It’s no secret that San Antonio FC had to act quickly to put a squad together in three months before the first match of their inaugural season, however one of the surprises that emerged from the club in its early days was Head Coach Darren Powell’s recruitment of young players to start off their USL campaign. Seven of the 27 players on the roster kicked off their professional careers with the Alamo City club, and each proved to be an important part of the squad.
Defenders Sam McBride and Biko Bradnock-Brennan both played important roles in the San Antonio FC back line. McBride started in 18 of his 23 appearances in USL play, and tallied the equalizing goal in the club’s come-from-behind win against the Des Moines Menace to advance to the fourth round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. Bradnock-Brennan made his SAFC debut on April 23 against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, and became a regular in the team’s starting XI thereafter, tallying 20 starts in 24 league appearances.
Miguel Salazar impressed with his mature play on the ball as a holding midfielder. The Arizona native ranked seventh on the squad for most minutes played (1,592), and started in 18 of his 24 appearances in USL action. Salazar signed with the club in February after playing Division I soccer at Elon University, and previously came up through the ranks of Real Salt Lake’s academy.
San Antonio FC also found a brilliant young player in forward Jacques Francois. “The Haitian Sensation” saw limited action in league play largely due to injury, yet he still managed to record two assists in seven appearances. Francois truly found his form in his three appearances for the club in the U.S. Open Cup, where he contributed three goals and one assist before the team’s elimination in the fourth round of the tournament at the hands of the Houston Dynamo (MLS).
Defender Austin Dunker, goalkeeper Lee Johnston, and midfielder Diego Garcia did not see time on the pitch in league action or Open Cup play in their rookie season, however all three made appearances for SAFC in closed-door friendlies and featured in the 18-man squad list on several occasions, adding depth and competitiveness within the squad off the bench and in training.
Despite their age and lack of experience playing professionally at the beginning of the season, the SAFC rookies delivered solid performances throughout the year and showed their potential on the field. Now that the beginning is over, watching these talented players continue to develop should be nothing short of exciting.
It’s no secret that San Antonio FC had to act quickly to put a squad together in three months before the first match of their inaugural season, however one of the surprises that emerged from the club in its early days was Head Coach Darren Powell’s recruitment of young players to start off their USL campaign. Seven of the 27 players on the roster kicked off their professional careers with the Alamo City club, and each proved to be an important part of the squad.
Defenders Sam McBride and Biko Bradnock-Brennan both played important roles in the San Antonio FC back line. McBride started in 18 of his 23 appearances in USL play, and tallied the equalizing goal in the club’s come-from-behind win against the Des Moines Menace to advance to the fourth round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. Bradnock-Brennan made his SAFC debut on April 23 against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, and became a regular in the team’s starting XI thereafter, tallying 20 starts in 24 league appearances.
Miguel Salazar impressed with his mature play on the ball as a holding midfielder. The Arizona native ranked seventh on the squad for most minutes played (1,592), and started in 18 of his 24 appearances in USL action. Salazar signed with the club in February after playing Division I soccer at Elon University, and previously came up through the ranks of Real Salt Lake’s academy.
San Antonio FC also found a brilliant young player in forward Jacques Francois. “The Haitian Sensation” saw limited action in league play largely due to injury, yet he still managed to record two assists in seven appearances. Francois truly found his form in his three appearances for the club in the U.S. Open Cup, where he contributed three goals and one assist before the team’s elimination in the fourth round of the tournament at the hands of the Houston Dynamo (MLS).
Defender Austin Dunker, goalkeeper Lee Johnston, and midfielder Diego Garcia did not see time on the pitch in league action or Open Cup play in their rookie season, however all three made appearances for SAFC in closed-door friendlies and featured in the 18-man squad list on several occasions, adding depth and competitiveness within the squad off the bench and in training.
Despite their age and lack of experience playing professionally at the beginning of the season, the SAFC rookies delivered solid performances throughout the year and showed their potential on the field. Now that the beginning is over, watching these talented players continue to develop should be nothing short of exciting.