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In April 1975, San Antonio and Central Texas joined nineteen other cities and regions in the United States with a professional first-division soccer team when the San Antonio Thunder played their first match in the North American Soccer League (NASL). On Friday April 18th, 1975, the Thunder opened their inaugural season at North East Stadium (now Comalander Stadium) in San Antonio against the other team from Texas in the league, the Dallas Tornado.

How a city with no previous experience with top-level professional soccer became part of this league is an interesting story, which unfortunately ended much too soon when the owners of the franchise moved the team to Hawaii after only two seasons. Over the next few months, Texas Soccer Journal plans to bring the Thunder's stories and memories back to life, many of which have never been shared publicly before. The Thunder organization departed in 1976, leaving barely a trace of its existence, but gifted an enduring legacy in local youth soccer that helped lay the groundwork for expansion of the game into local high schools and eventually the return of professional soccer to the city earlier this decade.

This 45 Year Anniversary series begins with a discussion from June 1974 when the franchise rights were awarded to September when the team was named, and first key hires were put in place.

San Antonio has a Soccer History that Extends Back Over 100 Years Ago

According to the American Soccer History Archives, soccer in San Antonio dates to the 1800's, though finding a record of any of this is impossible. Like the rest of Texas, the sport never really took off in the region, but various attempts were made, with some success, to organize teams and leagues around World War I and during the 1920's. Over the years, soccer was mostly played by loosely organized teams in city leagues, many ethnic based, that included squads from military bases and others named after the local businesses who sponsored them. Some of these clubs were involved in what were described as State Championships, involving mostly clubs from DFW, Houston/Galveston and San Antonio. Unfortunately, there were periods where organized soccer appeared to have been almost non-existent because these early leagues couldn't be sustained. Local colleges, including St. Mary's and Trinity, had club teams in the Texas Collegiate Soccer League dating back over 50 years ago. Private and parochial high schools also played the sport beginning in the 1970's and a handful of neighborhoods like Prospect Hill near downtown hosted small youth leagues. Other than that, the city had little interest in the sport, and it is difficult to find many local soccer stories in the San Antonio newspapers until the Thunder's owner Ward Lay was awarded the franchise on June 20th, 1974.

In April 1975, San Antonio and Central Texas joined nineteen other cities and regions in the United States with a professional first-division soccer team when the San Antonio Thunder played their first match in the North American Soccer League (NASL). On Friday April 18th, 1975, the Thunder opened their inaugural season at North East Stadium (now Comalander Stadium) in San Antonio against the other team from Texas in the league, the Dallas Tornado.

How a city with no previous experience with top-level professional soccer became part of this league is an interesting story, which unfortunately ended much too soon when the owners of the franchise moved the team to Hawaii after only two seasons. Over the next few months, Texas Soccer Journal plans to bring the Thunder’s stories and memories back to life, many of which have never been shared publicly before. The Thunder organization departed in 1976, leaving barely a trace of its existence, but gifted an enduring legacy in local youth soccer that helped lay the groundwork for expansion of the game into local high schools and eventually the return of professional soccer to the city earlier this decade.

This 45 Year Anniversary series begins with a discussion from June 1974 when the franchise rights were awarded to September when the team was named, and first key hires were put in place.

San Antonio has a Soccer History that Extends Back Over 100 Years Ago

According to the American Soccer History Archives, soccer in San Antonio dates to the 1800’s, though finding a record of any of this is impossible. Like the rest of Texas, the sport never really took off in the region, but various attempts were made, with some success, to organize teams and leagues around World War I and during the 1920’s. Over the years, soccer was mostly played by loosely organized teams in city leagues, many ethnic based, that included squads from military bases and others named after the local businesses who sponsored them. Some of these clubs were involved in what were described as State Championships, involving mostly clubs from DFW, Houston/Galveston and San Antonio. Unfortunately, there were periods where organized soccer appeared to have been almost non-existent because these early leagues couldn’t be sustained. Local colleges, including St. Mary’s and Trinity, had club teams in the Texas Collegiate Soccer League dating back over 50 years ago. Private and parochial high schools also played the sport beginning in the 1970’s and a handful of neighborhoods like Prospect Hill near downtown hosted small youth leagues. Other than that, the city had little interest in the sport, and it is difficult to find many local soccer stories in the San Antonio newspapers until the Thunder’s owner Ward Lay was awarded the franchise on June 20th, 1974.

The Thunder Were Added as the 17th NASL Team in June 1974

The first public indication that San Antonio was being considered for a professional soccer team came during the 1974 World Cup on June 19, 1974. The San Antonio Light reported that a group primarily consisting of local investors and Dallas businessman Ward Lay were expecting approval of an expansion team at a NASL board meeting later that month. Lay was a Dallas businessman who was the son of the founder of the Frito-Lay snack company. According to the Thunder 1975 media guide, Lay's interest in soccer began when his wife started to coach their son's youth league team. I asked the second Thunder coach, Don Batie, who was close to Lay about this in an interview last month. Batie chuckled and said that he had heard that story too and then commented that recollections of conversations he had with insiders revealed the real reason Lay ended up owning the Thunder had more to do with the individual responsible for most soccer activity in Texas at the time, Lamar Hunt. "I think the real story is that Ward was at a cocktail party at Lamar Hunt's house. At that time Ward was in the market to buy a part of the Houston Oilers NFL franchise that were on the market for many millions of dollars." Batie said that Hunt suggested Lay buy an NASL soccer franchise instead. Hunt, who owned the NASL Dallas Tornado, said that it would be more fun and challenging and that the league had a bright of future ahead of it. Batie then added, "I think Lamar kind of talked Ward into it. That's the story I heard."

On June 20th, Phil Woosnam, the NASL commissioner, visited San Antonio ostensibly to review the franchise application, but practically was on a PR trip since the $250,000 expansion fee check had already been cashed. In a United Press International article, he noted the NASL were interested in expanding into the San Antonio market because of the success of the basketball Spurs and the proximity to Mexico. “I think the public is becoming sports minded here in San Antonio.  It is very close to Mexico and I think the public could have strong ties to soccer with Mexican clubs.  There obviously is very strong potential for a soccer franchise in San Antonio and also because of the rivalry it will have with Dallas and probably one day with a team we'll have established in Houston.”

The Thunder Were Added as the 17th NASL Team in June 1974

The first public indication that San Antonio was being considered for a professional soccer team came during the 1974 World Cup on June 19, 1974. The San Antonio Light reported that a group primarily consisting of local investors and Dallas businessman Ward Lay were expecting approval of an expansion team at a NASL board meeting later that month. Lay was a Dallas businessman who was the son of the founder of the Frito-Lay snack company. According to the Thunder 1975 media guide, Lay’s interest in soccer began when his wife started to coach their son’s youth league team. I asked the second Thunder coach, Don Batie, who was close to Lay about this in an interview last month. Batie chuckled and said that he had heard that story too and then commented that recollections of conversations he had with insiders revealed the real reason Lay ended up owning the Thunder had more to do with the individual responsible for most soccer activity in Texas at the time, Lamar Hunt. “I think the real story is that Ward was at a cocktail party at Lamar Hunt’s house. At that time Ward was in the market to buy a part of the Houston Oilers NFL franchise that were on the market for many millions of dollars.” Batie said that Hunt suggested Lay buy an NASL soccer franchise instead. Hunt, who owned the NASL Dallas Tornado, said that it would be more fun and challenging and that the league had a bright of future ahead of it. Batie then added, “I think Lamar kind of talked Ward into it. That’s the story I heard.”

On June 20th, Phil Woosnam, the NASL commissioner, visited San Antonio ostensibly to review the franchise application, but practically was on a PR trip since the $250,000 expansion fee check had already been cashed. In a United Press International article, he noted the NASL were interested in expanding into the San Antonio market because of the success of the basketball Spurs and the proximity to Mexico. “I think the public is becoming sports minded here in San Antonio.  It is very close to Mexico and I think the public could have strong ties to soccer with Mexican clubs.  There obviously is very strong potential for a soccer franchise in San Antonio and also because of the rivalry it will have with Dallas and probably one day with a team we’ll have established in Houston.”

The club was officially awarded a franchise on June 25th in a league meeting in St. Louis. The next day Woosnam returned to San Antonio and held a press conference with Ward Lay. At this gathering, Lay raised two concepts that never came to fruition, entering an indoor team in the NASL tournament to be played later that year and his belief that there was local talent capable of playing in the NASL. Woosnam mentioned that one of the factors NASL considered in awarding the franchise was a feasibility study underway in the city for a future 55,000 seat stadium (eventually the Alamodome). He noted that 9,000-10,000 would be needed for the club to break even, but in an example of the bravado of the NASL in those days, stated "Our league is averaging about 10,000 a game, but we honestly think in 10 years we'll be on a level with the National Football League in attendance." That projection turned out to be true for the New York Cosmos and a handful of other teams a few years later, but sadly 10 years later the league was out of existence.

The team was slow to get organized. In July though, Kyle Rote Jr., a star player for the Dallas Tornado, who spent time as a youngster in San Antonio, returned for a speaking engagement and spoke positively about the future of soccer in San Antonio. He pointed out that Dallas had only 190 youth soccer players when the Tornado began play in the NASL in 1968 and by then in 1974 had over 35,000 playing in organized leagues.

An early indication of the struggle soccer would have taking hold in San Antonio came a few weeks later when the local CBS affiliate was one of only two outlets in the U.S. who chose not to air the NASL Championship match, choosing to show a previously scheduled Charlie Chan and Mr. Moto movie instead.

Momentum Finally Begins to Build in September

Better news came in September when Ward Lay announced that Mike Boyle had agreed to leave the Texas League minor league baseball San Antonio Brewers to assume the VP/General Manager role for the soccer team. Not surprisingly, given the state of the sport in the city at the time, Boyle had never seen a soccer game before he took the job. A few days later the club announced, after reviewing 6,000+ entries with 1,500+ different names, that the winner of the "Name the Team" fan contest was San Antonio Thunder. The winning entry, after a draw among the three individuals who submitted Thunder, came from Ken Cooper, a local attorney who had arrived from England a few years before to attend college. Cooper who played on local amateur soccer teams and on both the Trinity soccer and football teams (as a kicker), was one of the go-to experts on anything related to soccer in the community then.

In late September, Alex Perolli was named the head coach of the Thunder. Perolli was quite a catch, having most recently won his second NASL title with the Los Angeles Aztecs and previously with Rochester. Perolli, originally from Albania but now a naturalized Canadian, was a 25-year coaching veteran who spoke 8 languages and had connections around the world that Lay hoped to tap to build the team.

The club was officially awarded a franchise on June 25th in a league meeting in St. Louis. The next day Woosnam returned to San Antonio and held a press conference with Ward Lay. At this gathering, Lay raised two concepts that never came to fruition, entering an indoor team in the NASL tournament to be played later that year and his belief that there was local talent capable of playing in the NASL. Woosnam mentioned that one of the factors NASL considered in awarding the franchise was a feasibility study underway in the city for a future 55,000 seat stadium (eventually the Alamodome). He noted that 9,000-10,000 would be needed for the club to break even, but in an example of the bravado of the NASL in those days, stated “Our league is averaging about 10,000 a game, but we honestly think in 10 years we’ll be on a level with the National Football League in attendance.” That projection turned out to be true for the New York Cosmos and a handful of other teams a few years later, but sadly 10 years later the league was out of existence.

The team was slow to get organized. In July though, Kyle Rote Jr., a star player for the Dallas Tornado, who spent time as a youngster in San Antonio, returned for a speaking engagement and spoke positively about the future of soccer in San Antonio. He pointed out that Dallas had only 190 youth soccer players when the Tornado began play in the NASL in 1968 and by then in 1974 had over 35,000 playing in organized leagues.

An early indication of the struggle soccer would have taking hold in San Antonio came a few weeks later when the local CBS affiliate was one of only two outlets in the U.S. who chose not to air the NASL Championship match, choosing to show a previously scheduled Charlie Chan and Mr. Moto movie instead.

Momentum Finally Begins to Build in September

Better news came in September when Ward Lay announced that Mike Boyle had agreed to leave the Texas League minor league baseball San Antonio Brewers to assume the VP/General Manager role for the soccer team. Not surprisingly, given the state of the sport in the city at the time, Boyle had never seen a soccer game before he took the job. A few days later the club announced, after reviewing 6,000+ entries with 1,500+ different names, that the winner of the “Name the Team” fan contest was San Antonio Thunder. The winning entry, after a draw among the three individuals who submitted Thunder, came from Ken Cooper, a local attorney who had arrived from England a few years before to attend college. Cooper who played on local amateur soccer teams and on both the Trinity soccer and football teams (as a kicker), was one of the go-to experts on anything related to soccer in the community then.

In late September, Alex Perolli was named the head coach of the Thunder. Perolli was quite a catch, having most recently won his second NASL title with the Los Angeles Aztecs and previously with Rochester. Perolli, originally from Albania but now a naturalized Canadian, was a 25-year coaching veteran who spoke 8 languages and had connections around the world that Lay hoped to tap to build the team.

Perolli ended up losing his job early in the year after a bad run of form. His replacement, Don Batie, was the other finalist for the job before Perolli was hired. Batie, who was the head coach at a Northern California university, mentioned in the interview that he believed Ward Lay made the right choice when he hired Perolli as the first coach. "With his international contacts, he was better qualified to recruit and start up a professional team from scratch than I was at the time." Given the local state of soccer in the area and the hiring of a head coach with a strong international pedigree, it was somewhat surprising that Ward Lay doubled down on his commitment to American players when he noted that Perolli would spend the next week in the San Antonio and Austin areas scouting for local talent. There also was a stated commitment to a local tryout, which did occur early the next year, though Perolli wasn't present as he was scouting overseas at the time and no players were signed after the tryout was completed.

In late October the NASL held their annual general meeting at a downtown San Antonio hotel. The Thunder made a presentation on their progress to date and received a positive reception from the league ownership group. GM Mike Boyle, at an end of meeting press conference, touted that the club had already sold 112 season tickets (of the 1,000 they hoped to sell before the season started) in the two weeks since they had been on sale. He noted that "some teams told us they didn't have 112 season tickets sold the day the season opened."

Perolli ended up losing his job early in the year after a bad run of form. His replacement, Don Batie, was the other finalist for the job before Perolli was hired. Batie, who was the head coach at a Northern California university, mentioned in the interview that he believed Ward Lay made the right choice when he hired Perolli as the first coach. “With his international contacts, he was better qualified to recruit and start up a professional team from scratch than I was at the time.” Given the local state of soccer in the area and the hiring of a head coach with a strong international pedigree, it was somewhat surprising that Ward Lay doubled down on his commitment to American players when he noted that Perolli would spend the next week in the San Antonio and Austin areas scouting for local talent. There also was a stated commitment to a local tryout, which did occur early the next year, though Perolli wasn’t present as he was scouting overseas at the time and no players were signed after the tryout was completed.

In late October the NASL held their annual general meeting at a downtown San Antonio hotel. The Thunder made a presentation on their progress to date and received a positive reception from the league ownership group. GM Mike Boyle, at an end of meeting press conference, touted that the club had already sold 112 season tickets (of the 1,000 they hoped to sell before the season started) in the two weeks since they had been on sale. He noted that “some teams told us they didn’t have 112 season tickets sold the day the season opened.”

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The process used to build the initial roster and the preseason schedule will be the focus of the next article in this 45th year Anniversary series tomorrow.

Follow the San Antonio Thunder 45th year anniversary over the next few months at Texas Soccer Journal (www.txsoccerjournal.com) or on Twitter @txsoccerjournal. 

Sources for this article include: (1) San Antonio Light newspaper archives (sourced online from Genealogy.com) (2) San Antonio Express newspaper archives (sourced online from Newspapers.com) (3) Soccer has a long history in San Antonio-Paula Allen-My SA.com published July 18, 2010 (4) Don Batie personal collection

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The process used to build the initial roster and the preseason schedule will be the focus of the next article in this 45th year Anniversary series tomorrow.

Follow the San Antonio Thunder 45th year anniversary over the next few months at Texas Soccer Journal (www.txsoccerjournal.com) or on Twitter @txsoccerjournal. 

Sources for this article include: (1) San Antonio Light newspaper archives (sourced online from Genealogy.com) (2) San Antonio Express newspaper archives (sourced online from Newspapers.com) (3) Soccer has a long history in San Antonio-Paula Allen-My SA.com published July 18, 2010 (4) Don Batie personal collection

TUNE IN ON MONDAY! Starting at 6:30 p.m. this Monday, SAFC will stream the club's first-ever playoff game from 2017 at the YouTube link above. 

SAFC took on the then named Tulsa Roughnecks in the Western Conference Quarterfinals, earning a 2-1 win to advance in their first postseason match.  

TUNE IN ON MONDAY! Starting at 6:30 p.m. this Monday, SAFC will stream the club’s first-ever playoff game from 2017 at the YouTube link above. 

SAFC took on the then named Tulsa Roughnecks in the Western Conference Quarterfinals, earning a 2-1 win to advance in their first postseason match.  

There was a certain buzz in the soccer air as April of 2016 approached in San Antonio. Spurs Sports & Entertainment was about to debut its new soccer club in the USL for the team’s inaugural season. San Antonio FC continued a tradition of pro soccer in the Alamo City after taking over from the successful Scorpions who brought a championship and passionate fans to Toyota Field.

Excitement grew as the club’s home opener against the Swope Park Rangers grew near. However, the club would have to first navigate a road test away to the then Seattle Sounders 2. SAFC couldn’t have started any better, defeating Seattle 3-0 thanks to two goals from Jason Johnson in the first week of the season. Anticipation boiled over, and Toyota Field was sold out for the upcoming April 9 home opener just 72 hours after the first away game.

There was a certain buzz in the soccer air as April of 2016 approached in San Antonio. Spurs Sports & Entertainment was about to debut its new soccer club in the USL for the team’s inaugural season. San Antonio FC continued a tradition of pro soccer in the Alamo City after taking over from the successful Scorpions who brought a championship and passionate fans to Toyota Field.

Excitement grew as the club’s home opener against the Swope Park Rangers grew near. However, the club would have to first navigate a road test away to the then Seattle Sounders 2. SAFC couldn’t have started any better, defeating Seattle 3-0 thanks to two goals from Jason Johnson in the first week of the season. Anticipation boiled over, and Toyota Field was sold out for the upcoming April 9 home opener just 72 hours after the first away game.

San Antonio FC debuted in a 4-3-3 with the aforementioned Johnson leading the line, and captain Josh Ford between the sticks. With the record crowd in full voice, the match kicked off marking a new era in San Antonio soccer. Despite all the pre-game momentum, it was the Swope Park Rangers who would start bright and ruin the early party just two minutes in. Daniel Salloi scored from a corner kick and gave Swope an early lead and SAFC an uphill battle.

However, San Antonio worked their way into the match and controlled the rest of the first half. Finally, in the 42nd minute the pressure would pay off and SAFC would make history. Midfielder Carlos Alvarez took a nice lay-off from Johnson before playing a perfect through-ball to teammate Danny Garcia. Garcia cut to his left foot and curled a shot past the goalkeeper into the net as he simultaneously was tumbled over by the onrushing Jon Kempis. The goal shifted all momentum to SAFC as the two teams entered the break level at one.

San Antonio FC debuted in a 4-3-3 with the aforementioned Johnson leading the line, and captain Josh Ford between the sticks. With the record crowd in full voice, the match kicked off marking a new era in San Antonio soccer. Despite all the pre-game momentum, it was the Swope Park Rangers who would start bright and ruin the early party just two minutes in. Daniel Salloi scored from a corner kick and gave Swope an early lead and SAFC an uphill battle.

However, San Antonio worked their way into the match and controlled the rest of the first half. Finally, in the 42nd minute the pressure would pay off and SAFC would make history. Midfielder Carlos Alvarez took a nice lay-off from Johnson before playing a perfect through-ball to teammate Danny Garcia. Garcia cut to his left foot and curled a shot past the goalkeeper into the net as he simultaneously was tumbled over by the onrushing Jon Kempis. The goal shifted all momentum to SAFC as the two teams entered the break level at one.

The second half failed to live up to the first, with both team struggling to create clear-cut scoring opportunities. SAFC had their best chances to snag all three points when Johnson had a shot saved by Kempin midway through the second half, and Rafa Castillo has his late free-kick saved in stoppage time. The match ended and SAFC had earned a tough 1-1 draw against a team that would eventually make their way to the USL Championship game in 2016.

The real victory, however, came in the form of the fans. Toyota Field welcomed 8,466 fans to watch the first SAFC home match in history. That number was and still stands as a record for the seven-year-old venue. The match set the stage for SAFC at home, as the club as still lost just 10 league matches at Toyota Field since the start of the 2016 season.

The second half failed to live up to the first, with both team struggling to create clear-cut scoring opportunities. SAFC had their best chances to snag all three points when Johnson had a shot saved by Kempin midway through the second half, and Rafa Castillo has his late free-kick saved in stoppage time. The match ended and SAFC had earned a tough 1-1 draw against a team that would eventually make their way to the USL Championship game in 2016.

The real victory, however, came in the form of the fans. Toyota Field welcomed 8,466 fans to watch the first SAFC home match in history. That number was and still stands as a record for the seven-year-old venue. The match set the stage for SAFC at home, as the club as still lost just 10 league matches at Toyota Field since the start of the 2016 season.

Scoring Summary:

SPR: 0-1, Daniel Salloi ‘2

SAFC: 1-1, Danny Garcia ’42 (Carlos Alvarez assist)

SAFC Starting XI: GK: Josh Ford (c); D: Milton Palacios, Stephen McCarthy, Sam McBride, Greg Cochrane; M: Michael Reed, Rafa Castillo, Carlos Alvarez (Victor Araujo ’90); F: Bobby Moseley (Manolo Sanchez ’67), Danny Garcia (Carlos Alvarez ’55), Jason Johnson

Substitutions Not Used: Matt Cardone, Miguel Salazar, Sebastien Thuriere, Fejiro Okiomah

Full Match Below:

Scoring Summary:

SPR: 0-1, Daniel Salloi ‘2

SAFC: 1-1, Danny Garcia ’42 (Carlos Alvarez assist)

SAFC Starting XI: GK: Josh Ford (c); D: Milton Palacios, Stephen McCarthy, Sam McBride, Greg Cochrane; M: Michael Reed, Rafa Castillo, Carlos Alvarez (Victor Araujo ’90); F: Bobby Moseley (Manolo Sanchez ’67), Danny Garcia (Carlos Alvarez ’55), Jason Johnson

Substitutions Not Used: Matt Cardone, Miguel Salazar, Sebastien Thuriere, Fejiro Okiomah

Full Match Below:

2017 started off on a high note for San Antonio FC. After winning their first league match of the season at RGV, SAFC returned home to face the LA Galaxy II at Toyota Field on April 1. There would be no April Fools joke for SAFC fans, as the Alamo City club earned an impressive 3-0 win in front of the sold-out crowd. 2017 remains the most successful San Antonio FC season in club history, and the win against the Galaxy II helped kick-start a home campaign where the club lost just once.

San Antonio FC started the match on the front foot, putting LA under pressure from the very first whistle. The first goal came after Cesar Elizondo played in Billy Forbes who at first saw two attempts on goal saved. After the second save, Forbes collected the rebound and pulled it back for the on-rushing Rafa Castillo who fired the ball first-time into the top corner of the net for the 1-0 lead.

2017 started off on a high note for San Antonio FC. After winning their first league match of the season at RGV, SAFC returned home to face the LA Galaxy II at Toyota Field on April 1. There would be no April Fools joke for SAFC fans, as the Alamo City club earned an impressive 3-0 win in front of the sold-out crowd. 2017 remains the most successful San Antonio FC season in club history, and the win against the Galaxy II helped kick-start a home campaign where the club lost just once.

San Antonio FC started the match on the front foot, putting LA under pressure from the very first whistle. The first goal came after Cesar Elizondo played in Billy Forbes who at first saw two attempts on goal saved. After the second save, Forbes collected the rebound and pulled it back for the on-rushing Rafa Castillo who fired the ball first-time into the top corner of the net for the 1-0 lead.

After SAFC took the lead, LA Galaxy II started to impose themselves on the game, creating multiple chances in the next stages. A couple of crucial clearances from Stephen McCarthy helped preserve the lead for San Antonio. SAFC would then double the lead in the 29th minute after defender Ben Newnam made a run down the right and sent in a low cross. After a dummy from Elizondo, midfielder Michael Reed got the final touch on the ball, which deflected off ok keeper Jon Kempin and into the back of the net. With a 2-0 lead, SAFC entered half-time feeling confident about their chances while making sure to come out of the gates in the second 45 strong.

The second half started much more even with both teams exchanging scoring opportunities. Kempin made some big saves for LA while SAFC goalkeeper Matthew Cardone continued to pitch the shutout with some clutch stops of his own. Forbes would then seal the three points for San Antonio after he ran on to Elizondo’s through-ball in the 77th minute. Forbes found himself one-on-one and tucked the ball away nicely into the bottom corner. SAFC would hold on for the final 13 minutes, helping them start the season with two straight wins.

After SAFC took the lead, LA Galaxy II started to impose themselves on the game, creating multiple chances in the next stages. A couple of crucial clearances from Stephen McCarthy helped preserve the lead for San Antonio. SAFC would then double the lead in the 29th minute after defender Ben Newnam made a run down the right and sent in a low cross. After a dummy from Elizondo, midfielder Michael Reed got the final touch on the ball, which deflected off ok keeper Jon Kempin and into the back of the net. With a 2-0 lead, SAFC entered half-time feeling confident about their chances while making sure to come out of the gates in the second 45 strong.

The second half started much more even with both teams exchanging scoring opportunities. Kempin made some big saves for LA while SAFC goalkeeper Matthew Cardone continued to pitch the shutout with some clutch stops of his own. Forbes would then seal the three points for San Antonio after he ran on to Elizondo’s through-ball in the 77th minute. Forbes found himself one-on-one and tucked the ball away nicely into the bottom corner. SAFC would hold on for the final 13 minutes, helping them start the season with two straight wins.

The match marked Forbes’ second consecutive Man of the Match performance, while both Elizondo and Newnam contributed assists as well. Three midfielders scored in the game for SAFC and Newnam brought his total tackles tally to 15 after just two games.

The win would be the first of eight at Toyota Field in 2017 as the club would go on to finish second in the Western Conference in addition to hosting two playoff matches in 2017. Forbes was named to the USL All-League Second team, while Reed and Castillo also became mainstays in the SAFC lineup that season.

The match marked Forbes’ second consecutive Man of the Match performance, while both Elizondo and Newnam contributed assists as well. Three midfielders scored in the game for SAFC and Newnam brought his total tackles tally to 15 after just two games.

The win would be the first of eight at Toyota Field in 2017 as the club would go on to finish second in the Western Conference in addition to hosting two playoff matches in 2017. Forbes was named to the USL All-League Second team, while Reed and Castillo also became mainstays in the SAFC lineup that season.

Scoring Summary:

SAFC: 1-0, Rafa Castillo (Billy Forbes assist) 12’

SAFC: 2-0, Michael Reed (Ben Newnam assist) 29’

SAFC: 3-0, Billy Forbes (Cesar Elizondo assist 77’)

SAFC Starting XI: GK: Matt Cardone; D: Ben Newnam, Sebastien Ibeagha, Stephen McCarthy (Ryan Roushandel 74’), Greg Cochrane; M: Rafa Castillo, Michael Reed (c) (Maxi Rodriguez 79’), Pecka, Kris Tyrpak (Shawn Chin 63’), Billy Forbes; F: Cesar Elizondo

Substitutions Not Used: Diego Restrepo, Devin Vega, Aly Alberto Hassan, AJ Ajeakwa

Full Match Below:

Scoring Summary:

SAFC: 1-0, Rafa Castillo (Billy Forbes assist) 12’

SAFC: 2-0, Michael Reed (Ben Newnam assist) 29’

SAFC: 3-0, Billy Forbes (Cesar Elizondo assist 77’)

SAFC Starting XI: GK: Matt Cardone; D: Ben Newnam, Sebastien Ibeagha, Stephen McCarthy (Ryan Roushandel 74’), Greg Cochrane; M: Rafa Castillo, Michael Reed (c) (Maxi Rodriguez 79’), Pecka, Kris Tyrpak (Shawn Chin 63’), Billy Forbes; F: Cesar Elizondo

Substitutions Not Used: Diego Restrepo, Devin Vega, Aly Alberto Hassan, AJ Ajeakwa

Full Match Below:

Welcome to SAFC Staff Spotlight where we will quickly highlight some of the people who work behind the scenes of the San Antonio FC technical staff. Without these key individuals, the daily operations of the first team would not be able to function properly.

A big part of any professional team is its athletic trainer. From managing player injuries and preparedness, the trainer is also responsible for a plethora of important details including player treatments, conditioning plans, overall injury prevention strategy, and health and nutrition among others. San Antonio FC athletic trainer Jesse Lowrance is in his second season working with the club, but his first as the lead trainer on the team. The Coast Guard veteran was kind enough to answer a few questions about his job and his role within the club.

What is the best part about your job?

I love getting to interact with the players and influence them in a positive way. I do my very best on a daily basis to keep them healthy, and building relationships with them in the process is one of my favorite things about what I do.

What is your favorite SAFC memory?

There are two that come to mind. When we were in Tacoma last season, the staff took one of the team vans to Seattle on our off day to explore the city and get some food. It was a great bonding experience and a really fun time. One of the perks of traveling so much during the season is experiencing moments like that.

The second would be our opening match this season, beating Real Monarchs at home. We saw the potential of the team that night, which excites me for the rest of 2020.

If you could trade places with any other SAFC staff member, who would it be and why?

I would take Preston’s [Petri] job as Communications Manager. He gets to see the behind the scenes of all aspects of the club, which I find interesting.  

As the USL Championship season remains on hiatus, Lowrance’s responsibility of keeping the players healthy hasn’t changed. His daily interactions with the team continue to promote fitness and overall safety as the club and world continues to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic.

Welcome to SAFC Staff Spotlight where we will quickly highlight some of the people who work behind the scenes of the San Antonio FC technical staff. Without these key individuals, the daily operations of the first team would not be able to function properly.

A big part of any professional team is its athletic trainer. From managing player injuries and preparedness, the trainer is also responsible for a plethora of important details including player treatments, conditioning plans, overall injury prevention strategy, and health and nutrition among others. San Antonio FC athletic trainer Jesse Lowrance is in his second season working with the club, but his first as the lead trainer on the team. The Coast Guard veteran was kind enough to answer a few questions about his job and his role within the club.

What is the best part about your job?

I love getting to interact with the players and influence them in a positive way. I do my very best on a daily basis to keep them healthy, and building relationships with them in the process is one of my favorite things about what I do.

What is your favorite SAFC memory?

There are two that come to mind. When we were in Tacoma last season, the staff took one of the team vans to Seattle on our off day to explore the city and get some food. It was a great bonding experience and a really fun time. One of the perks of traveling so much during the season is experiencing moments like that.

The second would be our opening match this season, beating Real Monarchs at home. We saw the potential of the team that night, which excites me for the rest of 2020.

If you could trade places with any other SAFC staff member, who would it be and why?

I would take Preston’s [Petri] job as Communications Manager. He gets to see the behind the scenes of all aspects of the club, which I find interesting.  

As the USL Championship season remains on hiatus, Lowrance’s responsibility of keeping the players healthy hasn’t changed. His daily interactions with the team continue to promote fitness and overall safety as the club and world continues to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 2017 San Antonio FC season is filled with memories throughout the entire campaign, maybe none as exciting as when the club clinched its first-ever playoff berth. Just two seasons into the club’s existence, SAFC had an opportunity to clinch a Western Conference playoff berth with a month of soccer still to play. After drawing the LA Galaxy II just three days earlier on the road, SAFC traveled to Orange County SC where a win would guarantee a trip to the postseason.

San Antonio FC entered the match in third place – tied with Reno 1868 FC on 49 points – with an opportunity to reach 52 total points. With the win, their 52 points would surpass the 51 maximum points that Orange County could achieve, as the California club sat a point behind the playoff line at kickoff. This would ensure that San Antonio would finish in the top eight and send themselves into the postseason in October.

With the game coming midweek and the club in the grueling part of the season, SAFC had to rotate the squad entering the match. Ryan Roushandel made his fourth start of the season, Maxi Rodriguez made his fifth and Cyprian Hedrick made his 10th, while Connor Presley made his first professional start against Orange County. The game, if anything, was another example of just how deep and talented the 2017 roster was, with the team not skipping a beat despite the lineup changes.

The 2017 San Antonio FC season is filled with memories throughout the entire campaign, maybe none as exciting as when the club clinched its first-ever playoff berth. Just two seasons into the club’s existence, SAFC had an opportunity to clinch a Western Conference playoff berth with a month of soccer still to play. After drawing the LA Galaxy II just three days earlier on the road, SAFC traveled to Orange County SC where a win would guarantee a trip to the postseason.

San Antonio FC entered the match in third place – tied with Reno 1868 FC on 49 points – with an opportunity to reach 52 total points. With the win, their 52 points would surpass the 51 maximum points that Orange County could achieve, as the California club sat a point behind the playoff line at kickoff. This would ensure that San Antonio would finish in the top eight and send themselves into the postseason in October.

With the game coming midweek and the club in the grueling part of the season, SAFC had to rotate the squad entering the match. Ryan Roushandel made his fourth start of the season, Maxi Rodriguez made his fifth and Cyprian Hedrick made his 10th, while Connor Presley made his first professional start against Orange County. The game, if anything, was another example of just how deep and talented the 2017 roster was, with the team not skipping a beat despite the lineup changes.

The match started even with both sides looking to get a foothold in the first 10 minutes. SAFC was feeling out the hosts while launching a couple of dangerous counterattacks through Presley, Omar Gordon and Kris Tyrpak. The first half came to a close with Orange County having the most chances, however the Alamo City club were the ones that came closest to scoring. Gordon had a good shot saved and sent his rebound just over the bar right before the break.

As the second half started, SAFC began to sharpen up defensively while focusing on their opportunities on the counter and from set pieces. San Antonio executed well when they found the breakthrough from a set-piece. After Gordon was fouled on the left wing, defender Ben Newnam stepped up to take the free-kick from about 30 yards out. Newnam looked to send in a cross and hope that one of the SAFC bigs including Roushandel, Hedrick and Sebastian Ibeagha could get on the end of it. As Newnam’s cross began to fall in a dangerous area, Ibeagha stuck a foot out to try and redirect the ball into the net, however he missed with his attempt. As a result, with the keeper caught off guard, Newnam’s cross bounced into the far corner of the net to give SAFC the 1-0 lead. The goal was Newnam’s first for SAFC and would prove to be his most crucial.

The match started even with both sides looking to get a foothold in the first 10 minutes. SAFC was feeling out the hosts while launching a couple of dangerous counterattacks through Presley, Omar Gordon and Kris Tyrpak. The first half came to a close with Orange County having the most chances, however the Alamo City club were the ones that came closest to scoring. Gordon had a good shot saved and sent his rebound just over the bar right before the break.

As the second half started, SAFC began to sharpen up defensively while focusing on their opportunities on the counter and from set pieces. San Antonio executed well when they found the breakthrough from a set-piece. After Gordon was fouled on the left wing, defender Ben Newnam stepped up to take the free-kick from about 30 yards out. Newnam looked to send in a cross and hope that one of the SAFC bigs including Roushandel, Hedrick and Sebastian Ibeagha could get on the end of it. As Newnam’s cross began to fall in a dangerous area, Ibeagha stuck a foot out to try and redirect the ball into the net, however he missed with his attempt. As a result, with the keeper caught off guard, Newnam’s cross bounced into the far corner of the net to give SAFC the 1-0 lead. The goal was Newnam’s first for SAFC and would prove to be his most crucial.

For the next 35 minutes, San Antonio FC did what it does best – play lockdown defense to grab a result. The team would go on to hold Orange County scoreless and earn the win, the three points and the playoff spot.

With the win, SAFC improved their road record to 8-2-4 at that point in the season, while Diego Restrepo recorded his 11th clean sheet – two shy of the record at that time. The SAFC defense recorded its 14th overall shutout as they led the league in that category in 2017. SAFC would go on to clinch a home playoff match later in the season, and then host two postseason matches at Toyota Field as the team advanced to the Western Conference Semifinals.

For the next 35 minutes, San Antonio FC did what it does best – play lockdown defense to grab a result. The team would go on to hold Orange County scoreless and earn the win, the three points and the playoff spot.

With the win, SAFC improved their road record to 8-2-4 at that point in the season, while Diego Restrepo recorded his 11th clean sheet – two shy of the record at that time. The SAFC defense recorded its 14th overall shutout as they led the league in that category in 2017. SAFC would go on to clinch a home playoff match later in the season, and then host two postseason matches at Toyota Field as the team advanced to the Western Conference Semifinals.

The match will go down in SAFC history as fans will always remember the first playoff clinching game as the club looks to eventually play in their second when the 2020 season resumes.

Scoring Summary:

SAFC: 0-1, Ben Newnam 55’

SAFC Starting XI: GK: Diego Restrepo; D: Ben Newnam, Cyprian Hedrick, Sebastien Ibeagha (c), Greg Cochrane; M: Ryan Roushandel, Maxi Rodriguez (Stephen McCarthy 84’), Kris Tyrpak, Omar Gordon; F: Connor Presley (Ever Guzman 73’), Cesar Elizondo

Substitutions Not Used: Lee Johnston, Mark O’Ojong, Pecka, Mike Seth, Billy Forbes

Full Match Below:

The match will go down in SAFC history as fans will always remember the first playoff clinching game as the club looks to eventually play in their second when the 2020 season resumes.

Scoring Summary:

SAFC: 0-1, Ben Newnam 55’

SAFC Starting XI: GK: Diego Restrepo; D: Ben Newnam, Cyprian Hedrick, Sebastien Ibeagha (c), Greg Cochrane; M: Ryan Roushandel, Maxi Rodriguez (Stephen McCarthy 84’), Kris Tyrpak, Omar Gordon; F: Connor Presley (Ever Guzman 73’), Cesar Elizondo

Substitutions Not Used: Lee Johnston, Mark O’Ojong, Pecka, Mike Seth, Billy Forbes

Full Match Below:

San Antonio FC didn’t have much lead time into the 2016 season after the club was announced just weeks before the start of the campaign. The coaching staff and front office assembled a strong group on short notice that would carry SAFC to a playoff push before falling just short on the final day of the season.

Where are these players now? Keep reading to find out.

Goalkeepers

Josh Ford

Ford joined the club for the inigural season after spending the rest of his career with the Seattle Sounders and Orlando City SC. Ford was named the first-ever captain of SAFC and went on to make 17 appearances for the team, making 53 saves.

The UCONN graduate retired after his one season in San Antonio and currently serves as the Sounders Academy goalkeeper coach, and the assistant coach for the Tacoma Defiance.

San Antonio FC didn’t have much lead time into the 2016 season after the club was announced just weeks before the start of the campaign. The coaching staff and front office assembled a strong group on short notice that would carry SAFC to a playoff push before falling just short on the final day of the season.

Where are these players now? Keep reading to find out.

Goalkeepers

Josh Ford

Ford joined the club for the inigural season after spending the rest of his career with the Seattle Sounders and Orlando City SC. Ford was named the first-ever captain of SAFC and went on to make 17 appearances for the team, making 53 saves.

The UCONN graduate retired after his one season in San Antonio and currently serves as the Sounders Academy goalkeeper coach, and the assistant coach for the Tacoma Defiance.

Matthew Cardone

The only remaining SAFC player from the 2016 roster, Cardone has made 66 league appearances while adding 197 saves in his San Antonio FC career. Cardone remains the first SAFC player to win a USL Player of the Week award, and still holds the club record for most penalty saves (5).

Matthew Cardone

The only remaining SAFC player from the 2016 roster, Cardone has made 66 league appearances while adding 197 saves in his San Antonio FC career. Cardone remains the first SAFC player to win a USL Player of the Week award, and still holds the club record for most penalty saves (5).

Lee Johnston

Johnston would go on to spend the 2017 season and part of the 2018 season with SAFC before moving to Sweden where he spent the next couple of seasons. Prior to the 2020 campaign, Johnston signed with the Richmond Kickers of USL League One.

Lee Johnston

Johnston would go on to spend the 2017 season and part of the 2018 season with SAFC before moving to Sweden where he spent the next couple of seasons. Prior to the 2020 campaign, Johnston signed with the Richmond Kickers of USL League One.

Defenders

Milton Palacios

Palacios was the most consistent starter at right-back for SAFC during the 2016 season, making 21 appearances overall. Palacios scored two goals and totaled 1,608 minutes played over the course of the regular season.

Palacios went on to feature for CDS Vida in Honduras, and CD Audaz in El Salvador, most recently making 18 appearances for Audaz in 2018.

Defenders

Milton Palacios

Palacios was the most consistent starter at right-back for SAFC during the 2016 season, making 21 appearances overall. Palacios scored two goals and totaled 1,608 minutes played over the course of the regular season.

Palacios went on to feature for CDS Vida in Honduras, and CD Audaz in El Salvador, most recently making 18 appearances for Audaz in 2018.

Bobby Moseley

Moseley joined SAFC on loan from Stoke City in the English Premier League, and went on to make nine appearances for the Silver and Black.

Moseley’s loan ended prior to the conclusion of the 2016 campaign, and the left-back returned to England. He would go on to play for Solihull Moors, Southport and Gloucester City between 2016 and 2017.

Bobby Moseley

Moseley joined SAFC on loan from Stoke City in the English Premier League, and went on to make nine appearances for the Silver and Black.

Moseley’s loan ended prior to the conclusion of the 2016 campaign, and the left-back returned to England. He would go on to play for Solihull Moors, Southport and Gloucester City between 2016 and 2017.

Biko Bradnock-Brennan

Bradnock-Brennan appeared in 24 matches for SAFC in league play during the 2016 season. The defender was a consistent performer on the back-line, tallying 1,839 minutes played along with three Open Cup appearances.

Bradnock-Brennan left SAFC after the 2016 season and played in Norway and England prior to his retirement.

Biko Bradnock-Brennan

Bradnock-Brennan appeared in 24 matches for SAFC in league play during the 2016 season. The defender was a consistent performer on the back-line, tallying 1,839 minutes played along with three Open Cup appearances.

Bradnock-Brennan left SAFC after the 2016 season and played in Norway and England prior to his retirement.

Max Gunderson

Gunderson spent one season in San Antonio FC colors, making 11 appearances in all competitions over the course of the 2016 season.

After leaving SAFC, Gunderson played with the OKC Energy FC U-23’s and the OKC Energy first team in a player-coach capacity. Gunderson recently signed on with the Los Angeles Force of the NISA.

Max Gunderson

Gunderson spent one season in San Antonio FC colors, making 11 appearances in all competitions over the course of the 2016 season.

After leaving SAFC, Gunderson played with the OKC Energy FC U-23’s and the OKC Energy first team in a player-coach capacity. Gunderson recently signed on with the Los Angeles Force of the NISA.

Stephen McCarthy

McCarthy would go on to make himself an SAFC anchor, playing for the club from 2016-2018. In his three seasons, McCarthy made 51 league appearances, scoring three goals in 4,177 minutes played. McCarthy helped lead SAFC to the best defense in 2017 and a playoff berth.

McCarthy retired after the 2018 season and joined on as an Assistant Coach with the University of the Incarnate Word’s Men’s Soccer team.

Stephen McCarthy

McCarthy would go on to make himself an SAFC anchor, playing for the club from 2016-2018. In his three seasons, McCarthy made 51 league appearances, scoring three goals in 4,177 minutes played. McCarthy helped lead SAFC to the best defense in 2017 and a playoff berth.

McCarthy retired after the 2018 season and joined on as an Assistant Coach with the University of the Incarnate Word’s Men’s Soccer team.

Greg Cochrane

The SAFC ‘Iron Man’ set the tone for his San Antonio career in 2016 where he made 30 appearances and totaled 2,631 minutes played. Overall in all competitions, Cochrane appeared in 102 matches for SAFC – which is a club record – from 2016 -18.

After Cochrane retired as the SAFC all-time minutes leader, he became an associate in middle market banking for Bank of America. Him and his wife Emile recently welcomed their first child.

Greg Cochrane

The SAFC ‘Iron Man’ set the tone for his San Antonio career in 2016 where he made 30 appearances and totaled 2,631 minutes played. Overall in all competitions, Cochrane appeared in 102 matches for SAFC – which is a club record – from 2016 -18.

After Cochrane retired as the SAFC all-time minutes leader, he became an associate in middle market banking for Bank of America. Him and his wife Emile recently welcomed their first child.

Sam McBride

McBride was one of three rookies from Elon University to grace the field for SAFC in 2016. The defender made 23 appearances for the club in league play, and three in the Open Cup where he scored his lone goal for the club.

McBride retired after one season of professional soccer and is now studying to be a Physicians Assistant at the University of Charleston in West Virginia.

Sam McBride

McBride was one of three rookies from Elon University to grace the field for SAFC in 2016. The defender made 23 appearances for the club in league play, and three in the Open Cup where he scored his lone goal for the club.

McBride retired after one season of professional soccer and is now studying to be a Physicians Assistant at the University of Charleston in West Virginia.

Austin Dunker

Dunker was another Elon graduate to wear the SAFC colors. Although he never made an official appearance for San Antonio, Dunker was an integral part of the team’s daily training and locker room atmosphere.

Following his time with SAFC, Dunker played for the Logan Lightning in Australia before retiring. He now works as a healthcare IT recruiter.

Austin Dunker

Dunker was another Elon graduate to wear the SAFC colors. Although he never made an official appearance for San Antonio, Dunker was an integral part of the team’s daily training and locker room atmosphere.

Following his time with SAFC, Dunker played for the Logan Lightning in Australia before retiring. He now works as a healthcare IT recruiter.

Fejiro Okiomah

Okiomah joined SAFC as a USL veteran who brought minutes and off-field experience to this new roster. Okiomah made 15 appearances in 2016 and scored two goals over the course of the season including his first in the club’s very first game at Seattle.

Following the 2016 season, Okiomah retired from the professional game. He currently works in the HR and payroll industry, and recently just got married.

Fejiro Okiomah

Okiomah joined SAFC as a USL veteran who brought minutes and off-field experience to this new roster. Okiomah made 15 appearances in 2016 and scored two goals over the course of the season including his first in the club’s very first game at Seattle.

Following the 2016 season, Okiomah retired from the professional game. He currently works in the HR and payroll industry, and recently just got married.

Ryan Roushandel

Roushandel – or Mr. SAFC – would go on to make 39 appearances with SAFC in all competitions from 2016-19. He was named club captain for the 2018 season and made two playoff appearances during the 2017 season.

Roushandel retired after the 2019 season and currently serves as a first-team assistant coach with the club, along with an academy coach.

Ryan Roushandel

Roushandel – or Mr. SAFC – would go on to make 39 appearances with SAFC in all competitions from 2016-19. He was named club captain for the 2018 season and made two playoff appearances during the 2017 season.

Roushandel retired after the 2019 season and currently serves as a first-team assistant coach with the club, along with an academy coach.

Midfielders

Sebastian Thuriere

Another USL veteran, Thuriere added steel into the SAFC midfield during the 2016 season. He made 23 appearances in all competitions, scoring one goal and adding one assist in 1,420 minutes played.

After the 2016 season, Thuriere played in the Bangladesh and Malaysian Premier Leagues until 2019 when he retired. He now owns and operates COPA – a restaurant/bar in Florida.

Midfielders

Sebastian Thuriere

Another USL veteran, Thuriere added steel into the SAFC midfield during the 2016 season. He made 23 appearances in all competitions, scoring one goal and adding one assist in 1,420 minutes played.

After the 2016 season, Thuriere played in the Bangladesh and Malaysian Premier Leagues until 2019 when he retired. He now owns and operates COPA – a restaurant/bar in Florida.

Victor Araujo

Araujo was a Trinity graduate that spent two seasons in San Antonio with the club. He made 11 appearances in 2016 prior to suffering a torn ACL. After a long injury comeback, Araujo would go on to make seven appearances for SAFC in 2017.

Araujo retired not long after his tenure with SAFC and he currently works as a business analyst.

Victor Araujo

Araujo was a Trinity graduate that spent two seasons in San Antonio with the club. He made 11 appearances in 2016 prior to suffering a torn ACL. After a long injury comeback, Araujo would go on to make seven appearances for SAFC in 2017.

Araujo retired not long after his tenure with SAFC and he currently works as a business analyst.

Michael Reed

Reed made 16 appearances for SAFC during the 2016 season and proved to be one of the better central midfielders in the league when on the field. He would go on to be named club captain in 2017, leading SAFC to a second place finish in the Western Conference. Reed made 45 appearances in all competitions for the Alamo City club.

After 2017, SAFC transferred Reed to expansion side Nashville SC where he was named captain. Reed spent two seasons in Nashville prior to joining Memphis 901 FC where he plays currently.

Michael Reed

Reed made 16 appearances for SAFC during the 2016 season and proved to be one of the better central midfielders in the league when on the field. He would go on to be named club captain in 2017, leading SAFC to a second place finish in the Western Conference. Reed made 45 appearances in all competitions for the Alamo City club.

After 2017, SAFC transferred Reed to expansion side Nashville SC where he was named captain. Reed spent two seasons in Nashville prior to joining Memphis 901 FC where he plays currently.

Carlos Alvarez

Alvarez was the first player ever signed for SAFC when he joined prior to the 2016 season. He would go on to lead the club in assists in the first season, tallying seven overall in 30 league games.

Following his only season with SAFC, Alvarez has played for Orange County SC, the Las Vegas Lights, Loudoun Untied and now currently plays with San Diego Loyal SC.

Carlos Alvarez

Alvarez was the first player ever signed for SAFC when he joined prior to the 2016 season. He would go on to lead the club in assists in the first season, tallying seven overall in 30 league games.

Following his only season with SAFC, Alvarez has played for Orange County SC, the Las Vegas Lights, Loudoun Untied and now currently plays with San Diego Loyal SC.

Rafa Castillo

A San Antonio soccer legend, Castillo joined SAFC prior to 2016 after previously playing with the San Antonio Scorpions. In four seasons with SAFC from 2016-19, he appeared in 74 matches in all competitions, scoring 15 goals overall. In 2016, he led the team with five goals in 2,284 minutes.

Rafa Castillo

A San Antonio soccer legend, Castillo joined SAFC prior to 2016 after previously playing with the San Antonio Scorpions. In four seasons with SAFC from 2016-19, he appeared in 74 matches in all competitions, scoring 15 goals overall. In 2016, he led the team with five goals in 2,284 minutes.

Danny Garcia

Garcia appeared in 25 matches with San Antonio FC in 2016, making 11 starts and adding two goals and one assist in 971 minutes. Garcia would retire after his one season with SAFC, and the former midfielder recently got married this year.

Danny Garcia

Garcia appeared in 25 matches with San Antonio FC in 2016, making 11 starts and adding two goals and one assist in 971 minutes. Garcia would retire after his one season with SAFC, and the former midfielder recently got married this year.

Miguel Salazar

Salazar was the third of the Elon trio to play for SAFC in 2016. He made 25 appearances in all competitions for SAFC and was re-signed for the 2017 season.

Following his time with SAFC, Salazar would go on to captain FC Tucson and play for the Midland-Odessa Sockers. He currently working towards his MBA in Sports Management at the University of the Incarnate Word.

Miguel Salazar

Salazar was the third of the Elon trio to play for SAFC in 2016. He made 25 appearances in all competitions for SAFC and was re-signed for the 2017 season.

Following his time with SAFC, Salazar would go on to captain FC Tucson and play for the Midland-Odessa Sockers. He currently working towards his MBA in Sports Management at the University of the Incarnate Word.

Forwards

Cesar Elizondo

Elizondo joined midseason in 2016 and went on to score two goals in nine appearances for the club. The attacker would spend the 2017 and 2018 seasons in San Antonio as well, ending his time with the club after appearing in 49 matches in all competitions while scoring 10 goals overall.

After his time with SAFC, Elizondo returned to his native Costa Rica and currently plays with Perez Zeledon in the Costa Rican first division.

Forwards

Cesar Elizondo

Elizondo joined midseason in 2016 and went on to score two goals in nine appearances for the club. The attacker would spend the 2017 and 2018 seasons in San Antonio as well, ending his time with the club after appearing in 49 matches in all competitions while scoring 10 goals overall.

After his time with SAFC, Elizondo returned to his native Costa Rica and currently plays with Perez Zeledon in the Costa Rican first division.

Manolo Sanchez

Sanchez scored one goal in 16 appearances during his lone season with SAFC. Following the season,he would leave SAFC and go on to play for the Harrisburg City Islanders of the USL Championship, and Tormenta FC. Sanchez is currently working towards his coaching badges while coaching high school varsity soccer.

Manolo Sanchez

Sanchez scored one goal in 16 appearances during his lone season with SAFC. Following the season,he would leave SAFC and go on to play for the Harrisburg City Islanders of the USL Championship, and Tormenta FC. Sanchez is currently working towards his coaching badges while coaching high school varsity soccer.

Jason Johnson

Johnson came to San Antonio with a history of MLS experience and went on to score the first goal in team history. Johnson scored four goals in 30 overall appearances with the club.

The 2016 season would be his only one with the team. He would go on to join Phoenix Rising where he would spend the next three seasons in the USL Championship.

Jason Johnson

Johnson came to San Antonio with a history of MLS experience and went on to score the first goal in team history. Johnson scored four goals in 30 overall appearances with the club.

The 2016 season would be his only one with the team. He would go on to join Phoenix Rising where he would spend the next three seasons in the USL Championship.

Taylor Morgan

Morgan joined midseason from the Tulsa Roughnecks and would go on to make 14 appearances while adding one assist for the club. Morgan left after the 2016 season and signed with Whitehawk FC in his native England in 2017 prior to his retirement.

Taylor Morgan

Morgan joined midseason from the Tulsa Roughnecks and would go on to make 14 appearances while adding one assist for the club. Morgan left after the 2016 season and signed with Whitehawk FC in his native England in 2017 prior to his retirement.

Jacques Francois

Francois spent one season with SAFC, making seven league appearances in 2016, collecting two assists. While with San Antonio, Francois was one of the leading scorers of the 2016 Open Cup, scoring three goals in three matches.

Francois has bounced around in the lower leagues before most recently playing with Atlantic City FC in the NPSL.

Jacques Francois

Francois spent one season with SAFC, making seven league appearances in 2016, collecting two assists. While with San Antonio, Francois was one of the leading scorers of the 2016 Open Cup, scoring three goals in three matches.

Francois has bounced around in the lower leagues before most recently playing with Atlantic City FC in the NPSL.

Shawn Chin

Chin was another experienced player to sign on with SAFC prior to the 2016 season. He made 19 total appearances in 2016 while scoring three goals. Chin also appeared in 15 games with SAFC during the 2017 season prior to his departure.

Following his time with SAFC, Chin joined the Colorado Springs Switchbacks prior to signing on with Miami FC where he spent the last two seasons.

Shawn Chin

Chin was another experienced player to sign on with SAFC prior to the 2016 season. He made 19 total appearances in 2016 while scoring three goals. Chin also appeared in 15 games with SAFC during the 2017 season prior to his departure.

Following his time with SAFC, Chin joined the Colorado Springs Switchbacks prior to signing on with Miami FC where he spent the last two seasons.

Franck Tayou

‘Franck the Tank’ as he was known by the fans, joined midseason in 2016 and scored a team-high five goals in just 17 games.

Tayou left SAFC after the 2016 season and continued his impressive career in professional indoor soccer where he has won multiple MVP awards. In addition, he has spent time with FC Wichita and Fresno FC and has represented the Unites States in international beach soccer tournaments.

Franck Tayou

‘Franck the Tank’ as he was known by the fans, joined midseason in 2016 and scored a team-high five goals in just 17 games.

Tayou left SAFC after the 2016 season and continued his impressive career in professional indoor soccer where he has won multiple MVP awards. In addition, he has spent time with FC Wichita and Fresno FC and has represented the Unites States in international beach soccer tournaments.

San Antonio FC entered the 2016 season looking to establish a new club in the Alamo City. The season – which came rather quick after a short build up for the club – got off to the best of starts with an away win over the Seattle Sounders 2. Following the club’s 1-1 draw in their home opener, SAFC played three straight road matches before returning home for the team’s second ever match at Toyota Field on April 30, 2016.

San Antonio FC would win its first of 35 home league wins that night against the Tulsa Roughnecks – now FC Tulsa – thanks to good attacking play on the field and a strong home crowd of 7,837.

San Antonio FC entered the 2016 season looking to establish a new club in the Alamo City. The season – which came rather quick after a short build up for the club – got off to the best of starts with an away win over the Seattle Sounders 2. Following the club’s 1-1 draw in their home opener, SAFC played three straight road matches before returning home for the team’s second ever match at Toyota Field on April 30, 2016.

San Antonio FC would win its first of 35 home league wins that night against the Tulsa Roughnecks – now FC Tulsa – thanks to good attacking play on the field and a strong home crowd of 7,837.

The match started well for SAFC who took the momentum from the loud crowd and immediately began attacking the Roughnecks goal. Despite their pressure, SAFC didn’t find the breakthrough until just seven minutes before halftime after a through ball from midfielder Carlos Alvarez found Shawn Chin. After a cut back in the box, Chin poked the opening goal into the net to give San Antonio the 1-0 lead.

The match started well for SAFC who took the momentum from the loud crowd and immediately began attacking the Roughnecks goal. Despite their pressure, SAFC didn’t find the breakthrough until just seven minutes before halftime after a through ball from midfielder Carlos Alvarez found Shawn Chin. After a cut back in the box, Chin poked the opening goal into the net to give San Antonio the 1-0 lead.

After entering half time with the lead, the Roughnecks would tie the game just four minutes into the second half. Tulsa forward Sammy Ochoa countered down the left wing after a turnover, and sent a hard cross low to the back post where Kaleem scored an easy tap in. The score would remain tied until the 68th minute when SAFC midfielder Rafa Castillo scored an all-time classic goal in front of the home fans. After SAFC nearly scored from a set-piece thanks to Sam McBride, the ball was recycled back out and eventually found the foot of Castillo who dummied past a defender before lacing a shot into the top corner off the goalkeeper’s hands. The 25-yard strike sent the crowd into dreamland as SAFC would look to hold the lead for the remaining 20 minutes of the game.

After entering half time with the lead, the Roughnecks would tie the game just four minutes into the second half. Tulsa forward Sammy Ochoa countered down the left wing after a turnover, and sent a hard cross low to the back post where Kaleem scored an easy tap in. The score would remain tied until the 68th minute when SAFC midfielder Rafa Castillo scored an all-time classic goal in front of the home fans. After SAFC nearly scored from a set-piece thanks to Sam McBride, the ball was recycled back out and eventually found the foot of Castillo who dummied past a defender before lacing a shot into the top corner off the goalkeeper’s hands. The 25-yard strike sent the crowd into dreamland as SAFC would look to hold the lead for the remaining 20 minutes of the game.

As the match continued, Tulsa looked the more likely to score as the team pressed to get a road result in a tough environment. SAFC would seal the victory however thanks to the third goal of the season for forward Jason Johnson. In the 88th minute, a long ball sent forward by SAFC wasn’t dealt with by the Roughnecks. Somehow, the ball squeaked past the defenders while SAFC substitute Manolo Sanchez found himself one-on-one with the keeper. His shot was saved well by Alex Mangels, but the rebound fell to Johnson at the edge of the box where he impressively floated a curled shot into the top corner to seal the three points for SAFC.

The win marked the second of the season for SAFC, the first at home, and the second time the club had scored three goals in a single match. Alvarez recorded his second assist, while Chin and Castillo scored their first goals for the club. Overall SAFC outshot Tulsa 23-6 while the Alamo City keeper Josh Ford only needed to make one save.

As the match continued, Tulsa looked the more likely to score as the team pressed to get a road result in a tough environment. SAFC would seal the victory however thanks to the third goal of the season for forward Jason Johnson. In the 88th minute, a long ball sent forward by SAFC wasn’t dealt with by the Roughnecks. Somehow, the ball squeaked past the defenders while SAFC substitute Manolo Sanchez found himself one-on-one with the keeper. His shot was saved well by Alex Mangels, but the rebound fell to Johnson at the edge of the box where he impressively floated a curled shot into the top corner to seal the three points for SAFC.

The win marked the second of the season for SAFC, the first at home, and the second time the club had scored three goals in a single match. Alvarez recorded his second assist, while Chin and Castillo scored their first goals for the club. Overall SAFC outshot Tulsa 23-6 while the Alamo City keeper Josh Ford only needed to make one save.

Scoring Summary:

SAFC: 1-0, Shawn Chin (Carlos Alvarez assist) 38’

Tulsa: 1-1, Kaleem (Sammy Ochoa assist) 49’

SAFC: 2-1, Rafa Castillo 68’

SAFC: 3-1, Jason Johnson 88’

 

SAFC Starting XI: GK: Josh Ford (c); D: Greg Cochrane, Stephen McCarthy (Biko Bradnock-Brennan 71’), Sam McBride, Bobby Moseley; M: Sebastian Thuriere, Rafa Castillo (Michael Reed 90’), Carlos Alvarez, Jason Johnson, Shawn Chin (Miguel Salazar 73’); F: Victor Araujo (Manolo Sanchez 82’)

Substitutions Not Used: Matthew Cardone, Max Gunderson, Austin Dunker

Full Match Below:

Scoring Summary:

SAFC: 1-0, Shawn Chin (Carlos Alvarez assist) 38’

Tulsa: 1-1, Kaleem (Sammy Ochoa assist) 49’

SAFC: 2-1, Rafa Castillo 68’

SAFC: 3-1, Jason Johnson 88’

 

SAFC Starting XI: GK: Josh Ford (c); D: Greg Cochrane, Stephen McCarthy (Biko Bradnock-Brennan 71’), Sam McBride, Bobby Moseley; M: Sebastian Thuriere, Rafa Castillo (Michael Reed 90’), Carlos Alvarez, Jason Johnson, Shawn Chin (Miguel Salazar 73’); F: Victor Araujo (Manolo Sanchez 82’)

Substitutions Not Used: Matthew Cardone, Max Gunderson, Austin Dunker

Full Match Below:

The United Soccer League announced today, following approval from the USL Championship’s Board of Governors, that the previously announced 30-day temporary suspension of play in the Championship will be extended to align with recent guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on restricting public gatherings of 50 or more people through Sunday, May 10th.

To every USL Championship supporter across the country, we want to thank you for your patience and understanding during these extraordinary circumstances. As always, your safety, health and wellness are our top priority. We will continue to monitor ongoing events, receive guidance from local, state and national health authorities, and participate in a national task force comprised of other professional sports leagues and organizations from around the country. We also want to extend our support and best wishes to all the individuals and communities who have been impacted by COVID-19.

We look forward to being back in action again soon.

The United Soccer League announced today, following approval from the USL Championship’s Board of Governors, that the previously announced 30-day temporary suspension of play in the Championship will be extended to align with recent guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on restricting public gatherings of 50 or more people through Sunday, May 10th.

To every USL Championship supporter across the country, we want to thank you for your patience and understanding during these extraordinary circumstances. As always, your safety, health and wellness are our top priority. We will continue to monitor ongoing events, receive guidance from local, state and national health authorities, and participate in a national task force comprised of other professional sports leagues and organizations from around the country. We also want to extend our support and best wishes to all the individuals and communities who have been impacted by COVID-19.

We look forward to being back in action again soon.