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San Antonio FC is preparing to take the pitch at Toyota Field for the final time in the USL Championship regular season this weekend, welcoming OKC Energy FC to San Antonio for the final of three meetings this campaign. Fresh off clinching the top of Group D and a playoff spot, SAFC goes into this game – and the remaining three matches – looking to finish first in the Western Conference and grab home field advantage through the playoffs.

Despite this Saturday being the final home match of the regular season, the club knows it will have at least one more opportunity to play in front of their home fans. Along with clinching a spot in the postseason with a 3-2 win over Austin last Wednesday, SAFC also clinched a first-round home match, which will bring playoff soccer to Toyota Field for the first time since 2017.

“I am incredibly proud of the guys,” said SAFC Head Coach Alen Marcina. “We were confident we would get a response from these players. These are players made of grit.  We had a tough loss against El Paso with a penalty conceded and an own goal. The guys battled tonight against a good team competing for a place in the playoffs. You knew they were going to bring it today, and our guys got the result, so I am incredibly proud of them.”

With one goal accomplished, SAFC has their sights on more and it starts with continuing to take it each game at a time and earn maximum points as much as possible. That mindset continues this weekend against the Energy. SAFC is 2-0-0 against the Energy this season, outscoring them 7-0 in those two matches. Over the last three matches, SAFC has gone 3-0-0, outscoring the Energy 10-1. After drawing six of the first seven matches against the Energy in club history, SAFC has gone on to go 4-0-1 in the following five matches.

Energy FC is coming off back-to-back draws against the Colorado Springs Switchbacks and rivals FC Tulsa. Despite winning just one match in 2020 so far, OKC has tied three straight matches and six overall this season. SAFC knows there are no such thing as easy matches in the USL Championship, and they are preparing for another tough game on Saturday.

“Our approach we’ve taken from day one will remain,” said Marcina. “We will take it one day at a time. Yes, we have won our group, but we aren’t content. That’s one of our goals and we have achieved it, but we have plenty of other goals we want to achieve. So now our focus is on OKC Energy and getting three points again at home in front of our fans.”

Following this weekend’s home match, San Antonio FC will travel to FC Tulsa on Sept. 26 for the team’s penultimate game of the season. SAFC will then wrap up the regular season with an Oct. 4 trip to the Austin Bold.

San Antonio FC is preparing to take the pitch at Toyota Field for the final time in the USL Championship regular season this weekend, welcoming OKC Energy FC to San Antonio for the final of three meetings this campaign. Fresh off clinching the top of Group D and a playoff spot, SAFC goes into this game – and the remaining three matches – looking to finish first in the Western Conference and grab home field advantage through the playoffs.

Despite this Saturday being the final home match of the regular season, the club knows it will have at least one more opportunity to play in front of their home fans. Along with clinching a spot in the postseason with a 3-2 win over Austin last Wednesday, SAFC also clinched a first-round home match, which will bring playoff soccer to Toyota Field for the first time since 2017.

“I am incredibly proud of the guys,” said SAFC Head Coach Alen Marcina. “We were confident we would get a response from these players. These are players made of grit.  We had a tough loss against El Paso with a penalty conceded and an own goal. The guys battled tonight against a good team competing for a place in the playoffs. You knew they were going to bring it today, and our guys got the result, so I am incredibly proud of them.”

With one goal accomplished, SAFC has their sights on more and it starts with continuing to take it each game at a time and earn maximum points as much as possible. That mindset continues this weekend against the Energy. SAFC is 2-0-0 against the Energy this season, outscoring them 7-0 in those two matches. Over the last three matches, SAFC has gone 3-0-0, outscoring the Energy 10-1. After drawing six of the first seven matches against the Energy in club history, SAFC has gone on to go 4-0-1 in the following five matches.

Energy FC is coming off back-to-back draws against the Colorado Springs Switchbacks and rivals FC Tulsa. Despite winning just one match in 2020 so far, OKC has tied three straight matches and six overall this season. SAFC knows there are no such thing as easy matches in the USL Championship, and they are preparing for another tough game on Saturday.

“Our approach we’ve taken from day one will remain,” said Marcina. “We will take it one day at a time. Yes, we have won our group, but we aren’t content. That’s one of our goals and we have achieved it, but we have plenty of other goals we want to achieve. So now our focus is on OKC Energy and getting three points again at home in front of our fans.”

Following this weekend’s home match, San Antonio FC will travel to FC Tulsa on Sept. 26 for the team’s penultimate game of the season. SAFC will then wrap up the regular season with an Oct. 4 trip to the Austin Bold.

San Antonio FC (9-1-3) beat Austin Bold FC (3-3-6) 3-2 at Toyota Field on Wednesday night to clinch its second USL Championship Playoffs berth in franchise history. Goals from Luis Solignac, Cristian Parano, and Jose Gallegos earned the Alamo City club a crucial win to also clinch the top seed in Group D.

“I am incredibly proud of the guys,” said SAFC Head Coach Alen Marcina. “We were confident we would get a response from these players. These are players made of grit.  We had a tough loss against El Paso with a penalty conceded and an own goal. The guys battled tonight against a good team competing for a place in the playoffs. You knew they were going to bring it today, and our guys got the result, so I am incredibly proud of them.”

SAFC opened the scoring in the first minute of the match after Solignac beat goalkeeper Diego Restrepo from inside the box to score his second goal in under a minute this season. Solignac’s goal marked his team-leading eighth of the season, while the Argentinian has also scored in a club-record six consecutive matches. 

The visitors equalized in the 51st minute of the match with a goal from Roberto Avila, however the hosts re-took the lead just five minutes later after Parano buried a shot in the top corner and past Restrepo to make it 2-1. Parano earned SWBC Man of the Match honors after also setting up Solignac’s aforementioned goal.

The Bold leveled the score yet again in the 62nd minute before San Antonio native Jose Gallegos took the lead for the hosts just 10 minutes later with a low, far-post shot past Restrepo to make it 3-2. The goal marked Gallegos’ second of the season and second against the Bold.

With the win, SAFC clinched its first playoff berth since 2017 in the 13th out of 16 matches this season, marking 81.25 percent of the campaign. In 2017, the club also clinched 81.25 percent of the way through the season (26 out of 32 matches).

The night also marked a historic one for the club after the SAFC gameday squad consisted of six players who are local products or products of the SAFC Pro Academy. Matthew Cardone, Jose Gallegos, Blake Smith, Josh Ramsey, Fabrizio Bernal, and Leo Torres all featured in the squad. 

The Alamo City club will return to USL Championship action on Saturday, Sept. 19 at 8 p.m. as they host OKC Energy FC in the club’s final regular season home match.

Scoring Summary:

SAFC: 1-0, Luis Solignac (Cristian Parano assist) 1’

ABFC: 1-1, Alberto Avila (Sean McFarlane assist) 50’

SAFC: 2-1, Cristian Parano (Jose Gallegos) 56’

ABFC: 2-2, Sean McFarlane (Xavi Baez assist) 62’

SAFC: 3-2, Jose Gallegos (Ignacio Bailone assist) 72’

Disciplinary Summary:

ABFC: Yellow Card (Fabien Garcia) 37’

SAFC: Yellow Card (Nick Evans) 40’

ABFC: Yellow Card (Marcelo Serrano) 45’

SAFC: Yellow Card (Luis Solignac) 61’

ABFC: Yellow Card (Billy Forbes) 68’

ABFC: Yellow Card (Sonny Guadarrama) 76’

Attendance: 835 (socially distanced)

SAFC Starting XI: GK: Matthew Cardone; D: Connor Maloney, Mitchell Taintor, Kai Greene, Joshua Yaro (c), Blake Smith; M: Jose Gallegos (Hayden Partain 88’), Hunter Gorskie, Cristian Parano (Gonzalo Di Renzo 83’); F: Luis Solignac, Jordan Perruzza (Ignacio Bailone 66’)

Substitutions not used: Carlos Mercado, Josh Ramsey, Leo Torres, Fabrizio Bernal

Postgame Notes:

• San Antonio FC defeated the Austin Bold 3-2 to clinch a playoff spot and the top seed in Group D…marks the first playoff appearance for SAFC since 2017 when the club clinched just three years and two days prior (9/14/17 at OCSC)…SAFC clinched its playoff spot in the 26th match of a 32 game season (81.25% of the season) in 2017, while also clinching 81.25% of the way in 2020 (13th match of a 16 match season)
• SAFC improved its record against the Bold in 2020 to 2-0-1 and 3-1-1 all time…SAFC has outscored Austin 8-5 in those three matches and the two sides will meet one final time to conclude the regular season
• San Antonio FC forward Luis Solignac scored his eighth goal of the season, which are tied for the third most in a single season by an SAFC player…Solignac’s scored a goal in the first minute for the second consecutive home match…the goal marked the third fastest goal in league history at 0:50 seconds
• Luis Solignac has now scored in six consecutive matches, which is a team record…the previous high was six straight matches set by former midfielder Billy Forbes
• SAFC midfielder Cristian Parano recorded a goal and assist in the match, bringing his total to four in both categories in 2020…the goal marked the first for Parano since 8/8 at OKC, and the assist marked the first since 8/19 vs. OKC…Parano was named the SWBC Man of the Match after also adding two shots and one key pass
• SAFC forward Jose Gallegos scored his second goal of the season, which both have come against the Bold…forward Ignacio Bailone added his third assist of the season to set up the game-winner
• The SAFC 18-man game-day squad consisted of six players who were either local products or products of the SAFC Pro Academy…marks the most in a game-day squad in club history…the players were: Leo Torres, Matthew Cardone, Fabrizio Bernal, Blake Smith, Josh Ramsey and Jose Gallegos

San Antonio FC (9-1-3) beat Austin Bold FC (3-3-6) 3-2 at Toyota Field on Wednesday night to clinch its second USL Championship Playoffs berth in franchise history. Goals from Luis Solignac, Cristian Parano, and Jose Gallegos earned the Alamo City club a crucial win to also clinch the top seed in Group D.

“I am incredibly proud of the guys,” said SAFC Head Coach Alen Marcina. “We were confident we would get a response from these players. These are players made of grit.  We had a tough loss against El Paso with a penalty conceded and an own goal. The guys battled tonight against a good team competing for a place in the playoffs. You knew they were going to bring it today, and our guys got the result, so I am incredibly proud of them.”

SAFC opened the scoring in the first minute of the match after Solignac beat goalkeeper Diego Restrepo from inside the box to score his second goal in under a minute this season. Solignac’s goal marked his team-leading eighth of the season, while the Argentinian has also scored in a club-record six consecutive matches. 

The visitors equalized in the 51st minute of the match with a goal from Roberto Avila, however the hosts re-took the lead just five minutes later after Parano buried a shot in the top corner and past Restrepo to make it 2-1. Parano earned SWBC Man of the Match honors after also setting up Solignac’s aforementioned goal.

The Bold leveled the score yet again in the 62nd minute before San Antonio native Jose Gallegos took the lead for the hosts just 10 minutes later with a low, far-post shot past Restrepo to make it 3-2. The goal marked Gallegos’ second of the season and second against the Bold.

With the win, SAFC clinched its first playoff berth since 2017 in the 13th out of 16 matches this season, marking 81.25 percent of the campaign. In 2017, the club also clinched 81.25 percent of the way through the season (26 out of 32 matches).

The night also marked a historic one for the club after the SAFC gameday squad consisted of six players who are local products or products of the SAFC Pro Academy. Matthew Cardone, Jose Gallegos, Blake Smith, Josh Ramsey, Fabrizio Bernal, and Leo Torres all featured in the squad. 

The Alamo City club will return to USL Championship action on Saturday, Sept. 19 at 8 p.m. as they host OKC Energy FC in the club’s final regular season home match.

Scoring Summary:

SAFC: 1-0, Luis Solignac (Cristian Parano assist) 1’

ABFC: 1-1, Alberto Avila (Sean McFarlane assist) 50’

SAFC: 2-1, Cristian Parano (Jose Gallegos) 56’

ABFC: 2-2, Sean McFarlane (Xavi Baez assist) 62’

SAFC: 3-2, Jose Gallegos (Ignacio Bailone assist) 72’

Disciplinary Summary:

ABFC: Yellow Card (Fabien Garcia) 37’

SAFC: Yellow Card (Nick Evans) 40’

ABFC: Yellow Card (Marcelo Serrano) 45’

SAFC: Yellow Card (Luis Solignac) 61’

ABFC: Yellow Card (Billy Forbes) 68’

ABFC: Yellow Card (Sonny Guadarrama) 76’

Attendance: 835 (socially distanced)

SAFC Starting XI: GK: Matthew Cardone; D: Connor Maloney, Mitchell Taintor, Kai Greene, Joshua Yaro (c), Blake Smith; M: Jose Gallegos (Hayden Partain 88’), Hunter Gorskie, Cristian Parano (Gonzalo Di Renzo 83’); F: Luis Solignac, Jordan Perruzza (Ignacio Bailone 66’)

Substitutions not used: Carlos Mercado, Josh Ramsey, Leo Torres, Fabrizio Bernal

Postgame Notes:

• San Antonio FC defeated the Austin Bold 3-2 to clinch a playoff spot and the top seed in Group D…marks the first playoff appearance for SAFC since 2017 when the club clinched just three years and two days prior (9/14/17 at OCSC)…SAFC clinched its playoff spot in the 26th match of a 32 game season (81.25% of the season) in 2017, while also clinching 81.25% of the way in 2020 (13th match of a 16 match season)
• SAFC improved its record against the Bold in 2020 to 2-0-1 and 3-1-1 all time…SAFC has outscored Austin 8-5 in those three matches and the two sides will meet one final time to conclude the regular season
• San Antonio FC forward Luis Solignac scored his eighth goal of the season, which are tied for the third most in a single season by an SAFC player…Solignac’s scored a goal in the first minute for the second consecutive home match…the goal marked the third fastest goal in league history at 0:50 seconds
• Luis Solignac has now scored in six consecutive matches, which is a team record…the previous high was six straight matches set by former midfielder Billy Forbes
• SAFC midfielder Cristian Parano recorded a goal and assist in the match, bringing his total to four in both categories in 2020…the goal marked the first for Parano since 8/8 at OKC, and the assist marked the first since 8/19 vs. OKC…Parano was named the SWBC Man of the Match after also adding two shots and one key pass
• SAFC forward Jose Gallegos scored his second goal of the season, which both have come against the Bold…forward Ignacio Bailone added his third assist of the season to set up the game-winner
• The SAFC 18-man game-day squad consisted of six players who were either local products or products of the SAFC Pro Academy…marks the most in a game-day squad in club history…the players were: Leo Torres, Matthew Cardone, Fabrizio Bernal, Blake Smith, Josh Ramsey and Jose Gallegos

San Antonio FC returns to Toyota Field this Wednesday to play the first of its final two home matches of the regular season in the next four days. SAFC welcomes the Austin Bold for the third of four matches between the two this season, and the first in over a month.

The Alamo City club was dealt its first setback of the current campaign with a 1-2 loss on the road to a tough El Paso team last weekend. A paneka penalty from leading scorer Luis Solignac wasn’t enough to earn a road result in West Texas. Despite the loss, SAFC still sits atop of Group D on 27 points with a chance to officially win the group with a draw or win against Austin on Wednesday.

SAFC Head Coach Alen Marcina knows what his team is made of and knows what kind of response to expect this week following the first loss for the club.

“This is a team made of players with grit,” said Marcina. “We know it’s going to be a good response on Wednesday. Now it’s about recovering and preparing for our next opponent.”

The Austin Bold will be well rested having not played since September 8 after their game that was scheduled on the 12th against RGV FC was postponed. Prior to that, the Bold had just wrapped up back-to-back draws with group rivals FC Tulsa. Former SAFC midfielder Billy Forbes continues to have a strong season up top for Austin. Forbes has tallied six goals so far for the Bold while teammate Xavi Baez has recorded four assists.

The Bold remain the only Group D team that San Antonio has yet to defeat at Toyota Field in 2020. Despite the 4-2 win early in the restart in the road in Austin, SAFC rescued a late draw against the Bold at Toyota Field in August thanks to a Jose Gallegos goal.

Once again, any result on Wednesday would clinch a playoff spot for SAFC. With a draw or a tie, SAFC would win Group D and secure at least one home playoff match for the first time since the club hosted two home games in the 2017 playoffs. Despite coming close in the last two seasons, the playoff spot and group win would mark the first of many goals achieved this season. The team is still aspiring for more.

Following Wednesday’s match, SAFC will host the OKC Energy on Saturday at Toyota Field in the final home match of the regular season. San Antonio concludes the schedule with two road games in Tulsa and Austin respectively.  

San Antonio FC returns to Toyota Field this Wednesday to play the first of its final two home matches of the regular season in the next four days. SAFC welcomes the Austin Bold for the third of four matches between the two this season, and the first in over a month.

The Alamo City club was dealt its first setback of the current campaign with a 1-2 loss on the road to a tough El Paso team last weekend. A paneka penalty from leading scorer Luis Solignac wasn’t enough to earn a road result in West Texas. Despite the loss, SAFC still sits atop of Group D on 27 points with a chance to officially win the group with a draw or win against Austin on Wednesday.

SAFC Head Coach Alen Marcina knows what his team is made of and knows what kind of response to expect this week following the first loss for the club.

“This is a team made of players with grit,” said Marcina. “We know it’s going to be a good response on Wednesday. Now it’s about recovering and preparing for our next opponent.”

The Austin Bold will be well rested having not played since September 8 after their game that was scheduled on the 12th against RGV FC was postponed. Prior to that, the Bold had just wrapped up back-to-back draws with group rivals FC Tulsa. Former SAFC midfielder Billy Forbes continues to have a strong season up top for Austin. Forbes has tallied six goals so far for the Bold while teammate Xavi Baez has recorded four assists.

The Bold remain the only Group D team that San Antonio has yet to defeat at Toyota Field in 2020. Despite the 4-2 win early in the restart in the road in Austin, SAFC rescued a late draw against the Bold at Toyota Field in August thanks to a Jose Gallegos goal.

Once again, any result on Wednesday would clinch a playoff spot for SAFC. With a draw or a tie, SAFC would win Group D and secure at least one home playoff match for the first time since the club hosted two home games in the 2017 playoffs. Despite coming close in the last two seasons, the playoff spot and group win would mark the first of many goals achieved this season. The team is still aspiring for more.

Following Wednesday’s match, SAFC will host the OKC Energy on Saturday at Toyota Field in the final home match of the regular season. San Antonio concludes the schedule with two road games in Tulsa and Austin respectively.  

San Antonio FC (8-1-3) fell to El Paso Locomotive FC (6-2-3) 1-2 at Southwest University Park on Saturday night. An unfortunate own goal in stoppage time handed the Alamo City club its first loss of the season after an 11-game unbeaten run—the team’s second-longest in franchise history.

“We stressed it all week and we experienced it tonight, but it’s about details,” said SAFC Head Coach Alen Marcina. “The details cost us late and we will learn from this game. There were a lot of positives, and we will grow and continue to get better.”

El Paso opened the scoring in the 40th minute after Aaron Gomez converted a penalty following a foul in the SAFC box. SAFC responded quickly after a foul in the hosts’ box resulted in a penalty for the Alamo City club. Forward Luis Solignac converted with a skillful panenka shot to level it just before halftime. 

The second half was a tight back and forth contest, but El Paso found the winning goal deep into stoppage time after a free kick bounced off SAFC defender Mitchell Taintor and into the back of the net.

SAFC forward Jordan Perruzza made his team debut on the night after joining the club on Tuesday on-loan from Toronto FC (MLS). Perruzza recorded two shots, one shot on target, and 100 percent passing accuracy in 31 minutes.

Despite the result, SAFC could clinch a playoff berth as well as secure the top seed in Group D with a win or draw on Wednesday as the team hosts Austin Bold FC at Toyota Field at 8 p.m. The Alamo City club will then face a quick turnaround as they host OKC Energy FC on Saturday, Sept. 19 in their final home match of the regular season.

Scoring Summary:

El Paso: 1-0, Aaron Gomez (penalty) 40’

SAFC: 1-1, Luis Solignac (penalty) 45’

El Paso: 2-1, Own Goal (Mitch Taintor) 90’

Disciplinary Summary:

SAFC: Yellow Card (Callum Montgomery) 38’

El Paso: Yellow Card (Andrew Fox) 43’

SAFC: Yellow Card (Alen Marcina) 52’

SAFC: Yellow Card (PC) 69’

SAFC: Yellow Card (Jordan Perruzza) 83’

El Paso: Yellow Card (Omar Salgado) 84’

SAFC: Yellow Card (Mitchell Taintor) 90’

El Paso: Yellow Card (Macca King) 90’

Attendance: 1,519

SAFC Starting XI: GK: Matthew Cardone; D: Connor Maloney, Mitchell Taintor, Callum Montgomery, Joshua Yaro, Blake Smith; M: PC, Hunter Gorskie (c), Cristian Parano (Jordan Perruzza 59’); F: Ignacio Bailone (Gonzalo Di Renzo 58’), Luis Solignac (Jose Gallegos 87’)

Substitutions not used: Carlos Mercado, Kai Greene, Hayden Partain, Leo Torres

Postgame Notes:

• San Antonio FC had its unbeaten streak ended with a loss at El Paso…the 11-match streak was the second longest in SAFC history after the 14-game streak in 2017…SAFC also had its four-match winning streak snapped…the club is now 1-1-1 against El Paso in team history
• San Antonio FC forward Luis Solignac scored his seventh goal of the season…Solignac’s seven goals are tied for the fourth most in a single season for an SAFC player
• SAFC midfielder PC recorded an 85.2 percent passing accuracy over the 90 minutes…added three clearances, one interception, four possessions gained and three fouls won
• SAFC forward Jordan Perruzza made his club debut, recording two shots and one shot on target in 31 minutes played

San Antonio FC (8-1-3) fell to El Paso Locomotive FC (6-2-3) 1-2 at Southwest University Park on Saturday night. An unfortunate own goal in stoppage time handed the Alamo City club its first loss of the season after an 11-game unbeaten run—the team’s second-longest in franchise history.

“We stressed it all week and we experienced it tonight, but it’s about details,” said SAFC Head Coach Alen Marcina. “The details cost us late and we will learn from this game. There were a lot of positives, and we will grow and continue to get better.”

El Paso opened the scoring in the 40th minute after Aaron Gomez converted a penalty following a foul in the SAFC box. SAFC responded quickly after a foul in the hosts’ box resulted in a penalty for the Alamo City club. Forward Luis Solignac converted with a skillful panenka shot to level it just before halftime. 

The second half was a tight back and forth contest, but El Paso found the winning goal deep into stoppage time after a free kick bounced off SAFC defender Mitchell Taintor and into the back of the net.

SAFC forward Jordan Perruzza made his team debut on the night after joining the club on Tuesday on-loan from Toronto FC (MLS). Perruzza recorded two shots, one shot on target, and 100 percent passing accuracy in 31 minutes.

Despite the result, SAFC could clinch a playoff berth as well as secure the top seed in Group D with a win or draw on Wednesday as the team hosts Austin Bold FC at Toyota Field at 8 p.m. The Alamo City club will then face a quick turnaround as they host OKC Energy FC on Saturday, Sept. 19 in their final home match of the regular season.

Scoring Summary:

El Paso: 1-0, Aaron Gomez (penalty) 40’

SAFC: 1-1, Luis Solignac (penalty) 45’

El Paso: 2-1, Own Goal (Mitch Taintor) 90’

Disciplinary Summary:

SAFC: Yellow Card (Callum Montgomery) 38’

El Paso: Yellow Card (Andrew Fox) 43’

SAFC: Yellow Card (Alen Marcina) 52’

SAFC: Yellow Card (PC) 69’

SAFC: Yellow Card (Jordan Perruzza) 83’

El Paso: Yellow Card (Omar Salgado) 84’

SAFC: Yellow Card (Mitchell Taintor) 90’

El Paso: Yellow Card (Macca King) 90’

Attendance: 1,519

SAFC Starting XI: GK: Matthew Cardone; D: Connor Maloney, Mitchell Taintor, Callum Montgomery, Joshua Yaro, Blake Smith; M: PC, Hunter Gorskie (c), Cristian Parano (Jordan Perruzza 59’); F: Ignacio Bailone (Gonzalo Di Renzo 58’), Luis Solignac (Jose Gallegos 87’)

Substitutions not used: Carlos Mercado, Kai Greene, Hayden Partain, Leo Torres

Postgame Notes:

• San Antonio FC had its unbeaten streak ended with a loss at El Paso…the 11-match streak was the second longest in SAFC history after the 14-game streak in 2017…SAFC also had its four-match winning streak snapped…the club is now 1-1-1 against El Paso in team history
• San Antonio FC forward Luis Solignac scored his seventh goal of the season…Solignac’s seven goals are tied for the fourth most in a single season for an SAFC player
• SAFC midfielder PC recorded an 85.2 percent passing accuracy over the 90 minutes…added three clearances, one interception, four possessions gained and three fouls won
• SAFC forward Jordan Perruzza made his club debut, recording two shots and one shot on target in 31 minutes played

San Antonio FC hits the road for what has to be one of the more interesting matches of the 2020 season. Not only is SAFC facing an opponent outside of Group D for just the second time, but the club has a chance to clinch its first playoff berth since 2017 with a victory. Standing in their way is a talented El Paso Locomotive side that will be pushed by their home crowd at Southwest University Park.

SAFC is looking to extend their current 11 game unbeaten streak along with their four-game win streak. Over the course of the last four matches, SAFC has outscored their opponents 12-2 to take all 12 points available, which helped build the current 12-point lead in the Group D standings. El Paso represents just the second opponent of 2020 outside of the group that SAFC will face with the first coming back in March, pre-hiatus, when SAFC defeated the Real Monarchs at Toyota Field.

“El Paso is a very good team,” said SAFC Head Coach Alen Marcina. “They are very well coached with very good players. We know they are going to bring their A game just like we are.”

El Paso is coming off of a huge 3-2 win over group rivals New Mexico United last weekend. The victory pulled El Paso within two points of the Group C lead, meaning a win against the unbeaten San Antonio would also carry key points for the home side. The Locos currently stand on 18 points with a 5-2-3 record through their first 10 matches.

As the only remaining undefeated team in the league, San Antonio FC knows they have a target on their back and they always expect everyone’s best performance. This is no different this Saturday in West Texas.

“When you are unbeaten in the league, everyone is going to approach the game hoping to knock you off that pedestal,” said SAFC defender Callum Montgomery. “It’s difficult because you’re going to get the best out of every team, but those are the games we want. They are going to prepare us for playoffs when that comes around. We just try and block out that noise and focus on ourselves.”

A win Saturday would get SAFC into the playoffs – along with at least one home match – for the first time since the club hosted two home games in the 2017 playoffs. Despite being in the playoff mix in the final matches of both the 2018 and 2019 seasons, SAFC fell just short. A clinching win with four games remaining on the schedule would represent quite the accomplishment for the club.

“Obviously we all know what’s at stake tomorrow,” Montgomery added. “It’s something we addressed at the beginning of the week, then we put it to the side and focused on every training session leading up to the game. Otherwise, if you get your head caught around that, it’s easy to lose focus on the individual game coming up.”

Following Saturday’s match, SAFC will host the Austin Bold at Toyota Field in a midweek matchup on Wednesday.

San Antonio FC hits the road for what has to be one of the more interesting matches of the 2020 season. Not only is SAFC facing an opponent outside of Group D for just the second time, but the club has a chance to clinch its first playoff berth since 2017 with a victory. Standing in their way is a talented El Paso Locomotive side that will be pushed by their home crowd at Southwest University Park.

SAFC is looking to extend their current 11 game unbeaten streak along with their four-game win streak. Over the course of the last four matches, SAFC has outscored their opponents 12-2 to take all 12 points available, which helped build the current 12-point lead in the Group D standings. El Paso represents just the second opponent of 2020 outside of the group that SAFC will face with the first coming back in March, pre-hiatus, when SAFC defeated the Real Monarchs at Toyota Field.

“El Paso is a very good team,” said SAFC Head Coach Alen Marcina. “They are very well coached with very good players. We know they are going to bring their A game just like we are.”

El Paso is coming off of a huge 3-2 win over group rivals New Mexico United last weekend. The victory pulled El Paso within two points of the Group C lead, meaning a win against the unbeaten San Antonio would also carry key points for the home side. The Locos currently stand on 18 points with a 5-2-3 record through their first 10 matches.

As the only remaining undefeated team in the league, San Antonio FC knows they have a target on their back and they always expect everyone’s best performance. This is no different this Saturday in West Texas.

“When you are unbeaten in the league, everyone is going to approach the game hoping to knock you off that pedestal,” said SAFC defender Callum Montgomery. “It’s difficult because you’re going to get the best out of every team, but those are the games we want. They are going to prepare us for playoffs when that comes around. We just try and block out that noise and focus on ourselves.”

A win Saturday would get SAFC into the playoffs – along with at least one home match – for the first time since the club hosted two home games in the 2017 playoffs. Despite being in the playoff mix in the final matches of both the 2018 and 2019 seasons, SAFC fell just short. A clinching win with four games remaining on the schedule would represent quite the accomplishment for the club.

“Obviously we all know what’s at stake tomorrow,” Montgomery added. “It’s something we addressed at the beginning of the week, then we put it to the side and focused on every training session leading up to the game. Otherwise, if you get your head caught around that, it’s easy to lose focus on the individual game coming up.”

Following Saturday’s match, SAFC will host the Austin Bold at Toyota Field in a midweek matchup on Wednesday.

San Antonio FC Head Coach Alen Marcina has been named the USL Championship Coach of the Month for August, the league announced today. Marcina received 41 percent of the overall vote to claim the award.  

"It’s an honor to receive this award,” Marcina said. “To me, this is a team award and serves as recognition of the collective commitment of all players and staff. I am blessed to work alongside high-character and high-performing people who share our values and vision, and who are committed to upholding the daily standards set forth by the team."

Marcina led SAFC to a 5-0-2 record over seven August matches, outscoring opponents 17-4 during that span. San Antonio’s five wins last month were tied for the most in the league and were also the most wins in a single month for the club since they compiled a 5-0-1 record in April of 2017. The 17 goals scored in a single month also tied a club record that was also set in April of 2017.

So far in 2020, San Antonio FC is tied for the most points in the league with 27 after compiling an 8-0-3 record in 11 matches. San Antonio’s 23 goals scored come in at fourth in the USL Championship, while the club is tied for first with just seven goals conceded. Should SAFC defeat El Paso Locomotive FC this Saturday, the club would win Group D and clinch its first playoff berth since 2017.

The Coach of the Month honor marks the first for an SAFC coach in club history, and the first for Marcina in his coaching career. The USL Championship’s Coach of the Month award is voted upon by the USL Championship National Media Panel and the USL Championship Technical Committee, with each group responsible for 50 percent of the overall vote.

San Antonio FC Head Coach Alen Marcina has been named the USL Championship Coach of the Month for August, the league announced today. Marcina received 41 percent of the overall vote to claim the award.  

“It’s an honor to receive this award,” Marcina said. “To me, this is a team award and serves as recognition of the collective commitment of all players and staff. I am blessed to work alongside high-character and high-performing people who share our values and vision, and who are committed to upholding the daily standards set forth by the team.”

Marcina led SAFC to a 5-0-2 record over seven August matches, outscoring opponents 17-4 during that span. San Antonio’s five wins last month were tied for the most in the league and were also the most wins in a single month for the club since they compiled a 5-0-1 record in April of 2017. The 17 goals scored in a single month also tied a club record that was also set in April of 2017.

So far in 2020, San Antonio FC is tied for the most points in the league with 27 after compiling an 8-0-3 record in 11 matches. San Antonio’s 23 goals scored come in at fourth in the USL Championship, while the club is tied for first with just seven goals conceded. Should SAFC defeat El Paso Locomotive FC this Saturday, the club would win Group D and clinch its first playoff berth since 2017.

The Coach of the Month honor marks the first for an SAFC coach in club history, and the first for Marcina in his coaching career. The USL Championship’s Coach of the Month award is voted upon by the USL Championship National Media Panel and the USL Championship Technical Committee, with each group responsible for 50 percent of the overall vote.

San Antonio FC Head Coach Alen Marcina has been named the USL Championship Coach of the Month for August, the league announced today. Marcina received 41 percent of the overall vote to claim the award.  

"It’s an honor to receive this award,” Marcina said. “To me, this is a team award and serves as recognition of the collective commitment of all players and staff. I am blessed to work alongside high-character and high-performing people who share our values and vision, and who are committed to upholding the daily standards set forth by the team."

Marcina led SAFC to a 5-0-2 record over seven August matches, outscoring opponents 17-4 during that span. San Antonio’s five wins last month were tied for the most in the league and were also the most wins in a single month for the club since they compiled a 5-0-1 record in April of 2017. The 17 goals scored in a single month also tied a club record that was also set in April of 2017.

So far in 2020, San Antonio FC is tied for the most points in the league with 27 after compiling an 8-0-3 record in 11 matches. San Antonio’s 23 goals scored come in at fourth in the USL Championship, while the club is tied for first with just seven goals conceded. Should SAFC defeat El Paso Locomotive FC this Saturday, the club would win Group D and clinch its first playoff berth since 2017.

The Coach of the Month honor marks the first for an SAFC coach in club history, and the first for Marcina in his coaching career. The USL Championship’s Coach of the Month award is voted upon by the USL Championship National Media Panel and the USL Championship Technical Committee, with each group responsible for 50 percent of the overall vote.

San Antonio FC Head Coach Alen Marcina has been named the USL Championship Coach of the Month for August, the league announced today. Marcina received 41 percent of the overall vote to claim the award.  

“It’s an honor to receive this award,” Marcina said. “To me, this is a team award and serves as recognition of the collective commitment of all players and staff. I am blessed to work alongside high-character and high-performing people who share our values and vision, and who are committed to upholding the daily standards set forth by the team.”

Marcina led SAFC to a 5-0-2 record over seven August matches, outscoring opponents 17-4 during that span. San Antonio’s five wins last month were tied for the most in the league and were also the most wins in a single month for the club since they compiled a 5-0-1 record in April of 2017. The 17 goals scored in a single month also tied a club record that was also set in April of 2017.

So far in 2020, San Antonio FC is tied for the most points in the league with 27 after compiling an 8-0-3 record in 11 matches. San Antonio’s 23 goals scored come in at fourth in the USL Championship, while the club is tied for first with just seven goals conceded. Should SAFC defeat El Paso Locomotive FC this Saturday, the club would win Group D and clinch its first playoff berth since 2017.

The Coach of the Month honor marks the first for an SAFC coach in club history, and the first for Marcina in his coaching career. The USL Championship’s Coach of the Month award is voted upon by the USL Championship National Media Panel and the USL Championship Technical Committee, with each group responsible for 50 percent of the overall vote.

San Antonio FC (8-0-3) beat RGV FC (0-8-3) 3-2 at Toyota Field on Saturday night. The fastest goal in SAFC history scored by Luis Solignac along with goals from Hunter Gorskie and Ignacio Bailone earned the Alamo City club another home victory with fans in attendance for the first time since the season restart.

“I’m very happy with the guys tonight to remain undefeated through 11 games,” said SAFC Head Coach Alen Marcina. “It’s a big accomplishment in itself. RGV is a team that battles and fights for 90 minutes. They are a very difficult team to play, and I have a ton of respect for their staff and their players. They make it a tough challenge – we knew that going into this game. We were relentless in our preparation and the guys earned the three points. I’m proud of them.”

Solignac scored just nine seconds into the match after capitalizing on a defensive mistake by the visitors. The Argentinian’s sixth goal of the season marks the fastest in San Antonio FC history and is tied for the fastest goal in USL Championship history along with Tacoma Defiance’s Justin Dhillon for a goal scored on May 19, 2019. Solignac also recorded an assist on the night en route to an SWBC Man of the Match performance.

The visitors equalized just 10 minutes in before SAFC regained the lead in the 17th minute after Gorskie re-directed a shot from defender Connor Maloney to beat the keeper off a set piece. The Alamo City club struck again in the 22nd minute after Solignac played a ball to Bailone with flair to find him in on goal. The Argentine striker then slotted the ball into the net to score his third goal of the campaign. 

RGV FC scored again in the 59th minute but were ultimately unable to find the equalizer.

SAFC forward Fabrizio Bernal made his professional debut on the night, marking the fifth SAFC Pro Academy product to make his USL Championship debut. Bernal spent 13 months with the academy prior to earning his first league appearance for the club.

San Antonio FC remains the only undefeated team in the league this season and will return to USL Championship action on Saturday, Sept. 12 at 8:30 p.m. as they travel to face El Paso Locomotive FC in the club’s only other matchup with an opponent outside of Group D.

Scoring Summary:

SAFC: 1-0, Luis Solignac 1’

RGVFC: 1-1, Kyle Edwards (Ian Hoffman assist) 10’

SAFC: 2-1, Hunter Gorskei (Connor Maloney assist) 17’

SAFC: 3-1, Ignacio Bailone (Luis Solignac assist) 22’

RGVFC: 3-2, Deshane Beckford (Luka Prpa assist) 59’

Disciplinary Summary:

SAFC: Yellow Card (Cristian Parano) 81’

RGVFC: Yellow Card (James Murphy) 83’

Attendance: 813 (socially distanced)

SAFC Starting XI: GK: Matthew Cardone; D: Connor Maloney, Mitchell Taintor, Hunter Gorskie, Joshua Yaro (c), Blake Smith; M: PC, Jose Gallegos (Hayden Partain 75’); F: Gonzalo Di Renzo (Cristian Parano 66’), Ignacio Bailone (Fabrizio Bernal 87’), Luis Solignac

Substitutions not used: Carlos Mercado, Kai Greene, Santiago Viera, Leo Torres

Postgame Notes:

• San Antonio FC extended its unbeaten streak to 11 matches, which is the second-longest in team history (14 matches – 2017)…SAFC ends season with a 3-0-1 record against RGV FC in 2020, the first season the two sides met four times since 2016
• San Antonio FC forward Luis Solignac opened the scoring in the first minute, recording the fastest goal in club history (0:09 seconds)…the goal is tied for the fastest in USL Championship history with Justin Dhillon of the Tacoma Defiance who scored nine seconds in on 5/19/19…the goal beat out the previous fastest for SAFC which came at the 0:32 mark thanks to a Real Monarchs own goal on 7/21/18 at Toyota Field
• Solignac was named the SWBC Man of the Match after he recorded his team-leading sixth goal of the season…Solignac also added an assist, six shots, two shots on target and one key pass
• SAFC scored three goals in the first half, tying their single-half record all-time…marks the second time this season and fifth all-time that the club has scored three goals in a single half
• SAFC forward Ignacio Bailone scored his third goal of the season while defender Hunter Gorskie scored his first goal for the club…defender Connor Maloney recorded his first assist of the season
• SAFC forward Fabrizio Bernal made his club debut, playing four minutes as a second-half substitute…Bernal became the fifth SAFC Pro Academy player to appear for the first team in a regular season match

San Antonio FC (8-0-3) beat RGV FC (0-8-3) 3-2 at Toyota Field on Saturday night. The fastest goal in SAFC history scored by Luis Solignac along with goals from Hunter Gorskie and Ignacio Bailone earned the Alamo City club another home victory with fans in attendance for the first time since the season restart.

“I’m very happy with the guys tonight to remain undefeated through 11 games,” said SAFC Head Coach Alen Marcina. “It’s a big accomplishment in itself. RGV is a team that battles and fights for 90 minutes. They are a very difficult team to play, and I have a ton of respect for their staff and their players. They make it a tough challenge – we knew that going into this game. We were relentless in our preparation and the guys earned the three points. I’m proud of them.”

Solignac scored just nine seconds into the match after capitalizing on a defensive mistake by the visitors. The Argentinian’s sixth goal of the season marks the fastest in San Antonio FC history and is tied for the fastest goal in USL Championship history along with Tacoma Defiance’s Justin Dhillon for a goal scored on May 19, 2019. Solignac also recorded an assist on the night en route to an SWBC Man of the Match performance.

The visitors equalized just 10 minutes in before SAFC regained the lead in the 17th minute after Gorskie re-directed a shot from defender Connor Maloney to beat the keeper off a set piece. The Alamo City club struck again in the 22nd minute after Solignac played a ball to Bailone with flair to find him in on goal. The Argentine striker then slotted the ball into the net to score his third goal of the campaign. 

RGV FC scored again in the 59th minute but were ultimately unable to find the equalizer.

SAFC forward Fabrizio Bernal made his professional debut on the night, marking the fifth SAFC Pro Academy product to make his USL Championship debut. Bernal spent 13 months with the academy prior to earning his first league appearance for the club.

San Antonio FC remains the only undefeated team in the league this season and will return to USL Championship action on Saturday, Sept. 12 at 8:30 p.m. as they travel to face El Paso Locomotive FC in the club’s only other matchup with an opponent outside of Group D.

Scoring Summary:

SAFC: 1-0, Luis Solignac 1’

RGVFC: 1-1, Kyle Edwards (Ian Hoffman assist) 10’

SAFC: 2-1, Hunter Gorskei (Connor Maloney assist) 17’

SAFC: 3-1, Ignacio Bailone (Luis Solignac assist) 22’

RGVFC: 3-2, Deshane Beckford (Luka Prpa assist) 59’

Disciplinary Summary:

SAFC: Yellow Card (Cristian Parano) 81’

RGVFC: Yellow Card (James Murphy) 83’

Attendance: 813 (socially distanced)

SAFC Starting XI: GK: Matthew Cardone; D: Connor Maloney, Mitchell Taintor, Hunter Gorskie, Joshua Yaro (c), Blake Smith; M: PC, Jose Gallegos (Hayden Partain 75’); F: Gonzalo Di Renzo (Cristian Parano 66’), Ignacio Bailone (Fabrizio Bernal 87’), Luis Solignac

Substitutions not used: Carlos Mercado, Kai Greene, Santiago Viera, Leo Torres

Postgame Notes:

• San Antonio FC extended its unbeaten streak to 11 matches, which is the second-longest in team history (14 matches – 2017)…SAFC ends season with a 3-0-1 record against RGV FC in 2020, the first season the two sides met four times since 2016
• San Antonio FC forward Luis Solignac opened the scoring in the first minute, recording the fastest goal in club history (0:09 seconds)…the goal is tied for the fastest in USL Championship history with Justin Dhillon of the Tacoma Defiance who scored nine seconds in on 5/19/19…the goal beat out the previous fastest for SAFC which came at the 0:32 mark thanks to a Real Monarchs own goal on 7/21/18 at Toyota Field
• Solignac was named the SWBC Man of the Match after he recorded his team-leading sixth goal of the season…Solignac also added an assist, six shots, two shots on target and one key pass
• SAFC scored three goals in the first half, tying their single-half record all-time…marks the second time this season and fifth all-time that the club has scored three goals in a single half
• SAFC forward Ignacio Bailone scored his third goal of the season while defender Hunter Gorskie scored his first goal for the club…defender Connor Maloney recorded his first assist of the season
• SAFC forward Fabrizio Bernal made his club debut, playing four minutes as a second-half substitute…Bernal became the fifth SAFC Pro Academy player to appear for the first team in a regular season match

Despite the familiar opponent, Saturday’s San Antonio FC match at Toyota Field will have a different feel to it. For the first time since March – since before the COVID-19 health pandemic – SAFC will host a home match with fans in the building. With everyone’s health and safety the top priority, SAFC will host a 25 percent capacity stadium with new social distancing guidelines and other protocols as they face RGV FC in the club’s 11th match of the season.

Although the club has played in front of some fans on the road in 2020, it’s been since the season opener on March 7 since fans have witnessed an SAFC match at Toyota Field. In that game, over 7,000 supporters witnessed a 1-0 victory by San Antonio over the Real Monarchs. This weekend, the fans return and SAFC is hoping for a similar outcome.

“It’s been a couple months since we’ve seen our fans,” said SAFC forward Jose Gallegos. “Every time we play at home and they are there, the support is amazing. They push us on to win the game, and I feel like that’s going to happen this weekend.”

The fans will recognize the familiar opponent on Saturday with SAFC playing RGV for the fourth time this season. It marks the first time these two sides have met on four occasions in a single season since 2016. That year, SAFC was 0-3-1 against the Toros, however a win on Saturday would reverse that record and give SAFC the 3-0-1 finish against RGV in 2020. The two sides played in the Valley last Friday with SAFC taking home three points after a 3-1 win and a Man of the Match performance from defender Blake Smith.

Despite RGV still looking for their first win, the side continues to take every match to the final minutes. The Toros narrowly lost to FC Tulsa 1-2 midweek on Wednesday but will travel to SAFC read to put up a fight.

These two teams know each other well and both will be prepared for what’s coming. However, SAFC might have that added benefit with their fans back in the building to cheer them on.

“We are very excited,” SAFC Head Coach Alen Marcina said about the fans. “We know as a club we have protocols in place to keep ours fans safe. We’ve gone all year putting our best foot forward to try and compete for three points, and now we get to do it in front of our fans, so we are very excited.”

Despite the familiar opponent, Saturday’s San Antonio FC match at Toyota Field will have a different feel to it. For the first time since March – since before the COVID-19 health pandemic – SAFC will host a home match with fans in the building. With everyone’s health and safety the top priority, SAFC will host a 25 percent capacity stadium with new social distancing guidelines and other protocols as they face RGV FC in the club’s 11th match of the season.

Although the club has played in front of some fans on the road in 2020, it’s been since the season opener on March 7 since fans have witnessed an SAFC match at Toyota Field. In that game, over 7,000 supporters witnessed a 1-0 victory by San Antonio over the Real Monarchs. This weekend, the fans return and SAFC is hoping for a similar outcome.

“It’s been a couple months since we’ve seen our fans,” said SAFC forward Jose Gallegos. “Every time we play at home and they are there, the support is amazing. They push us on to win the game, and I feel like that’s going to happen this weekend.”

The fans will recognize the familiar opponent on Saturday with SAFC playing RGV for the fourth time this season. It marks the first time these two sides have met on four occasions in a single season since 2016. That year, SAFC was 0-3-1 against the Toros, however a win on Saturday would reverse that record and give SAFC the 3-0-1 finish against RGV in 2020. The two sides played in the Valley last Friday with SAFC taking home three points after a 3-1 win and a Man of the Match performance from defender Blake Smith.

Despite RGV still looking for their first win, the side continues to take every match to the final minutes. The Toros narrowly lost to FC Tulsa 1-2 midweek on Wednesday but will travel to SAFC read to put up a fight.

These two teams know each other well and both will be prepared for what’s coming. However, SAFC might have that added benefit with their fans back in the building to cheer them on.

“We are very excited,” SAFC Head Coach Alen Marcina said about the fans. “We know as a club we have protocols in place to keep ours fans safe. We’ve gone all year putting our best foot forward to try and compete for three points, and now we get to do it in front of our fans, so we are very excited.”

San Antonio FC (7-0-3) beat RGV FC (0-7-3) 3-1 at H-E-B Park on Friday night. Goals from Blake Smith, Luis Solignac and Gonzalo Di Renzo earned the Alamo City club three points on the road to earn their third consecutive win and remain undefeated in 2020.

“Hats off to RGV for 90-plus minutes,” said SAFC Head Coach Alen Marcina. “They made it very difficult and very challenging for us. It wasn’t our best performance; we will accept that, and we’ll learn. We will look at some of the things we did well and things we need to improve on and sharpen. But overall, the team demonstrated their grit and we are proud of them for that.”

SAFC opened the scoring in the third minute of the match when Smith found the end of a pass from midfielder Zachary Herivaux inside the hosts’ box and buried it far-post with his right foot. The goal marked Smith’s second of the season and marked the start of an SWBC Man of the Match performance for the Boerne native.

The Alamo City club doubled their lead in the 20th minute after Smith found Solignac inside the box with a cross, which the Argentinian striker finished to record his team-leading fifth goal of the season. SAFC sealed the win in in the dying moments of the match when forward Gonzalo Di Renzo stole the ball from goalkeeper Paul Blanchette and took the ball into an open net in the 90th minute to make it 3-1.

During the match, the players stopped play from the 7:00 minute mark to 8:46. Both teams came together at the center circle. 7:00 represented the number of times Jacob Blake was shot by police, and 8:46 represented how long Derek Chauvin knelt on George Floyd’s neck.

San Antonio FC will return to USL Championship action on Saturday, Sept. 5 at 8 p.m. as the club hosts RGV FC at Toyota Field in the fourth edition of the South Texas Derby. The match will mark the first time since the season resumption that SAFC will host a limited number of Season Ticket Members at the match.

Scoring Summary:

SAFC: 1-0, Blake Smith (Zach Herivaux assist) 3’

SAFC: 2-0, Luis Solignac (Blake Smith assist) 20’

RGVFC: 2-1, Robert Castellanos (Christian Lucatero assist) 35’

SAFC: 3-1, Gonzalo Di Renzo 90’

Disciplinary Summary:

SAFC: Yellow Card (Mitch Taintor) 30’

SAFC: Yellow Card (PC) 41’

RGVFC: Yellow Card (Garrett McLaughlin) 45’

SAFC: Yellow Card (Zach Herivaux) 53’

RGVFC: Yellow Card (Robert Castellanos) 65’

SAFC: Yellow Card (Joshua Yaro) 68’

RGVFC: Yellow Card (Ian Hoffman) 80’

RGVFC: Yellow Card (Robert Coronado) 90’

SAFC Starting XI: GK: Matthew Cardone; D: Connor Maloney, Mitchell Taintor, Hunter Gorskie, Joshua Yaro, Blake Smith; M: Zach Herivaux (Hayden Partain 55’), PC, Cristian Parano (Gonzalo Di Renzo 90’); F: Jose Gallegos (Ignacio Bailone 73’), Luis Solignac

Substitutions not used: Carlos Mercado, Santiago Viera, Leo Torres, Josh Ramsey

Postgame Notes:

• San Antonio FC defeated RGV FC to remain unbeaten in 2020…SAFC is now 7-0-3 in the first 10 matches of the season…SAFC improves record to 5-5-5 all-time against RGV
• SAFC defender Blake Smith was named the SWBC Man of the Match after recorded a goal and assist in 90 minutes…Smith added two clearances and one interception in the victory
• SAFC forward Luis Solignac scored his fifth goal for SAFC, which leads the team…Solignac added two shots, two key passes and a 70.6 percent passing accuracy
• San Antonio FC forward Gonzalo Di Renzo scored his third goal of the season off the bench…SAFC midfielder Zach Herivaux added his first assist on the night
• SAFC defender Connor Maloney recorded five tackles, five interceptions, one clearance and three possessions gained in the win…the right wing-back added an 81.1 percent passing accuracy and won 83.3 percent of his duels

San Antonio FC (7-0-3) beat RGV FC (0-7-3) 3-1 at H-E-B Park on Friday night. Goals from Blake Smith, Luis Solignac and Gonzalo Di Renzo earned the Alamo City club three points on the road to earn their third consecutive win and remain undefeated in 2020.

“Hats off to RGV for 90-plus minutes,” said SAFC Head Coach Alen Marcina. “They made it very difficult and very challenging for us. It wasn’t our best performance; we will accept that, and we’ll learn. We will look at some of the things we did well and things we need to improve on and sharpen. But overall, the team demonstrated their grit and we are proud of them for that.”

SAFC opened the scoring in the third minute of the match when Smith found the end of a pass from midfielder Zachary Herivaux inside the hosts’ box and buried it far-post with his right foot. The goal marked Smith’s second of the season and marked the start of an SWBC Man of the Match performance for the Boerne native.

The Alamo City club doubled their lead in the 20th minute after Smith found Solignac inside the box with a cross, which the Argentinian striker finished to record his team-leading fifth goal of the season. SAFC sealed the win in in the dying moments of the match when forward Gonzalo Di Renzo stole the ball from goalkeeper Paul Blanchette and took the ball into an open net in the 90th minute to make it 3-1.

During the match, the players stopped play from the 7:00 minute mark to 8:46. Both teams came together at the center circle. 7:00 represented the number of times Jacob Blake was shot by police, and 8:46 represented how long Derek Chauvin knelt on George Floyd’s neck.

San Antonio FC will return to USL Championship action on Saturday, Sept. 5 at 8 p.m. as the club hosts RGV FC at Toyota Field in the fourth edition of the South Texas Derby. The match will mark the first time since the season resumption that SAFC will host a limited number of Season Ticket Members at the match.

Scoring Summary:

SAFC: 1-0, Blake Smith (Zach Herivaux assist) 3’

SAFC: 2-0, Luis Solignac (Blake Smith assist) 20’

RGVFC: 2-1, Robert Castellanos (Christian Lucatero assist) 35’

SAFC: 3-1, Gonzalo Di Renzo 90’

Disciplinary Summary:

SAFC: Yellow Card (Mitch Taintor) 30’

SAFC: Yellow Card (PC) 41’

RGVFC: Yellow Card (Garrett McLaughlin) 45’

SAFC: Yellow Card (Zach Herivaux) 53’

RGVFC: Yellow Card (Robert Castellanos) 65’

SAFC: Yellow Card (Joshua Yaro) 68’

RGVFC: Yellow Card (Ian Hoffman) 80’

RGVFC: Yellow Card (Robert Coronado) 90’

SAFC Starting XI: GK: Matthew Cardone; D: Connor Maloney, Mitchell Taintor, Hunter Gorskie, Joshua Yaro, Blake Smith; M: Zach Herivaux (Hayden Partain 55’), PC, Cristian Parano (Gonzalo Di Renzo 90’); F: Jose Gallegos (Ignacio Bailone 73’), Luis Solignac

Substitutions not used: Carlos Mercado, Santiago Viera, Leo Torres, Josh Ramsey

Postgame Notes:

• San Antonio FC defeated RGV FC to remain unbeaten in 2020…SAFC is now 7-0-3 in the first 10 matches of the season…SAFC improves record to 5-5-5 all-time against RGV
• SAFC defender Blake Smith was named the SWBC Man of the Match after recorded a goal and assist in 90 minutes…Smith added two clearances and one interception in the victory
• SAFC forward Luis Solignac scored his fifth goal for SAFC, which leads the team…Solignac added two shots, two key passes and a 70.6 percent passing accuracy
• San Antonio FC forward Gonzalo Di Renzo scored his third goal of the season off the bench…SAFC midfielder Zach Herivaux added his first assist on the night
• SAFC defender Connor Maloney recorded five tackles, five interceptions, one clearance and three possessions gained in the win…the right wing-back added an 81.1 percent passing accuracy and won 83.3 percent of his duels