: This season, San Antonio FC will host opponents at Toyota Field who have yet to visit the Alamo City. Expansion side Reno 1868, as well as USL mainstays Sacramento, Portland, and Real Monarchs, will all visit Toyota Field for the first time in 2017.
2. Reigniting Regional Rivalries: San Antonio FC will face their regional rivals yet again in 2017. The club will aim to earn their first win against RGV FC and Oklahoma City Energy FC, while Tulsa Roughnecks FC will look to earn their first victory against the Silver and Black.
3. The Midfield- The San Antonio FC technical staff added plenty of depth to the midfield, bringing in the likes of Pecka, Billy Forbes, Kris Tyrpak, Juan Nino, Devin Vega, and Maxi Rodriguez. In addition, midfielders Rafa Castillo, Miguel Salazar, Michael Reed, and Victor Araujo have returned to the club. With so many options available, competition to earn a starting spot will be fierce.
4. The Champ- Midfielder Kris Tyrpak joins San Antonio FC ahead of the 2017 season after winning the Western Conference title with Swope Park Rangers last season. Along the way, Tyrpak tallied an impressive seven goals for his team. Now, the midfielder will aim to surpass his accomplishments from last season while returning home to Texas.
5. Iron Man- San Antonio FC original Greg Cochrane played 2,901 minutes for the Silver and Black across all competitions in 2016, featuring in 97% of the team’s total minutes played. Along with the new faces in the SAFC back line, the left-back will look to impress again in 2017.
6. The Kid- Local San Antonio product Devin Vega signed his first pro contract with San Antonio FC during the offseason. Vega previously played for the FC Dallas Academy, which is widely recognized as one of the top in the nation. In addition, Vega has also represented the United States at the U-17 and U-19 levels. Despite being the youngest on the roster, Vega will look to capitalize on opportunities and break into the starting lineup early on.
7. Fear the Beard- Following a string of impressive performances in 2016, goalkeeper Matt Cardone returns to the Alamo City club after leading the USL in penalty saves last season. Now, the San Antonio native has the chance to further establish himself as a top goalkeeper in the league while enjoying the game in his home city.
8. SAFC Pro Academy- Following a speedy establishment in 2016 and its acceptance into the U.S. Soccer Development Academy, the SAFC Pro Academy will expand from one team to three in 2017. In addition, the newly-expanded Elite Training Program will serve as a platform to identify top players in the San Antonio area.
9. The Icon- After leading the club in goals scored last season, fan-favorite Rafa Castillo returns to the Alamo City. Castillo was an attacking threat for the club in 2016, leading the team in shots and shots on goal as well. With a new season on the horizon and a hungry mentality, Castillo will aim to prove himself yet again.
10. Emerging Fan Culture- During the club’s inaugural season, fans rallied together to ring in a new era of soccer in the Alamo City. Throughout the course of the season, groups came together to support the club in different ways. Mission City 118, the Gardeners, 210 Alliance, and the Crocketteers will lead the support at Toyota Field in 2017.
There’s plenty to look forward to for San Antonio FC this season. With a full offseason to prepare after their inaugural campaign, the club will aim to make improvements in several aspects in 2017.
