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San Antonio FC will host Corinthians FC SA at Toyota Field in the second round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on Wednesday, May 18 at 7:30 p.m. The match marks the first in the Open Cup for San Antonio FC and the first time the two clubs face off since a preseason friendly in March.

SAFC will head into the midweek match after traveling to Oklahoma City last weekend in USL league play, where the team tied 1-1 against OKC Energy FC with a lone goal from Danny Garcia. SWBC Man of the Match Sam McBride was also named to the USL Team of the Week following the game.

Corinthians FC SA progressed into the second round of the Open Cup after their first round opponents, NTX Rayados, were disqualified from the tournament the night before their match. Corinthians have lost both of their matches in the NPSL regular season thus far.

SAFC beat Corinthians FC SA 2-1 in a closed-door preseason match earlier this year. The victory came thanks to goals from forward Jason Johnson and a trialist. The team will now look to earn a win and progress to the third round, where they will face the winner of Des Moines Menace vs. Tulsa Roughnecks FC.

Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Round 2 – San Antonio FC vs. Corinthians FC SA

Date: Wednesday, May 18

Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. central

Stadium: Toyota Field (San Antonio, TX)

All-time Series: The Open Cup match marks the first official meeting between the two clubs, however San Antonio FC defeated Corinthians FC 2-1 in a closed-door preseason friendly earlier this year.

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Media Information:

2016 SAFC Media Guide

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Facebook: San Antonio FC

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Hashtags: #OurClub, #OKCvSA

San Antonio FC will host Corinthians FC SA at Toyota Field in the second round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on Wednesday, May 18 at 7:30 p.m. The match marks the first in the Open Cup for San Antonio FC and the first time the two clubs face off since a preseason friendly in March.

SAFC will head into the midweek match after traveling to Oklahoma City last weekend in USL league play, where the team tied 1-1 against OKC Energy FC with a lone goal from Danny Garcia. SWBC Man of the Match Sam McBride was also named to the USL Team of the Week following the game.

Corinthians FC SA progressed into the second round of the Open Cup after their first round opponents, NTX Rayados, were disqualified from the tournament the night before their match. Corinthians have lost both of their matches in the NPSL regular season thus far.

SAFC beat Corinthians FC SA 2-1 in a closed-door preseason match earlier this year. The victory came thanks to goals from forward Jason Johnson and a trialist. The team will now look to earn a win and progress to the third round, where they will face the winner of Des Moines Menace vs. Tulsa Roughnecks FC.

Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Round 2 – San Antonio FC vs. Corinthians FC SA

Date: Wednesday, May 18

Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. central

Stadium: Toyota Field (San Antonio, TX)

All-time Series: The Open Cup match marks the first official meeting between the two clubs, however San Antonio FC defeated Corinthians FC 2-1 in a closed-door preseason friendly earlier this year.

Follow:

Twitter

Facebook

Media Information:

2016 SAFC Media Guide

Social Media Information:

Twitter: @SanAntonioFC

Snapchat: SanAntonioFC

Facebook: San Antonio FC

Instagram: @sanantoniofc

Hashtags: #OurClub, #OKCvSA

San Antonio FC rookie defender Sam McBride has been named to the USL Team of the Week for his performance against OKC Energy FC on May 15, the USL announced this afternoon. McBride played 90 minutes and was named the SWBC Man of the Match after helping SAFC earn a hard fought point on the road.

“As a rookie it’s pretty cool to be included in the Team of the Week and get my name out there,” said McBride. “I’m not happy that we weren’t able to claim all three points in Oklahoma City, but I thought we played well as a team and defended well to earn a draw.”

McBride has tallied 630 minutes played and has started and played 90 minutes in seven of eight San Antonio FC matches this season. The rookie signed for SAFC in February of this year after spending four years at Elon University where he played under current SAFC Head Coach Darren Powell for three seasons. McBride was named to the North Carolina Collegiate Sports Information Associations All-State Second Team following his senior season at Elon.

The full USL Team of the Week:

GK – Mauricio Vargas, Pittsburgh Riverhounds

D – Sam McBride, San Antonio FC

D – Nick Hagglund, Toronto FC II

D – Michael Gallagher, Portland Timbers 2

M – George Davis IV, Louisville City FC

M – Maikel Chang, Charleston Battery

M – Alphonso Davies, Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2

M – Jimmy McLaughlin, FC Cincinnati

M – Tommy Thompson, Sacramento Republic FC

F – Kyle Greig, Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2

F – Tyler Pasher, Swope Park Rangers

Bench: Devala Gorrick (COS), Shawn Ferguson (CHS), Austin Martz (WIL), Mauro Manotas (RGV), Jose Villarreal (LA), Danni König (OKC), Cameron Lancaster (LOU)

San Antonio FC will host Corinthians FC on Wednesday, May 18 at 7:30 p.m. at Toyota Field in the second round of the Lamar Hunt U.S Open Cup. SAFC will then host the OKC Energy FC on Saturday, May 21 at 7:30 p.m for the second consecutive league match against the Energy. Tickets to both matches can be purchased at www.sanantoniofc.com or by calling 210-444-5MLS.

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 rookie defender Sam McBride has been named to the USL Team of the Week for his performance against OKC Energy FC on May 15, the USL announced this afternoon. McBride played 90 minutes and was named the SWBC Man of the Match after helping SAFC earn a hard fought point on the road.

“As a rookie it’s pretty cool to be included in the Team of the Week and get my name out there,” said McBride. “I’m not happy that we weren’t able to claim all three points in Oklahoma City, but I thought we played well as a team and defended well to earn a draw.”

McBride has tallied 630 minutes played and has started and played 90 minutes in seven of eight San Antonio FC matches this season. The rookie signed for SAFC in February of this year after spending four years at Elon University where he played under current SAFC Head Coach Darren Powell for three seasons. McBride was named to the North Carolina Collegiate Sports Information Associations All-State Second Team following his senior season at Elon.

The full USL Team of the Week:

GK – Mauricio Vargas, Pittsburgh Riverhounds

D – Sam McBride, San Antonio FC

D – Nick Hagglund, Toronto FC II

D – Michael Gallagher, Portland Timbers 2

M – George Davis IV, Louisville City FC

M – Maikel Chang, Charleston Battery

M – Alphonso Davies, Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2

M – Jimmy McLaughlin, FC Cincinnati

M – Tommy Thompson, Sacramento Republic FC

F – Kyle Greig, Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2

F – Tyler Pasher, Swope Park Rangers

Bench: Devala Gorrick (COS), Shawn Ferguson (CHS), Austin Martz (WIL), Mauro Manotas (RGV), Jose Villarreal (LA), Danni König (OKC), Cameron Lancaster (LOU)

San Antonio FC will host Corinthians FC on Wednesday, May 18 at 7:30 p.m. at Toyota Field in the second round of the Lamar Hunt U.S Open Cup. SAFC will then host the OKC Energy FC on Saturday, May 21 at 7:30 p.m for the second consecutive league match against the Energy. Tickets to both matches can be purchased at www.sanantoniofc.com or by calling 210-444-5MLS.

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 played to a 1-1 draw against OKC Energy FC at Taft Stadium on Sunday. The team earned a point on the road with a goal from Danny Garcia early in the first half. The match marked the first time the two clubs faced each other this season.

“Every point is precious in this league,” said SAFC Head Coach Darren Powell. “I thought the guys fought very hard until the final whistle, showed good character and desire tonight against a very good team from Oklahoma City.”

The first goal of the match came in the 18th minute when an SAFC attack culminated with forward Shawn Chin finding Danny Garcia at the top of the box to slot the ball into the back of the net, giving the visitors the 1-0 lead. The goal was Garcia’s second for the club as Chin notched his first assist.

“The goal was from a really good team play,” said Garcia. “It was probably one of our best passing sequences of the season and I am glad I put it away.”

Nearly twenty minutes later, OKC leveled the score 1-1 after forward Danni König got behind the defense with a through-ball and found himself one-on-one with SAFC goalkeeper Josh Ford. The goal was König’s first of the season.

SAFC had a great chance early in the match, when Manolo Sanchez’ shot found the side netting following a breakaway. OKC had a handful of chances as well, forcing saves from Josh Ford and defender Stephen McCarthy as the Texas native was forced to clear a shot off the line.

The second half of the match remained scoreless despite quality chances from both squads, with neither team able to find the winning goal by the final whistle. 

San Antonio FC and OKC Energy FC will meet for the second consecutive time next week at Toyota Field on Saturday, May 21. SAFC will host Corinthians FC SA prior to their rematch with OKC, when they host the San Antonio club in the U.S. Open Cup on May 18 at 7:30 p.m.

Scoring Summary:

SAFC 0-1: Danny Garcia ’18 (Shawn Chin assist)

OKC 1-1: Danny Konig ’37 (Coy Craft assist)

SAFC Starting XI: GK: Josh Ford (c); D: Milton Palacios, Stephen McCarthy, Sam McBride, Greg Cochrane; M: Sebastien Thuriere, Rafa Castillo (Bobby Moseley ’83), Carlos Alvarez, Danny Garcia (Miguel Salazar ’58); F: Manolo Sanchez, Shawn Chin (Jason Johnson ’68)

Substitutions Not Used: Victor Araujo, Matt Cardone, Biko Bradnock-Brennan, Jacques Francois

Postgame Notes:

• San Antonio FC recorded their third draw of the season Sunday against the OKC Energy FC…marked the first draw since 4/13 at LA Galaxy II and the second total draw on the road
• SAFC midfielder Danny Garcia made his first start since 4/16 at OC Blues, and scored his second goal of the season in the first half…Garcia did not tally any goals in 15 games with Arizona United last season while on loan from FC Dallas
• After scoring two goals in his first two starts of the season, SAFC forward Shawn Chin recorded his first assist for the club when his first half pass found Danny Garcia for the game’s opening goal…Chin recorded three assists in 24 games with the Fort Lauderdale Strikers (NASL) last season
• San Antonio FC captain Josh Ford returned to the starting lineup after missing the 5/7 match vs. RGV FC due to illness
• SAFC defender Sam McBride was named the SWBC Man of the Match after helping the Alamo City defense hold OKC to a one-goal draw on the road…McBride is in his first pro season out of Elon University

San Antonio FC played to a 1-1 draw against OKC Energy FC at Taft Stadium on Sunday. The team earned a point on the road with a goal from Danny Garcia early in the first half. The match marked the first time the two clubs faced each other this season.

“Every point is precious in this league,” said SAFC Head Coach Darren Powell. “I thought the guys fought very hard until the final whistle, showed good character and desire tonight against a very good team from Oklahoma City.”

The first goal of the match came in the 18th minute when an SAFC attack culminated with forward Shawn Chin finding Danny Garcia at the top of the box to slot the ball into the back of the net, giving the visitors the 1-0 lead. The goal was Garcia’s second for the club as Chin notched his first assist.

“The goal was from a really good team play,” said Garcia. “It was probably one of our best passing sequences of the season and I am glad I put it away.”

Nearly twenty minutes later, OKC leveled the score 1-1 after forward Danni König got behind the defense with a through-ball and found himself one-on-one with SAFC goalkeeper Josh Ford. The goal was König’s first of the season.

SAFC had a great chance early in the match, when Manolo Sanchez’ shot found the side netting following a breakaway. OKC had a handful of chances as well, forcing saves from Josh Ford and defender Stephen McCarthy as the Texas native was forced to clear a shot off the line.

The second half of the match remained scoreless despite quality chances from both squads, with neither team able to find the winning goal by the final whistle. 

San Antonio FC and OKC Energy FC will meet for the second consecutive time next week at Toyota Field on Saturday, May 21. SAFC will host Corinthians FC SA prior to their rematch with OKC, when they host the San Antonio club in the U.S. Open Cup on May 18 at 7:30 p.m.

Scoring Summary:

SAFC 0-1: Danny Garcia ’18 (Shawn Chin assist)

OKC 1-1: Danny Konig ’37 (Coy Craft assist)

SAFC Starting XI: GK: Josh Ford (c); D: Milton Palacios, Stephen McCarthy, Sam McBride, Greg Cochrane; M: Sebastien Thuriere, Rafa Castillo (Bobby Moseley ’83), Carlos Alvarez, Danny Garcia (Miguel Salazar ’58); F: Manolo Sanchez, Shawn Chin (Jason Johnson ’68)

Substitutions Not Used: Victor Araujo, Matt Cardone, Biko Bradnock-Brennan, Jacques Francois

Postgame Notes:

• San Antonio FC recorded their third draw of the season Sunday against the OKC Energy FC…marked the first draw since 4/13 at LA Galaxy II and the second total draw on the road
• SAFC midfielder Danny Garcia made his first start since 4/16 at OC Blues, and scored his second goal of the season in the first half…Garcia did not tally any goals in 15 games with Arizona United last season while on loan from FC Dallas
• After scoring two goals in his first two starts of the season, SAFC forward Shawn Chin recorded his first assist for the club when his first half pass found Danny Garcia for the game’s opening goal…Chin recorded three assists in 24 games with the Fort Lauderdale Strikers (NASL) last season
• San Antonio FC captain Josh Ford returned to the starting lineup after missing the 5/7 match vs. RGV FC due to illness
• SAFC defender Sam McBride was named the SWBC Man of the Match after helping the Alamo City defense hold OKC to a one-goal draw on the road…McBride is in his first pro season out of Elon University

San Antonio FC (2-3-2) will play Oklahoma City Energy FC (1-1-3) at Taft Stadium on Sunday, May 15 at 6:00 p.m. The match will be the first time the two clubs meet as San Antonio looks to bounce back from a loss at home last weekend.

Coverage of the match will be available for free at www.sanantoniofc.com and the USL Match Center.

SAFC heads into the match looking for three points after falling 3-2 to Rio Grande Valley FC in stoppage time last weekend. A goal from Manolo Sanchez and one from Shawn Chin were not enough to salvage a point for the club after coming back from a 2-0 deficit.

Forwards Shawn Chin and Jason Johnson are currently leading the San Antonio attack along with midfielder Carlos Alvarez. Together, the players have notched six goals and two assists, accounting for over half of all SAFC goals so far this season.

OKC Energy FC will look to improve their form after earning two draws away from home in their last two matches against Seattle Sounders 2 and Arizona United SC. OKC has recorded one win this season, which they earned at home against Swope Park Rangers on April 23.

San Antonio FC currently sits in ninth place in the league table with two wins, three losses and two ties despite allowing just eight goals out of over 70 total shots attempted by opposition.

OKC has tallied four goals and conceded five in their five total matches this season. Midfielder Sebastian Dalgaard will look anchor the team’s attack on Sunday. The Denmark native has recorded one goal and one assist this season.

San Antonio will return to USL action as they face OKC for the second time on Saturday, May 21, following the club’s debut in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on May 18. SAFC will host Corinthians FC SA in the second round of the tournament.

Game 8 – San Antonio FC at OKC Energy FC

Date: Sunday, May 15

Kickoff: 6 p.m. central

Stadium: Taft Stadium (Oklahoma City, OK)

San Antonio FC: 2-3-2, 8 pts (9th place)

OKC Energy FC: 1-1-3, 6 pts (14th place)

All-time Series: The game marks the first matchup in history between San Antonio FC and Oklahoma City Energy FC

Watch:

www.sanantoniofc.com

USL Match Center

Media Information:

2016 SAFC Media Guide

Social Media Information:

Twitter: @SanAntonioFC

Snapchat: SanAntonioFC

Facebook: San Antonio FC

Instagram: @sanantoniofc

Hashtags: #OurClub, #OKCvSA

San Antonio FC (2-3-2) will play Oklahoma City Energy FC (1-1-3) at Taft Stadium on Sunday, May 15 at 6:00 p.m. The match will be the first time the two clubs meet as San Antonio looks to bounce back from a loss at home last weekend.

Coverage of the match will be available for free at www.sanantoniofc.com and the USL Match Center.

SAFC heads into the match looking for three points after falling 3-2 to Rio Grande Valley FC in stoppage time last weekend. A goal from Manolo Sanchez and one from Shawn Chin were not enough to salvage a point for the club after coming back from a 2-0 deficit.

Forwards Shawn Chin and Jason Johnson are currently leading the San Antonio attack along with midfielder Carlos Alvarez. Together, the players have notched six goals and two assists, accounting for over half of all SAFC goals so far this season.

OKC Energy FC will look to improve their form after earning two draws away from home in their last two matches against Seattle Sounders 2 and Arizona United SC. OKC has recorded one win this season, which they earned at home against Swope Park Rangers on April 23.

San Antonio FC currently sits in ninth place in the league table with two wins, three losses and two ties despite allowing just eight goals out of over 70 total shots attempted by opposition.

OKC has tallied four goals and conceded five in their five total matches this season. Midfielder Sebastian Dalgaard will look anchor the team’s attack on Sunday. The Denmark native has recorded one goal and one assist this season.

San Antonio will return to USL action as they face OKC for the second time on Saturday, May 21, following the club’s debut in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on May 18. SAFC will host Corinthians FC SA in the second round of the tournament.

Game 8 – San Antonio FC at OKC Energy FC

Date: Sunday, May 15

Kickoff: 6 p.m. central

Stadium: Taft Stadium (Oklahoma City, OK)

San Antonio FC: 2-3-2, 8 pts (9th place)

OKC Energy FC: 1-1-3, 6 pts (14th place)

All-time Series: The game marks the first matchup in history between San Antonio FC and Oklahoma City Energy FC

Watch:

www.sanantoniofc.com

USL Match Center

Media Information:

2016 SAFC Media Guide

Social Media Information:

Twitter: @SanAntonioFC

Snapchat: SanAntonioFC

Facebook: San Antonio FC

Instagram: @sanantoniofc

Hashtags: #OurClub, #OKCvSA

San Antonio FC will host Corinthians FC SA (NPSL) in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup second round on Wednesday, May 18 at Toyota Field at 7:30 p.m. The winner of the tie will face the winner of Des Moines Menace (PDL) vs. Tulsa Roughnecks FC (USL) in the third round of the cup.

The match marks the first Open Cup game in San Antonio FC history and the fourth hosted at Toyota Field since the facility opened in 2013. Corinthians FC, who play in the National Premier Soccer League, are also located in San Antonio and play their home matches at Vidrio Soccer Complex.

Corinthians FC will visit Toyota Field after automatically advancing in the first round of the Open Cup, after their opponents, NTX Rayados, were disqualified by U.S. Soccer for not meeting the criteria to participate in the tournament.

The Des Moines Menace and Tulsa Roughnecks FC will face off on May 18 in Iowa to determine the possible opponent for San Antonio FC in the Open Cup third round, should the Alamo City club advance past the second round.

Tickets for the second round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup at Toyota Field on May 18 can be purchased online at www.sanantoniofc.com or by calling 210-444-5MLS. Supporters can also follow along by liking San Antonio FC on Facebook, as well as following the team on Twitter (@SanAntonioFC), Instagram (@sanantoniofc) and Snapchat (@SanAntonioFC). 

The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup is the oldest national soccer competition in American history. Founded in 1914, the knockout-style competition consists of clubs from all tiers of the American soccer pyramid, including MLS, NASL, USL, PDL, NPSL and amateur clubs. In 1999, the competition was named after Hunt who remains one of the most influential pioneers in American soccer history. 

San Antonio FC will host Corinthians FC SA (NPSL) in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup second round on Wednesday, May 18 at Toyota Field at 7:30 p.m. The winner of the tie will face the winner of Des Moines Menace (PDL) vs. Tulsa Roughnecks FC (USL) in the third round of the cup.

The match marks the first Open Cup game in San Antonio FC history and the fourth hosted at Toyota Field since the facility opened in 2013. Corinthians FC, who play in the National Premier Soccer League, are also located in San Antonio and play their home matches at Vidrio Soccer Complex.

Corinthians FC will visit Toyota Field after automatically advancing in the first round of the Open Cup, after their opponents, NTX Rayados, were disqualified by U.S. Soccer for not meeting the criteria to participate in the tournament.

The Des Moines Menace and Tulsa Roughnecks FC will face off on May 18 in Iowa to determine the possible opponent for San Antonio FC in the Open Cup third round, should the Alamo City club advance past the second round.

Tickets for the second round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup at Toyota Field on May 18 can be purchased online at www.sanantoniofc.com or by calling 210-444-5MLS. Supporters can also follow along by liking San Antonio FC on Facebook, as well as following the team on Twitter (@SanAntonioFC), Instagram (@sanantoniofc) and Snapchat (@SanAntonioFC). 

The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup is the oldest national soccer competition in American history. Founded in 1914, the knockout-style competition consists of clubs from all tiers of the American soccer pyramid, including MLS, NASL, USL, PDL, NPSL and amateur clubs. In 1999, the competition was named after Hunt who remains one of the most influential pioneers in American soccer history. 

Scheduling in the USL is a monumental task, as the league figures out logistics for 29 teams spread throughout the United States and Canada without the luxury of chartered flights.

The league had no idea about the stroke of luck it encountered when it released the USL schedule in January, before San Antonio FC officially had a team name.

San Antonio was booked for a home-and-home matchup against the OKC Energy, with a game in Oklahoma City on May 15 and at Toyota Field on May 21. The upcoming games happen to fall while the Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder are facing off in the NBA Western Conference Playoffs.

Will an NBA rivalry bleed over into soccer? SAFC managing director Tim Holt says “absolutely.”

“I think you often see rivalries cut across different sports and even from college to the pros,” Holt said. “When you think Texas and Oklahoma, you think of college football. Now we have Spurs-Thunder too, and now we hope to bring soccer to that border rivalry.”

SAFC will be taking a seven-hour bus ride to Oklahoma City for Sunday’s game at 7 p.m., which will be streaming live on www.sanantoniofc.com. Tickets are also available for the 7:30 p.m. May 21 game at Toyota Field on www.sanantoniofc.com

If last week’s South Texas Derby against the RGV Toros was any indication, rivalry games take the intensity of USL soccer up a few notches.

SAFC and RGV combined for five goals in the final 25 minutes, as RGV pulled out a 3-2 victory with a goal in extra time. As SAFC currently sits mid-table in the Western Conference with eight points, the next two matches against Oklahoma City could catapult the team near the top.

While Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook won’t be on the pitch, there’s still plenty of rooting interest in a soccer version of the Red River Rivalry. The Spurs-Thunder rivalry and their three playoff series in five years has created a relationship between San Antonio and Oklahoma City that soccer supporters said extends past basketball.

OKC Energy owners were so enthusiastic about San Antonio joining the USL that they attended a press conference at Toyota Field when San Antonio’s team was announced.

 “Spurs-Thunder is one of the best rivalries in the NBA, and I hope we can build something like that,” said OKC Energy President Jeff Ewing. “We look forward to seeing that rivalry translate to soccer as well.”

SAFC players including Carlos Alvarez and Bobby Moseley have also prepped for the rivalry by attending a Spurs-Thunder game last week. 

As San Antonio is currently painted Silver & Black for the Spurs, Holt said civic pride is a fundamental element SAFC and most soccer teams. Holt said SAFC has embraced aspects of San Antonio’s identity such as its role as Military City USA, as a family-oriented city and the character of keeping community kindness in one of the nation’s largest cities.

“Soccer is tribal,” Holt said. “It lends itself to fierce geographical rivalries, and there’s just a different level of gravitas in a derby or a match with a bordering state. I think it goes to how the game developed organically around the world. It was always about cities and towns and villages.”

Expect “Go Spurs Go” and “Thunder Up” chants to turn into “S-A-F-C” and whatever one chooses to chant regarding Energy. Expect noise from SAFC fans in Oklahoma City as well. About 30 fans made the trip to Seattle for the SAFC opener, and many said they’re looking forward to road trips.

SAFC received some visiting fans from Tulsa when it beat the Roughnecks on April 30, and RGV had about 100 supporters at last week’s game.

“Traveling to road games is part of the soccer experience,” said Crocketteers President James Hope. “Going on the road and making noise as a united group in another team’s stadium is how supporters groups become known.”

Scheduling in the USL is a monumental task, as the league figures out logistics for 29 teams spread throughout the United States and Canada without the luxury of chartered flights.

The league had no idea about the stroke of luck it encountered when it released the USL schedule in January, before San Antonio FC officially had a team name.

San Antonio was booked for a home-and-home matchup against the OKC Energy, with a game in Oklahoma City on May 15 and at Toyota Field on May 21. The upcoming games happen to fall while the Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder are facing off in the NBA Western Conference Playoffs.

Will an NBA rivalry bleed over into soccer? SAFC managing director Tim Holt says “absolutely.”

“I think you often see rivalries cut across different sports and even from college to the pros,” Holt said. “When you think Texas and Oklahoma, you think of college football. Now we have Spurs-Thunder too, and now we hope to bring soccer to that border rivalry.”

SAFC will be taking a seven-hour bus ride to Oklahoma City for Sunday’s game at 7 p.m., which will be streaming live on www.sanantoniofc.com. Tickets are also available for the 7:30 p.m. May 21 game at Toyota Field on www.sanantoniofc.com

If last week’s South Texas Derby against the RGV Toros was any indication, rivalry games take the intensity of USL soccer up a few notches.

SAFC and RGV combined for five goals in the final 25 minutes, as RGV pulled out a 3-2 victory with a goal in extra time. As SAFC currently sits mid-table in the Western Conference with eight points, the next two matches against Oklahoma City could catapult the team near the top.

While Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook won’t be on the pitch, there’s still plenty of rooting interest in a soccer version of the Red River Rivalry. The Spurs-Thunder rivalry and their three playoff series in five years has created a relationship between San Antonio and Oklahoma City that soccer supporters said extends past basketball.

OKC Energy owners were so enthusiastic about San Antonio joining the USL that they attended a press conference at Toyota Field when San Antonio’s team was announced.

 “Spurs-Thunder is one of the best rivalries in the NBA, and I hope we can build something like that,” said OKC Energy President Jeff Ewing. “We look forward to seeing that rivalry translate to soccer as well.”

SAFC players including Carlos Alvarez and Bobby Moseley have also prepped for the rivalry by attending a Spurs-Thunder game last week. 

As San Antonio is currently painted Silver & Black for the Spurs, Holt said civic pride is a fundamental element SAFC and most soccer teams. Holt said SAFC has embraced aspects of San Antonio’s identity such as its role as Military City USA, as a family-oriented city and the character of keeping community kindness in one of the nation’s largest cities.

“Soccer is tribal,” Holt said. “It lends itself to fierce geographical rivalries, and there’s just a different level of gravitas in a derby or a match with a bordering state. I think it goes to how the game developed organically around the world. It was always about cities and towns and villages.”

Expect “Go Spurs Go” and “Thunder Up” chants to turn into “S-A-F-C” and whatever one chooses to chant regarding Energy. Expect noise from SAFC fans in Oklahoma City as well. About 30 fans made the trip to Seattle for the SAFC opener, and many said they’re looking forward to road trips.

SAFC received some visiting fans from Tulsa when it beat the Roughnecks on April 30, and RGV had about 100 supporters at last week’s game.

“Traveling to road games is part of the soccer experience,” said Crocketteers President James Hope. “Going on the road and making noise as a united group in another team’s stadium is how supporters groups become known.”

San Antonio FC fell 3-2 against Rio Grande Valley FC at Toyota Field on Saturday in the first encounter between the two Texas rivals. Goals from Manolo Sanchez and Shawn Chin erased a two-goal deficit, but were not enough to get points at home.

“I think there’s a lot to learn from, and now we’ll go back to training next week and move on,” said SAFC Head Coach Darren Powell. “We have to get ready for the next match and show some signs of improvement.”

The first goal of the match came halfway through the second 45, when a turnover in the SAFC defense left the ball positioned just right for RGV forward Rob Lovejoy, who capitalized on a one-on-one against goalkeeper Matt Cardone.

RGV FC widened their lead just three minutes later with a goal from forward Mauro Manotas after Leo Ayala’s pass found him in front of goal.

San Antonio FC managed an impressive comeback that started in the 79th minute, when forward Manolo Sanchez scored his first goal for the club from point blank range after an aerial through-ball from Greg Cochrane.

Five minutes later, Shawn Chin scored the equalizer off a loose ball in the box, putting the score level at 2-2. The forward has scored two goals in just two starts for SAFC this season.

The visitors tallied the winner in stoppage time when Lovejoy intercepted a pass and took the ball all the way to goal before scoring.

SAFC defender Biko Bradnock-Brennan made his first start for the club, while San Antonio native Cardone made his debut and first start for the silver and black.

San Antonio FC will return to action away from home next week when they face Oklahoma City Energy FC at Taft Stadium on Saturday, May 14 at 7:30 p.m. The team will look to get three points on the road before returning home the following week to play Energy FC for a second game in a row.

Scoring Summary:

RGVFC: 0-1, Rob Lovejoy ’69 (TJ Casner assist)

RGVFC: 0-2, Mauro Manotas ’72 (Leo Ayala assist)

SAFC: 1-2, Manolo Sanchez ’79 (Greg Cochrane assist)

SAFC: 2-2, Shawn Chin ‘84

RGVFC: 2-3, Rob Lovejoy ‘90

SAFC Starting XI: GK: Matt Cardone; D: Greg Cochrane, Stephen McCarthy Biko Bradnock-Brennan, Bobby Moseley; M: Sebastien Thuriere (Manolo Sanchez ’74), Rafa Castillo (c), Carlos Alvarez (Milton Palacios ’62), Jason Johnson (Danny Garcia ’74), Victor Araujo (Miguel Salazar ’60); F: Shawn Chin

Substitutions Not Used: Lee Johnston, Max Gunderson, Sam McBride

Postgame Notes:

• San Antonio FC lost their first home match of the season, falling to RGVFC 2-3…marked the first of four matchups between the two clubs
• SAFC surrendered a two-goal lead for the first time this season, however the club erased the deficit in the second half, scoring two unanswered goals…the RGVFC winner in stoppage time marked the latest goal given up by SAFC this season
• SAFC defender Biko Bradnock-Brennan made his first start for the club in defense…SAFC goalkeeper Matt Cardone also made his debut, coming in for the injured Josh Ford…Cardone made three saves in 90 minutes
• SAFC forward Shawn Chin scored his second goal in as many games against RGVFC…Chin’s goal equalized the score and helped erase a two-goal deficit…Chin’s two goals this season rank second on the team
• Forward Manolo Sanchez scored his first goal for SAFC in the second half…Sanchez scored four goals for NY Red Bulls 2 last season in 22 appearances

San Antonio FC fell 3-2 against Rio Grande Valley FC at Toyota Field on Saturday in the first encounter between the two Texas rivals. Goals from Manolo Sanchez and Shawn Chin erased a two-goal deficit, but were not enough to get points at home.

“I think there’s a lot to learn from, and now we’ll go back to training next week and move on,” said SAFC Head Coach Darren Powell. “We have to get ready for the next match and show some signs of improvement.”

The first goal of the match came halfway through the second 45, when a turnover in the SAFC defense left the ball positioned just right for RGV forward Rob Lovejoy, who capitalized on a one-on-one against goalkeeper Matt Cardone.

RGV FC widened their lead just three minutes later with a goal from forward Mauro Manotas after Leo Ayala’s pass found him in front of goal.

San Antonio FC managed an impressive comeback that started in the 79th minute, when forward Manolo Sanchez scored his first goal for the club from point blank range after an aerial through-ball from Greg Cochrane.

Five minutes later, Shawn Chin scored the equalizer off a loose ball in the box, putting the score level at 2-2. The forward has scored two goals in just two starts for SAFC this season.

The visitors tallied the winner in stoppage time when Lovejoy intercepted a pass and took the ball all the way to goal before scoring.

SAFC defender Biko Bradnock-Brennan made his first start for the club, while San Antonio native Cardone made his debut and first start for the silver and black.

San Antonio FC will return to action away from home next week when they face Oklahoma City Energy FC at Taft Stadium on Saturday, May 14 at 7:30 p.m. The team will look to get three points on the road before returning home the following week to play Energy FC for a second game in a row.

Scoring Summary:

RGVFC: 0-1, Rob Lovejoy ’69 (TJ Casner assist)

RGVFC: 0-2, Mauro Manotas ’72 (Leo Ayala assist)

SAFC: 1-2, Manolo Sanchez ’79 (Greg Cochrane assist)

SAFC: 2-2, Shawn Chin ‘84

RGVFC: 2-3, Rob Lovejoy ‘90

SAFC Starting XI: GK: Matt Cardone; D: Greg Cochrane, Stephen McCarthy Biko Bradnock-Brennan, Bobby Moseley; M: Sebastien Thuriere (Manolo Sanchez ’74), Rafa Castillo (c), Carlos Alvarez (Milton Palacios ’62), Jason Johnson (Danny Garcia ’74), Victor Araujo (Miguel Salazar ’60); F: Shawn Chin

Substitutions Not Used: Lee Johnston, Max Gunderson, Sam McBride

Postgame Notes:

• San Antonio FC lost their first home match of the season, falling to RGVFC 2-3…marked the first of four matchups between the two clubs
• SAFC surrendered a two-goal lead for the first time this season, however the club erased the deficit in the second half, scoring two unanswered goals…the RGVFC winner in stoppage time marked the latest goal given up by SAFC this season
• SAFC defender Biko Bradnock-Brennan made his first start for the club in defense…SAFC goalkeeper Matt Cardone also made his debut, coming in for the injured Josh Ford…Cardone made three saves in 90 minutes
• SAFC forward Shawn Chin scored his second goal in as many games against RGVFC…Chin’s goal equalized the score and helped erase a two-goal deficit…Chin’s two goals this season rank second on the team
• Forward Manolo Sanchez scored his first goal for SAFC in the second half…Sanchez scored four goals for NY Red Bulls 2 last season in 22 appearances

San Antonio FC (2-2-2) will host Rio Grande Valley FC Toros (2-2-1) at Toyota Field on Saturday, May 7 at 7:30 p.m in the seventh match week of the USL season. The Texas rivals will play against each other for the first time in their inaugural campaigns.

The match will be the first of six televised matches for SAFC, with coverage available on FOX Sports Southwest as well as www.sanantoniofc.com and the USL Match Center.

SAFC heads into the match in good form after earning a comfortable 3-1 home victory against Tulsa Roughnecks FC last week. Goals from Shawn Chin, Rafa Castillo, and Jason Johnson gave San Antonio the win as they played in front of their home crowd for only the second time in franchise history.

RGV FC will look to earn three points after falling 2-0 to league leaders LA Galaxy II last week. The team currently sits in ninth place in the league standings, trailing fifth-place San Antonio by just one point. RGV FC have scored five goals and conceded six this season.

The San Antonio defense will aim to continue their form in the local rivalry. The SAFC back line has allowed just five goals this season despite having to defend over 60 total shots from all opponents combined thus far. In addition, SAFC has yet to allow more than one goal in any of their matches.

RGV FC will strive to add to San Antonio’s two conceded goals at home this season by bringing variety in the attack. The team has recorded 26 total shots on goal this season, and their five goals have all come from different players.

Both teams will look to climb the league standings while securing bragging rights for their respective fans in this first meeting between the clubs. The third home match follows a record-breaking turnout for the club’s home opener on April 9, followed by an attendance of 7,837 last week against the Roughnecks.

Game 7 – San Antonio FC vs. Rio Grande Valley FC Toros

Date: Saturday, May 7

Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. central

Stadium: Toyota Field (San Antonio, TX)

San Antonio FC: 2-2-2, 8 pts (5th place)

Rio Grande Valley FC Toros: 2-2-1, 7 pts (9th place)

All-time Series: The game marks the first matchup in history between San Antonio FC and RGV FC

Watch:

FOX Sports Southwest

www.sanantoniofc.com

USL Match Center

Media Information:

2016 SAFC Media Guide

Social Media Information:

Twitter: @SanAntonioFC

Snapchat: SanAntonioFC

Facebook: San Antonio FC

Instagram: @sanantoniofc

Hashtags: #OurClub, #SAvRGV

San Antonio FC (2-2-2) will host Rio Grande Valley FC Toros (2-2-1) at Toyota Field on Saturday, May 7 at 7:30 p.m in the seventh match week of the USL season. The Texas rivals will play against each other for the first time in their inaugural campaigns.

The match will be the first of six televised matches for SAFC, with coverage available on FOX Sports Southwest as well as www.sanantoniofc.com and the USL Match Center.

SAFC heads into the match in good form after earning a comfortable 3-1 home victory against Tulsa Roughnecks FC last week. Goals from Shawn Chin, Rafa Castillo, and Jason Johnson gave San Antonio the win as they played in front of their home crowd for only the second time in franchise history.

RGV FC will look to earn three points after falling 2-0 to league leaders LA Galaxy II last week. The team currently sits in ninth place in the league standings, trailing fifth-place San Antonio by just one point. RGV FC have scored five goals and conceded six this season.

The San Antonio defense will aim to continue their form in the local rivalry. The SAFC back line has allowed just five goals this season despite having to defend over 60 total shots from all opponents combined thus far. In addition, SAFC has yet to allow more than one goal in any of their matches.

RGV FC will strive to add to San Antonio’s two conceded goals at home this season by bringing variety in the attack. The team has recorded 26 total shots on goal this season, and their five goals have all come from different players.

Both teams will look to climb the league standings while securing bragging rights for their respective fans in this first meeting between the clubs. The third home match follows a record-breaking turnout for the club’s home opener on April 9, followed by an attendance of 7,837 last week against the Roughnecks.

Game 7 – San Antonio FC vs. Rio Grande Valley FC Toros

Date: Saturday, May 7

Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. central

Stadium: Toyota Field (San Antonio, TX)

San Antonio FC: 2-2-2, 8 pts (5th place)

Rio Grande Valley FC Toros: 2-2-1, 7 pts (9th place)

All-time Series: The game marks the first matchup in history between San Antonio FC and RGV FC

Watch:

FOX Sports Southwest

www.sanantoniofc.com

USL Match Center

Media Information:

2016 SAFC Media Guide

Social Media Information:

Twitter: @SanAntonioFC

Snapchat: SanAntonioFC

Facebook: San Antonio FC

Instagram: @sanantoniofc

Hashtags: #OurClub, #SAvRGV

San Antonio FC has signed defender Ryan Roushandel for the 2016 USL season, the club announced today. Per club policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed.

Roushandel, who primarily plays as a center-back, most recently spent time with the Austin Aztex (USL) in 2015 where he made 13 appearances and five starts, playing in 456 minutes of USL action. The Atlanta native also spent time with the Atlanta Silverbacks of the NASL, playing almost 2,000 minutes and scoring a goal in 2014.

“Ryan has worked hard in training with us, and we are glad to finally announce him joining our team,” said SAFC Head Coach Darren Powell. “He shows good leadership skills and has a good personality in the locker room. We are looking forward to working with him this year.”

Aside from his time in the USL and NASL, Roushandel has also played in the first division of Costa Rica, making eight appearances for Brujas from 2009-10 in the Primera Division. The 30-year-old attended college and played soccer at Clemson University before transferring to the University of Central Florida.

 

“It’s a great honor to be a part of this organization,” said Roushandel. “There’s big things happening here and I am so happy to be a part of it. Hopefully I can bring my experience to the club, be a good teammate and help the guys get better each week. I am excited to continue my career, working under coach Powell and being a member of San Antonio FC.”

San Antonio FC will host in-state rivals RGV FC Toros on Saturday, May 7 at 7:30 p.m. at Toyota Field. The match marks the first regular season meeting between the two clubs, who are both in their inaugural seasons. Tickets to the match can be purchased at www.sanantoniofc.com or by calling 210-444-5MLS.

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 has signed defender Ryan Roushandel for the 2016 USL season, the club announced today. Per club policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed.

Roushandel, who primarily plays as a center-back, most recently spent time with the Austin Aztex (USL) in 2015 where he made 13 appearances and five starts, playing in 456 minutes of USL action. The Atlanta native also spent time with the Atlanta Silverbacks of the NASL, playing almost 2,000 minutes and scoring a goal in 2014.

“Ryan has worked hard in training with us, and we are glad to finally announce him joining our team,” said SAFC Head Coach Darren Powell. “He shows good leadership skills and has a good personality in the locker room. We are looking forward to working with him this year.”

Aside from his time in the USL and NASL, Roushandel has also played in the first division of Costa Rica, making eight appearances for Brujas from 2009-10 in the Primera Division. The 30-year-old attended college and played soccer at Clemson University before transferring to the University of Central Florida.

 

“It’s a great honor to be a part of this organization,” said Roushandel. “There’s big things happening here and I am so happy to be a part of it. Hopefully I can bring my experience to the club, be a good teammate and help the guys get better each week. I am excited to continue my career, working under coach Powell and being a member of San Antonio FC.”

San Antonio FC will host in-state rivals RGV FC Toros on Saturday, May 7 at 7:30 p.m. at Toyota Field. The match marks the first regular season meeting between the two clubs, who are both in their inaugural seasons. Tickets to the match can be purchased at www.sanantoniofc.com or by calling 210-444-5MLS.

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).