San Antonio FC today announced that midfielder and joint top-scorer Rafa Castillo will return for the 2017 USL season. Per club policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed.
Castillo appeared in 28 of the club’s 30 USL matches in 2016, starting 25 and ranking third on the team with 2,284 total minutes played. Castillo was tied with forward Franck Tayou for the club lead in goals (5) and also recorded two assists, 67 shots and 28 shots on goal. His 67 shots were tied for seventh in the USL and ranked third in the Western Conference. Castillo captained the side 10 times in USL play, becoming the first choice captain after an injury to goalkeeper Josh Ford in August.
Castillo also played in and started one U.S. Open Cup match in 2016, tallying 90 minutes played in a loss to the Houston Dynamo (MLS) in the fourth round.
“We are pleased to have Rafa back for the 2017 season,” said SAFC Head Coach Darren Powell. “His experience and daily dedication are key for us as we look to improve in 2017. He connects well with players, staff and fans alike, and we look forward to getting started in February.”
Castillo’s free-kick goal on July 23 vs. LA Galaxy II at Toyota Field was voted the Goal of the Season by San Antonio FC fans. The goal marked the third on the season for Castillo at the time and was the club’s only goal scored directly from a free-kick shot in 2016.
“The opportunity to continue with SAFC is a blessing from God,” said Castillo. “It means I can continue on this great project with a team that aspires to be at the top of American soccer by reaching MLS. It also means representing these colors and representing our families and the San Antonio community. We have the responsibility and the opportunity to make SAFC great and I am happy to continue striving to achieve that goal.”
Castillo joined San Antonio FC prior to the 2016 season after an impressive two years with the now-defunct San Antonio Scorpions where he won a championship in 2014. Along with a long and illustrious career in his native Colombia where he won the 2009 Primera A Clausura Championship, Castillo also played in the first division of Egypt before moving to the United States to join the San Antonio soccer community. The 36-year-old has also made nine appearances for the Colombian national team from 2001-03, scoring three goals.
San Antonio FC is currently prepping for its second season in the USL, which is scheduled to kick-off in the Spring. Fans interested in season tickets can contact the SAFC sales office at 210-444-5MLS or visit www.sanantoniofc.com.
Supporters can follow the club by liking San Antonio FC on Facebook, as well as following the team on Twitter (@SanAntonioFC), Instagram (@sanantoniofc) and Snapchat (@SanAntonioFC).
San Antonio FC today announced that midfielder and joint top-scorer Rafa Castillo will return for the 2017 USL season. Per club policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed.
Castillo appeared in 28 of the club’s 30 USL matches in 2016, starting 25 and ranking third on the team with 2,284 total minutes played. Castillo was tied with forward Franck Tayou for the club lead in goals (5) and also recorded two assists, 67 shots and 28 shots on goal. His 67 shots were tied for seventh in the USL and ranked third in the Western Conference. Castillo captained the side 10 times in USL play, becoming the first choice captain after an injury to goalkeeper Josh Ford in August.
Castillo also played in and started one U.S. Open Cup match in 2016, tallying 90 minutes played in a loss to the Houston Dynamo (MLS) in the fourth round.
“We are pleased to have Rafa back for the 2017 season,” said SAFC Head Coach Darren Powell. “His experience and daily dedication are key for us as we look to improve in 2017. He connects well with players, staff and fans alike, and we look forward to getting started in February.”
Castillo’s free-kick goal on July 23 vs. LA Galaxy II at Toyota Field was voted the Goal of the Season by San Antonio FC fans. The goal marked the third on the season for Castillo at the time and was the club’s only goal scored directly from a free-kick shot in 2016.
“The opportunity to continue with SAFC is a blessing from God,” said Castillo. “It means I can continue on this great project with a team that aspires to be at the top of American soccer by reaching MLS. It also means representing these colors and representing our families and the San Antonio community. We have the responsibility and the opportunity to make SAFC great and I am happy to continue striving to achieve that goal.”
Castillo joined San Antonio FC prior to the 2016 season after an impressive two years with the now-defunct San Antonio Scorpions where he won a championship in 2014. Along with a long and illustrious career in his native Colombia where he won the 2009 Primera A Clausura Championship, Castillo also played in the first division of Egypt before moving to the United States to join the San Antonio soccer community. The 36-year-old has also made nine appearances for the Colombian national team from 2001-03, scoring three goals.
San Antonio FC is currently prepping for its second season in the USL, which is scheduled to kick-off in the Spring. Fans interested in season tickets can contact the SAFC sales office at 210-444-5MLS or visit www.sanantoniofc.com.
Supporters can follow the club by liking San Antonio FC on Facebook, as well as following the team on Twitter (@SanAntonioFC), Instagram (@sanantoniofc) and Snapchat (@SanAntonioFC).