San Antonio FC didn’t have much lead time into the 2016 season after the club was announced just weeks before the start of the campaign. The coaching staff and front office assembled a strong group on short notice that would carry SAFC to a playoff push before falling just short on the final day of the season.
Where are these players now? Keep reading to find out.
Goalkeepers
Josh Ford
Ford joined the club for the inigural season after spending the rest of his career with the Seattle Sounders and Orlando City SC. Ford was named the first-ever captain of SAFC and went on to make 17 appearances for the team, making 53 saves.
The UCONN graduate retired after his one season in San Antonio and currently serves as the Sounders Academy goalkeeper coach, and the assistant coach for the Tacoma Defiance.
San Antonio FC didn’t have much lead time into the 2016 season after the club was announced just weeks before the start of the campaign. The coaching staff and front office assembled a strong group on short notice that would carry SAFC to a playoff push before falling just short on the final day of the season.
Where are these players now? Keep reading to find out.
Goalkeepers
Josh Ford
Ford joined the club for the inigural season after spending the rest of his career with the Seattle Sounders and Orlando City SC. Ford was named the first-ever captain of SAFC and went on to make 17 appearances for the team, making 53 saves.
The UCONN graduate retired after his one season in San Antonio and currently serves as the Sounders Academy goalkeeper coach, and the assistant coach for the Tacoma Defiance.
Matthew Cardone
The only remaining SAFC player from the 2016 roster, Cardone has made 66 league appearances while adding 197 saves in his San Antonio FC career. Cardone remains the first SAFC player to win a USL Player of the Week award, and still holds the club record for most penalty saves (5).
Matthew Cardone
The only remaining SAFC player from the 2016 roster, Cardone has made 66 league appearances while adding 197 saves in his San Antonio FC career. Cardone remains the first SAFC player to win a USL Player of the Week award, and still holds the club record for most penalty saves (5).
Lee Johnston
Johnston would go on to spend the 2017 season and part of the 2018 season with SAFC before moving to Sweden where he spent the next couple of seasons. Prior to the 2020 campaign, Johnston signed with the Richmond Kickers of USL League One.
Lee Johnston
Johnston would go on to spend the 2017 season and part of the 2018 season with SAFC before moving to Sweden where he spent the next couple of seasons. Prior to the 2020 campaign, Johnston signed with the Richmond Kickers of USL League One.
Defenders
Milton Palacios
Palacios was the most consistent starter at right-back for SAFC during the 2016 season, making 21 appearances overall. Palacios scored two goals and totaled 1,608 minutes played over the course of the regular season.
Palacios went on to feature for CDS Vida in Honduras, and CD Audaz in El Salvador, most recently making 18 appearances for Audaz in 2018.
Defenders
Milton Palacios
Palacios was the most consistent starter at right-back for SAFC during the 2016 season, making 21 appearances overall. Palacios scored two goals and totaled 1,608 minutes played over the course of the regular season.
Palacios went on to feature for CDS Vida in Honduras, and CD Audaz in El Salvador, most recently making 18 appearances for Audaz in 2018.
Bobby Moseley
Moseley joined SAFC on loan from Stoke City in the English Premier League, and went on to make nine appearances for the Silver and Black.
Moseley’s loan ended prior to the conclusion of the 2016 campaign, and the left-back returned to England. He would go on to play for Solihull Moors, Southport and Gloucester City between 2016 and 2017.
Bobby Moseley
Moseley joined SAFC on loan from Stoke City in the English Premier League, and went on to make nine appearances for the Silver and Black.
Moseley’s loan ended prior to the conclusion of the 2016 campaign, and the left-back returned to England. He would go on to play for Solihull Moors, Southport and Gloucester City between 2016 and 2017.
Biko Bradnock-Brennan
Bradnock-Brennan appeared in 24 matches for SAFC in league play during the 2016 season. The defender was a consistent performer on the back-line, tallying 1,839 minutes played along with three Open Cup appearances.
Bradnock-Brennan left SAFC after the 2016 season and played in Norway and England prior to his retirement.
Biko Bradnock-Brennan
Bradnock-Brennan appeared in 24 matches for SAFC in league play during the 2016 season. The defender was a consistent performer on the back-line, tallying 1,839 minutes played along with three Open Cup appearances.
Bradnock-Brennan left SAFC after the 2016 season and played in Norway and England prior to his retirement.
Max Gunderson
Gunderson spent one season in San Antonio FC colors, making 11 appearances in all competitions over the course of the 2016 season.
After leaving SAFC, Gunderson played with the OKC Energy FC U-23’s and the OKC Energy first team in a player-coach capacity. Gunderson recently signed on with the Los Angeles Force of the NISA.
Max Gunderson
Gunderson spent one season in San Antonio FC colors, making 11 appearances in all competitions over the course of the 2016 season.
After leaving SAFC, Gunderson played with the OKC Energy FC U-23’s and the OKC Energy first team in a player-coach capacity. Gunderson recently signed on with the Los Angeles Force of the NISA.
Stephen McCarthy
McCarthy would go on to make himself an SAFC anchor, playing for the club from 2016-2018. In his three seasons, McCarthy made 51 league appearances, scoring three goals in 4,177 minutes played. McCarthy helped lead SAFC to the best defense in 2017 and a playoff berth.
McCarthy retired after the 2018 season and joined on as an Assistant Coach with the University of the Incarnate Word’s Men’s Soccer team.
Stephen McCarthy
McCarthy would go on to make himself an SAFC anchor, playing for the club from 2016-2018. In his three seasons, McCarthy made 51 league appearances, scoring three goals in 4,177 minutes played. McCarthy helped lead SAFC to the best defense in 2017 and a playoff berth.
McCarthy retired after the 2018 season and joined on as an Assistant Coach with the University of the Incarnate Word’s Men’s Soccer team.
Greg Cochrane
The SAFC ‘Iron Man’ set the tone for his San Antonio career in 2016 where he made 30 appearances and totaled 2,631 minutes played. Overall in all competitions, Cochrane appeared in 102 matches for SAFC – which is a club record – from 2016 -18.
After Cochrane retired as the SAFC all-time minutes leader, he became an associate in middle market banking for Bank of America. Him and his wife Emile recently welcomed their first child.
Greg Cochrane
The SAFC ‘Iron Man’ set the tone for his San Antonio career in 2016 where he made 30 appearances and totaled 2,631 minutes played. Overall in all competitions, Cochrane appeared in 102 matches for SAFC – which is a club record – from 2016 -18.
After Cochrane retired as the SAFC all-time minutes leader, he became an associate in middle market banking for Bank of America. Him and his wife Emile recently welcomed their first child.
Sam McBride
McBride was one of three rookies from Elon University to grace the field for SAFC in 2016. The defender made 23 appearances for the club in league play, and three in the Open Cup where he scored his lone goal for the club.
McBride retired after one season of professional soccer and is now studying to be a Physicians Assistant at the University of Charleston in West Virginia.
Sam McBride
McBride was one of three rookies from Elon University to grace the field for SAFC in 2016. The defender made 23 appearances for the club in league play, and three in the Open Cup where he scored his lone goal for the club.
McBride retired after one season of professional soccer and is now studying to be a Physicians Assistant at the University of Charleston in West Virginia.
Austin Dunker
Dunker was another Elon graduate to wear the SAFC colors. Although he never made an official appearance for San Antonio, Dunker was an integral part of the team’s daily training and locker room atmosphere.
Following his time with SAFC, Dunker played for the Logan Lightning in Australia before retiring. He now works as a healthcare IT recruiter.
Austin Dunker
Dunker was another Elon graduate to wear the SAFC colors. Although he never made an official appearance for San Antonio, Dunker was an integral part of the team’s daily training and locker room atmosphere.
Following his time with SAFC, Dunker played for the Logan Lightning in Australia before retiring. He now works as a healthcare IT recruiter.
Fejiro Okiomah
Okiomah joined SAFC as a USL veteran who brought minutes and off-field experience to this new roster. Okiomah made 15 appearances in 2016 and scored two goals over the course of the season including his first in the club’s very first game at Seattle.
Following the 2016 season, Okiomah retired from the professional game. He currently works in the HR and payroll industry, and recently just got married.
Fejiro Okiomah
Okiomah joined SAFC as a USL veteran who brought minutes and off-field experience to this new roster. Okiomah made 15 appearances in 2016 and scored two goals over the course of the season including his first in the club’s very first game at Seattle.
Following the 2016 season, Okiomah retired from the professional game. He currently works in the HR and payroll industry, and recently just got married.
Ryan Roushandel
Roushandel – or Mr. SAFC – would go on to make 39 appearances with SAFC in all competitions from 2016-19. He was named club captain for the 2018 season and made two playoff appearances during the 2017 season.
Roushandel retired after the 2019 season and currently serves as a first-team assistant coach with the club, along with an academy coach.
Ryan Roushandel
Roushandel – or Mr. SAFC – would go on to make 39 appearances with SAFC in all competitions from 2016-19. He was named club captain for the 2018 season and made two playoff appearances during the 2017 season.
Roushandel retired after the 2019 season and currently serves as a first-team assistant coach with the club, along with an academy coach.
Midfielders
Sebastian Thuriere
Another USL veteran, Thuriere added steel into the SAFC midfield during the 2016 season. He made 23 appearances in all competitions, scoring one goal and adding one assist in 1,420 minutes played.
After the 2016 season, Thuriere played in the Bangladesh and Malaysian Premier Leagues until 2019 when he retired. He now owns and operates COPA – a restaurant/bar in Florida.
Midfielders
Sebastian Thuriere
Another USL veteran, Thuriere added steel into the SAFC midfield during the 2016 season. He made 23 appearances in all competitions, scoring one goal and adding one assist in 1,420 minutes played.
After the 2016 season, Thuriere played in the Bangladesh and Malaysian Premier Leagues until 2019 when he retired. He now owns and operates COPA – a restaurant/bar in Florida.
Victor Araujo
Araujo was a Trinity graduate that spent two seasons in San Antonio with the club. He made 11 appearances in 2016 prior to suffering a torn ACL. After a long injury comeback, Araujo would go on to make seven appearances for SAFC in 2017.
Araujo retired not long after his tenure with SAFC and he currently works as a business analyst.
Victor Araujo
Araujo was a Trinity graduate that spent two seasons in San Antonio with the club. He made 11 appearances in 2016 prior to suffering a torn ACL. After a long injury comeback, Araujo would go on to make seven appearances for SAFC in 2017.
Araujo retired not long after his tenure with SAFC and he currently works as a business analyst.
Michael Reed
Reed made 16 appearances for SAFC during the 2016 season and proved to be one of the better central midfielders in the league when on the field. He would go on to be named club captain in 2017, leading SAFC to a second place finish in the Western Conference. Reed made 45 appearances in all competitions for the Alamo City club.
After 2017, SAFC transferred Reed to expansion side Nashville SC where he was named captain. Reed spent two seasons in Nashville prior to joining Memphis 901 FC where he plays currently.
Michael Reed
Reed made 16 appearances for SAFC during the 2016 season and proved to be one of the better central midfielders in the league when on the field. He would go on to be named club captain in 2017, leading SAFC to a second place finish in the Western Conference. Reed made 45 appearances in all competitions for the Alamo City club.
After 2017, SAFC transferred Reed to expansion side Nashville SC where he was named captain. Reed spent two seasons in Nashville prior to joining Memphis 901 FC where he plays currently.
Carlos Alvarez
Alvarez was the first player ever signed for SAFC when he joined prior to the 2016 season. He would go on to lead the club in assists in the first season, tallying seven overall in 30 league games.
Following his only season with SAFC, Alvarez has played for Orange County SC, the Las Vegas Lights, Loudoun Untied and now currently plays with San Diego Loyal SC.
Carlos Alvarez
Alvarez was the first player ever signed for SAFC when he joined prior to the 2016 season. He would go on to lead the club in assists in the first season, tallying seven overall in 30 league games.
Following his only season with SAFC, Alvarez has played for Orange County SC, the Las Vegas Lights, Loudoun Untied and now currently plays with San Diego Loyal SC.
Rafa Castillo
A San Antonio soccer legend, Castillo joined SAFC prior to 2016 after previously playing with the San Antonio Scorpions. In four seasons with SAFC from 2016-19, he appeared in 74 matches in all competitions, scoring 15 goals overall. In 2016, he led the team with five goals in 2,284 minutes.
Rafa Castillo
A San Antonio soccer legend, Castillo joined SAFC prior to 2016 after previously playing with the San Antonio Scorpions. In four seasons with SAFC from 2016-19, he appeared in 74 matches in all competitions, scoring 15 goals overall. In 2016, he led the team with five goals in 2,284 minutes.
Danny Garcia
Garcia appeared in 25 matches with San Antonio FC in 2016, making 11 starts and adding two goals and one assist in 971 minutes. Garcia would retire after his one season with SAFC, and the former midfielder recently got married this year.
Danny Garcia
Garcia appeared in 25 matches with San Antonio FC in 2016, making 11 starts and adding two goals and one assist in 971 minutes. Garcia would retire after his one season with SAFC, and the former midfielder recently got married this year.
Miguel Salazar
Salazar was the third of the Elon trio to play for SAFC in 2016. He made 25 appearances in all competitions for SAFC and was re-signed for the 2017 season.
Following his time with SAFC, Salazar would go on to captain FC Tucson and play for the Midland-Odessa Sockers. He currently working towards his MBA in Sports Management at the University of the Incarnate Word.
Miguel Salazar
Salazar was the third of the Elon trio to play for SAFC in 2016. He made 25 appearances in all competitions for SAFC and was re-signed for the 2017 season.
Following his time with SAFC, Salazar would go on to captain FC Tucson and play for the Midland-Odessa Sockers. He currently working towards his MBA in Sports Management at the University of the Incarnate Word.
Forwards
Cesar Elizondo
Elizondo joined midseason in 2016 and went on to score two goals in nine appearances for the club. The attacker would spend the 2017 and 2018 seasons in San Antonio as well, ending his time with the club after appearing in 49 matches in all competitions while scoring 10 goals overall.
After his time with SAFC, Elizondo returned to his native Costa Rica and currently plays with Perez Zeledon in the Costa Rican first division.
Forwards
Cesar Elizondo
Elizondo joined midseason in 2016 and went on to score two goals in nine appearances for the club. The attacker would spend the 2017 and 2018 seasons in San Antonio as well, ending his time with the club after appearing in 49 matches in all competitions while scoring 10 goals overall.
After his time with SAFC, Elizondo returned to his native Costa Rica and currently plays with Perez Zeledon in the Costa Rican first division.
Manolo Sanchez
Sanchez scored one goal in 16 appearances during his lone season with SAFC. Following the season,he would leave SAFC and go on to play for the Harrisburg City Islanders of the USL Championship, and Tormenta FC. Sanchez is currently working towards his coaching badges while coaching high school varsity soccer.
Manolo Sanchez
Sanchez scored one goal in 16 appearances during his lone season with SAFC. Following the season,he would leave SAFC and go on to play for the Harrisburg City Islanders of the USL Championship, and Tormenta FC. Sanchez is currently working towards his coaching badges while coaching high school varsity soccer.
Jason Johnson
Johnson came to San Antonio with a history of MLS experience and went on to score the first goal in team history. Johnson scored four goals in 30 overall appearances with the club.
The 2016 season would be his only one with the team. He would go on to join Phoenix Rising where he would spend the next three seasons in the USL Championship.
Jason Johnson
Johnson came to San Antonio with a history of MLS experience and went on to score the first goal in team history. Johnson scored four goals in 30 overall appearances with the club.
The 2016 season would be his only one with the team. He would go on to join Phoenix Rising where he would spend the next three seasons in the USL Championship.
Taylor Morgan
Morgan joined midseason from the Tulsa Roughnecks and would go on to make 14 appearances while adding one assist for the club. Morgan left after the 2016 season and signed with Whitehawk FC in his native England in 2017 prior to his retirement.
Taylor Morgan
Morgan joined midseason from the Tulsa Roughnecks and would go on to make 14 appearances while adding one assist for the club. Morgan left after the 2016 season and signed with Whitehawk FC in his native England in 2017 prior to his retirement.
Jacques Francois
Francois spent one season with SAFC, making seven league appearances in 2016, collecting two assists. While with San Antonio, Francois was one of the leading scorers of the 2016 Open Cup, scoring three goals in three matches.
Francois has bounced around in the lower leagues before most recently playing with Atlantic City FC in the NPSL.
Jacques Francois
Francois spent one season with SAFC, making seven league appearances in 2016, collecting two assists. While with San Antonio, Francois was one of the leading scorers of the 2016 Open Cup, scoring three goals in three matches.
Francois has bounced around in the lower leagues before most recently playing with Atlantic City FC in the NPSL.
Shawn Chin
Chin was another experienced player to sign on with SAFC prior to the 2016 season. He made 19 total appearances in 2016 while scoring three goals. Chin also appeared in 15 games with SAFC during the 2017 season prior to his departure.
Following his time with SAFC, Chin joined the Colorado Springs Switchbacks prior to signing on with Miami FC where he spent the last two seasons.
Shawn Chin
Chin was another experienced player to sign on with SAFC prior to the 2016 season. He made 19 total appearances in 2016 while scoring three goals. Chin also appeared in 15 games with SAFC during the 2017 season prior to his departure.
Following his time with SAFC, Chin joined the Colorado Springs Switchbacks prior to signing on with Miami FC where he spent the last two seasons.
Franck Tayou
‘Franck the Tank’ as he was known by the fans, joined midseason in 2016 and scored a team-high five goals in just 17 games.
Tayou left SAFC after the 2016 season and continued his impressive career in professional indoor soccer where he has won multiple MVP awards. In addition, he has spent time with FC Wichita and Fresno FC and has represented the Unites States in international beach soccer tournaments.
Franck Tayou
‘Franck the Tank’ as he was known by the fans, joined midseason in 2016 and scored a team-high five goals in just 17 games.
Tayou left SAFC after the 2016 season and continued his impressive career in professional indoor soccer where he has won multiple MVP awards. In addition, he has spent time with FC Wichita and Fresno FC and has represented the Unites States in international beach soccer tournaments.
