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Game 20 – San Antonio FC vs. Orange County SC

Date: Saturday, August 5, 2017

Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. central

Stadium: Toyota Field (San Antonio, TX)

San Antonio FC: 11-1-7, 40 pts (2nd place)

Orange County SC: 7-5-4, 25 pts (9th place)

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USL Announces Regular Season Expansion

The United Soccer League, one of the most prominent Division II leagues in the world, announced on Thursday the league’s regular season will expand to 34 games per team in the 2018 season, and the regular season will be extended to 31 weeks.

The decision was approved by the USL Board of Governors on Wednesday at the league’s Mid-Season Meetings in Chicago. The move will see the USL regular season surpass 500 total games for the first time in its history.

“We are very pleased the Board of Governors has approved the decision to expand the USL regular season to 34 games per club,” said USL President Jake Edwards. “The league’s commitment to club services, broadcast and various strategic initiatives combined with the continued investment of our owners into the clubs have produced record attendance this season. An additional home match now provides a significant revenue opportunity as attendance continues to grow.

“Next year’s expanded season, highlighted by three new clubs that will join the USL in 2018, will deliver even more first-class soccer excitement to even more fans across North America.”

The USL also announced it would retain the current two-conference format for the 2018 season, and the 16-team playoff structure across the two conferences. The league’s alignment for the new season will be announced at a future date.

The 2018 USL regular season is expected to kick off on the weekend of March 16-18, with the 31-week regular season set to conclude on the weekend of October 12-14. The 2018 USL Cup Playoffs would then kick off between October 19-21, with the 2018 USL Cup Final set for the weekend of November 9-11.

“Next year’s expanded season, highlighted by three new clubs that will join the USL in 2018, will deliver even more first-class soccer excitement to even more fans across North America.”

SAN ANTONIO FC DEFEATS PHOENIX RISING FC 1-0 TO EARN THREE ROAD POINTS

San Antonio FC beat Phoenix Rising FC 1-0 at Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex on Saturday night. A late goal from midfielder Rafa Castillo earned the Silver and Black three important points in front of 5,000 plus opposing fans on the road.

“I’m very proud of our players for their application, desire, determination and character,” SAFC Head Coach Darren Powell said. “This was a very difficult environment to play in and against a good team. It came down to the wire but we’re glad we came away with the three points.”

Castillo scored the lone goal of the match in the 85th minute after midfielder Cesar Elizondo was taken down in the hosts’ box by goalkeeper Josh Cohen. Castillo stepped up and converted from the spot to record his fourth goal of the season. With the goal, the Colombia native extended his all-time scoring record for the club to nine goals.

SAFC goalkeeper Diego Restrepo recorded four saves on the night, claiming two crosses and recording a clearance punch along the way. The clean sheet marked Restrepo’s eighth of the season and the 11th overall for the club.

“Getting the shutout is good for us,” Restrepo said. “It was big for us to build that confidence again and to go into next weekend with a clean sheet.”

The win marks the first in over a month for the Alamo City club, which had recorded three consecutive draws prior to Saturday’s match. SAFC is also the only team in the USL with just one loss recorded on the season so far.

San Antonio FC will return to action on Saturday, August 5 as they host Orange County SC at Toyota Field in the first matchup between the two clubs this season.

Scoring Summary:

SAFC: 1-0, Rafa Castillo (penalty) 85’

Disciplinary Summary:

SAFC: Yellow Card (Mark O’Ojong 27’)

SAFC: Yellow Card (Rafa Castillo 37’)

Rising FC: Yellow Card (Jason Johnson 49’)

Rising FC: Yellow Card (Peter Ramage ’50)

SAFC: Yellow Card (Kris Tyrpak 75’)

Rising FC: Yellow Card (Shaun Wright-Phillips 75’)

Rising FC: Yellow Card (Alessandro Riggi ’75)

SAFC: Yellow Card (Cesar Elizondo 80’)

SAFC: Yellow Card (Stephen McCarthy 90’)

Rising FC: Yellow Card (Didier Drogba 90’)

Attendance: 5,463

SAFC Starting XI: GK: Diego Restrepo; D: Ben Newnam, Sebasiten Ibeagha, Stephen McCarthy, Greg Cochrane; M: Michael Reed (c), Mark O’Ojong (Cesar Elizondo 62’), Rafa Castillo, Kris Tyrpak (Pecka 78’), Billy Forbes; F: AJ Ajeakwa (Shawn Chin 90’)

Substitutions Not Used: Lee Johnston, Ryan Roushandel, Aly Alberto Hassan, Maxi Rodriguez

Postgame Notes:

San Antonio FC earn three points on the road for the first time since May 26 at Swope Park Rangers…SAFC is now 6-1-2 on the road this season…the club has now reached the 40-point plateau for the first time in club history…SAFC sweep the season series against Phoenix Rising, earning wins at home and on the road in two matches
San Antonio FC midfielder Rafa Castillo scored his fourth goal of the season, giving him nine in his SAFC career, which leads the club…Castillo was named the SWBC Man of the Match after scoring the game-winner from the penalty spot
SAFC recorded their 11th clean sheet in 19 games, which leads all of USL…marks the first shutout for the club since June 10 at OKC Energy FC…SAFC goalkeeper Diego Restrepo recorded his eighth shutout, which is tied for first in the league
San Antonio FC midfielder Pecka made his return from injury, playing 12 minutes in the win tonight…Pecka last appeared on June 17 vs. the Tulsa Roughnecks and missed four matches due to a lower body injury

“Getting the shutout is good for us,” Restrepo said. “It was big for us to build that confidence again and to go into next weekend with a clean sheet.”

San Antonio FC will return to action on Saturday, August 5 as they host Orange County SC at Toyota Field in the first matchup between the two clubs this season.

Scoring Summary:

SAFC: 1-0, Rafa Castillo (penalty) 85’

Disciplinary Summary:

SAFC: Yellow Card (Mark O’Ojong 27’)

SAFC: Yellow Card (Rafa Castillo 37’)

Rising FC: Yellow Card (Jason Johnson 49’)

Rising FC: Yellow Card (Peter Ramage ’50)

SAFC: Yellow Card (Kris Tyrpak 75’)

Rising FC: Yellow Card (Shaun Wright-Phillips 75’)

Rising FC: Yellow Card (Alessandro Riggi ’75)

SAFC: Yellow Card (Cesar Elizondo 80’)

SAFC: Yellow Card (Stephen McCarthy 90’)

Rising FC: Yellow Card (Didier Drogba 90’)

Attendance: 5,463

Substitutions Not Used: Lee Johnston, Ryan Roushandel, Aly Alberto Hassan, Maxi Rodriguez

Postgame Notes:

San Antonio FC earn three points on the road for the first time since May 26 at Swope Park Rangers…SAFC is now 6-1-2 on the road this season…the club has now reached the 40-point plateau for the first time in club history…SAFC sweep the season series against Phoenix Rising, earning wins at home and on the road in two matches
San Antonio FC midfielder Rafa Castillo scored his fourth goal of the season, giving him nine in his SAFC career, which leads the club…Castillo was named the SWBC Man of the Match after scoring the game-winner from the penalty spot
SAFC recorded their 11th clean sheet in 19 games, which leads all of USL…marks the first shutout for the club since June 10 at OKC Energy FC…SAFC goalkeeper Diego Restrepo recorded his eighth shutout, which is tied for first in the league
San Antonio FC midfielder Pecka made his return from injury, playing 12 minutes in the win tonight…Pecka last appeared on June 17 vs. the Tulsa Roughnecks and missed four matches due to a lower body injury

SAN ANTONIO FC TRAVELS TO FACE DIDIER DROGBA AND PHOENIX RISING FC

Following a string of three consecutive draws, San Antonio FC (10-1-7) will travel to face Phoenix Rising FC (6-6-4) at Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex this Saturday at 10 p.m. SAFC will look to get back in winning form to earn their first win since June 17.

San Antonio FC remains the only club in the USL to have suffered only one loss this season. The Silver and Black’s defensive performances have continued to drive the team’s success. The SAFC back line has conceded just 10 goals this season, the fewest in the entire USL.

The Silver and Black earned a 1-0 win at Toyota Field in the first matchup between the two clubs on May 20 thanks to a goal by forward AJ Ajeakwa. Contrary to their last encounter, however, Phoenix Rising may have legendary forward Didier Drogba at their disposal for the matchup.

A win at home could potentially propel Phoenix into a playoff position for the time being, with four teams currently within a three-point range of their 11th place in the standings. Meanwhile, SAFC will aim to earn three points on the road to catch up to second-place Swope Park Rangers, who lead the club by just one point.

SAFC midfielder Billy Forbes will lead the attack for the Silver and Black. Forbes has tallied seven goals so far this season, and is just one goal away from tying midfielder Rafa Castillo’s all-time leading tally of eight. The Turks and Caicos native is also just two assists short of matching the club’s all-time record of seven, which was set by midfielder Carlos Alvarez during the club’s inaugural campaign in 2016.

With Phoenix’s attacking power and San Antonio’s defensive discipline, as well as the implications of a win for both teams, Saturday’s matchup may prove to be a challenging test for both sides.

Game 19 – San Antonio FC at Phoenix Rising FC

Date: Saturday, July 29, 2017

Kickoff: 10 p.m. central

Stadium: Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex (Phoenix, AZ)

San Antonio FC: 10-1-6, 36 pts (3rd place)

Phoenix Rising FC: 6-6-4, 22 pts (11th place)

All-time Series: SAFC has recorded a 2-1-1 record all-time against Phoenix, including a 1-0 win on May 20 of this year. The last time San Antonio visited Arizona, they fell 1-0 to the then-named Arizona United in August of 2016

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With Phoenix’s attacking power and San Antonio’s defensive discipline, as well as the implications of a win for both teams, Saturday’s matchup may prove to be a challenging test for both sides.

Game 19 – San Antonio FC at Phoenix Rising FC

Date: Saturday, July 29, 2017

Kickoff: 10 p.m. central

Stadium: Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex (Phoenix, AZ)

San Antonio FC: 10-1-6, 36 pts (3rd place)

Phoenix Rising FC: 6-6-4, 22 pts (11th place)

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SAFC By the Numbers – Progress in 2017

After a hot start to its second season in existence, San Antonio FC currently finds itself in third place in the Western Conference standings. Stellar defensive performances and impressive showings from Diego Restrepo and Billy Forbes have highlighted the club’s sophomore campaign. Take a look at some numbers that break down the club’s season so far:

1. San Antonio FC remains the only team in the USL with just one loss on the season. League-leaders Real Monarchs are the closest with two losses, while Portland Timbers 2 has suffered 15.

2. SAFC goalkeeper Diego Restrepo currently ranks second in the league in clean sheets (seven). Restrepo has tallied that number in 13 appearances since stepping onto the pitch for the Silver and Black for the first time on April 22 at Whitecaps FC 2.

3. San Antonio FC currently ranks third among all USL clubs in conversion rate. The team has converted 20 percent of their chances, scoring 28 goals out of 142 total attempts. Last season, the Alamo City club converted ten percent of their chances, tallying 36 goals out of 367 shots.

5. With his assist to set up Devin Vega’s goal on Saturday, midfielder Billy Forbes has now recorded five assists this season, and is just two short of the club’s all-time record of seven, which was posted by midfielder Carlos Alvarez during the club’s 2016 inaugural season.

7. In addition to nearing the all-time assists record, midfielder Billy Forbes is also one goal away from tallying Rafa Castillo’s all-time scoring record for the club. Castillo has tallied three goals in 2017 after scoring five during the Silver and Black’s inaugural campaign.

10. The San Antonio FC goalkeepers have combined for a total of 10 clean sheets of the season, posting the highest number of shutouts among USL clubs. In addition, SAFC has conceded just 10 goals, the fewest in the entire league.

17. Just over the halfway mark of the 2017 campaign, San Antonio FC matched its points total from last year in just 17 matches this season. The club’s 10-1-6 record 17 matches into the season added up to 36 points, which was the same amount that the team reached after their 30 matches in 2016.

Though the club trails first-place Real Monarchs by seven points, SAFC is well within range of potentially winning the Western Conference title. After significantly improving on last season, the Alamo City club will look to continue setting club records in 2017.

1. San Antonio FC remains the only team in the USL with just one loss on the season. League-leaders Real Monarchs are the closest with two losses, while Portland Timbers 2 has suffered 15.

SAN ANTONIO FC PLAY TO 2-2 DRAW AFTER STRONG PERFORMANCE AGAINST REAL MONARCHS

San Antonio FC and Real Monarchs SLC tied 2-2 at Toyota Field on Saturday night in front of 7,642 fans. Goals from Devin Vega and Kris Tyrpak earned SAFC a point at home against the USL leaders after a late equalizer.

“I think if you came to tonight’s game, you came out of it very entertained,” SAFC Head Coach Darren Powell said. “The guys played very well and worked extremely hard and got in a position to win the game, but unfortunately we conceded one at the end of the match.”

Vega opened the scoring in the 27th minute when midfielder Billy Forbes found him with a pass at the top of the box. The San Antonio native shot low across the goal to tally his third goal of the season. Forbes has now tallied five assists on the season, which lead the team. Real Monarchs then equalized with a converted penalty by Chandler Hoffman just five minutes later.

SAFC midfielder Tyrpak regained the lead for the hosts in the 68th minute after defender Sebastien Ibeagha played a ball across the mouth of the goal following a set piece, which Tyrpak rushed to finish from point-blank range for the 2-1 lead. The goal marked Tyrpak’s fourth of the season and Ibeagha’s second assist for the club.

The visitors then leveled the score again in the 85th minute after Max Lachowecki placed a header past SAFC goalkeeper Diego Restrepo from a Chase Minter cross, marking just the second time this season that SAFC has conceded two goals in a match. The last time the Silver and Black conceded multiple goals in a single game was on April 25 in their 3-2 win at Seattle Sounders 2.

The 7,642 fans at Toyota Field marked the fourth-highest attendance at Toyota Field this season. The club has only recorded higher attendances in its three sellouts of the season so far on July 14, May 13, and its home opener on April 1.

“The fans’ support was huge tonight,” Tyrpak said. “It was the loudest I’ve heard them since I’ve been here, and to go against the first-place team and have the fans behind us being the loudest they could be was huge.”

San Antonio FC will return to action on Saturday, July 29 as they visit Phoenix Rising FC in the second matchup between the two clubs this season. SAFC will then return to San Antonio on Saturday, August 5 as they host Orange County SC at Toyota Field.

Scoring Summary:

SAFC: 1-0, Devin Vega (Billy Forbes assist) 27’

Real Monarchs: 1-1, Chandler Hoffman (penalty) 32’

SAFC: 2-1, Kris Tyrpak (Sebastien Ibeagha assist) 68’

Real Monarchs: 2-2, Max Lachowecki (Chase Minter assist 86’)

Disciplinary Summary:

Real Monarchs: Yellow Card (Michael Gallagher 45’)

Real Monarchs: Yellow Card (Max Lachowecki 46’)

SAFC: Yellow Card (Stephen McCarthy 52’)

Attendance: 7,642

SAFC Starting XI: GK: Diego Restrepo; D: Cyprian Hedrick, Sebasiten Ibeagha, Stephen McCarthy, Greg Cochrane; M: Michael Reed (c), Devin Vega (Maxi Rodriguez 84’), Rafa Castillo, Kris Tyrpak (Cesar Elizondo 79’), Billy Forbes; F: AJ Ajeakwa

Substitutions Not Used: Lee Johnston, Ryan Roushandel, Aly Alberto Hassan, Victor Araujo, Mark O’Ojong

Postgame Notes:

San Antonio FC remain unbeaten through 10 home matches this season…SAFC has not lost at home since 9/10/16 vs. Saint Louis FC…marks the fifth draw in the last seven matches for the Alamo City club…SAFC are now 0-1-1 all-time against Real Monarchs SLC
San Antonio FC conceded more than one goal for just the second time this season…SAFC previously conceded two goals on the road in Seattle on 4/25…SAFC have recorded 10 shutouts so far in the 2017 season
With the draw, SAFC has now totaled 37 points, which officially surpasses their total from the 2016 when the club finished the year with 36 points
San Antonio FC midfielder Devin Vega recorded his third goal of the season and first since 6/17 vs. the Tulsa Roughnecks…SAFC midfielder Billy Forbes assisted the goal, which gives him a team-leading five on the season…last weekend against OKC Energy FC on 7/14, Vega assisted Forbes for the club’s lone goal in the match
SAFC midfielder Kris Tyrpak scored his fourth goal of the season, which leaves him just three shy of his total from the 2016 season when he was with the Swope Park Rangers…Tyrpak is now tied with SAFC forward Cesar Elizondo for second on the team in goals scored…SAFC defender Sebastien Ibeagha assisted on the play…his second assist of the season gives him the most of any SAFC defender
San Antonio FC outshot Real Monarchs 14-4 (not including blocked shots), which marks the second-highest margin for the club on the season (SAFC outshot Seattle Sounders II 14-3 on 5/13)…SAFC also finished on top of Real Monarchs in possession (54.4 – 45.6 percent), passing accuracy (78 – 72 percent), passes (346 – 286) and duels won (66.7 – 33.3 percent)
SAFC midfielder Michael Reed was named the SWBC Man of the Match after completing 82.9 percent of his passes, recording three shots, adding one key pass and gaining possession 11 times
SAFC forward Cesar Elizondo made his return from injury, playing 11 minutes in the match…marks the first appearance for the Costa Rican since June 3 vs. Swope Park Rangers
Tonight’s attendance of 7,642 marked the fourth-highest USL attendance on the season for SAFC at Toyota Field

Scoring Summary:

SAFC: 1-0, Devin Vega (Billy Forbes assist) 27’

Real Monarchs: 1-1, Chandler Hoffman (penalty) 32’

SAFC: 2-1, Kris Tyrpak (Sebastien Ibeagha assist) 68’

Real Monarchs: 2-2, Max Lachowecki (Chase Minter assist 86’)

Disciplinary Summary:

Real Monarchs: Yellow Card (Michael Gallagher 45’)

Real Monarchs: Yellow Card (Max Lachowecki 46’)

SAFC: Yellow Card (Stephen McCarthy 52’)

Attendance: 7,642

Substitutions Not Used: Lee Johnston, Ryan Roushandel, Aly Alberto Hassan, Victor Araujo, Mark O’Ojong

Postgame Notes:

San Antonio FC remain unbeaten through 10 home matches this season…SAFC has not lost at home since 9/10/16 vs. Saint Louis FC…marks the fifth draw in the last seven matches for the Alamo City club…SAFC are now 0-1-1 all-time against Real Monarchs SLC
San Antonio FC conceded more than one goal for just the second time this season…SAFC previously conceded two goals on the road in Seattle on 4/25…SAFC have recorded 10 shutouts so far in the 2017 season
With the draw, SAFC has now totaled 37 points, which officially surpasses their total from the 2016 when the club finished the year with 36 points
San Antonio FC midfielder Devin Vega recorded his third goal of the season and first since 6/17 vs. the Tulsa Roughnecks…SAFC midfielder Billy Forbes assisted the goal, which gives him a team-leading five on the season…last weekend against OKC Energy FC on 7/14, Vega assisted Forbes for the club’s lone goal in the match
SAFC midfielder Kris Tyrpak scored his fourth goal of the season, which leaves him just three shy of his total from the 2016 season when he was with the Swope Park Rangers…Tyrpak is now tied with SAFC forward Cesar Elizondo for second on the team in goals scored…SAFC defender Sebastien Ibeagha assisted on the play…his second assist of the season gives him the most of any SAFC defender
San Antonio FC outshot Real Monarchs 14-4 (not including blocked shots), which marks the second-highest margin for the club on the season (SAFC outshot Seattle Sounders II 14-3 on 5/13)…SAFC also finished on top of Real Monarchs in possession (54.4 – 45.6 percent), passing accuracy (78 – 72 percent), passes (346 – 286) and duels won (66.7 – 33.3 percent)
SAFC midfielder Michael Reed was named the SWBC Man of the Match after completing 82.9 percent of his passes, recording three shots, adding one key pass and gaining possession 11 times
SAFC forward Cesar Elizondo made his return from injury, playing 11 minutes in the match…marks the first appearance for the Costa Rican since June 3 vs. Swope Park Rangers
Tonight’s attendance of 7,642 marked the fourth-highest USL attendance on the season for SAFC at Toyota Field

SAN ANTONIO FC HOSTS WESTERN CONFERENCE LEADING REAL MONARCHS SLC ON SATURDAY

The best defense in the USL will clash with the best offense in the league this weekend as San Antonio FC (10-1-6) hosts first-place Real Monarchs SLC (14-2-1) at Toyota Field. The match will kick-off at 7:30 p.m. and will be broadcast on Fox Sports Southwest with Dan Weiss and former United States Men’s National Team midfielder Christopher Sullivan on the call.

SAFC heads into the match leading the league in shutouts (10), with goalkeeper Diego Restrepo leading individually in that category with seven so far this season and a 0.45 goals against average as the race for the USL Golden Glove continues. Meanwhile, defender Sebastien Ibeagha leads the league with 117 clearances on the season, which are 22 more than the next-best player (Forrest Lasso, Charleston Battery – 95). Together, the SAFC back line has allowed just eight goals this season, the fewest by any USL team.

On the other hand, Real Monarchs will aim to add onto their league-leading 40 goals, the second-most in the league. The Monarchs have struggled a bit on the defensive end, however, conceding 17 goals this year, just over twice as many as the Alamo City club. On the attacking end, the two are almost level on conversion rate, with the Monarchs converting 22 percent of their chances while the Silver and Black has capitalized on 20 percent of their own.

The matchup marks the first encounter between SAFC and Real Monarchs this season and second overall. The two are currently the two teams with the fewest losses in 2017 (one and two, respectively). Both clubs have been shut out on only one occasion this season; SAFC by Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC on June 24, and Real Monarchs on July 1 at the hands of Tulsa Roughnecks.

Should SAFC win the match, the club would climb back to second place in the standings with just four points separating them and the league-leaders. If the Monarchs win, they would extend their lead over second-place Swope Park Rangers by eight points. No matter the result, Saturday’s match at Toyota Field is likely to be an exciting Western Conference showdown.

Game 18 – San Antonio FC vs. Real Monarchs SLC

Date: Saturday, July 22, 2017

Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. central

Stadium: Toyota Field (San Antonio, TX)

San Antonio FC: 10-1-6, 36 pts (3rd place)

Real Monarchs SLC: 14-2-1, 43 pts (1st place)

All-time Series: The game marks just the second matchup between the two teams all-time. SAFC suffered a 2-0 loss in Salt Lake City in September of last season, despite a Matt Cardone first-half penalty save.

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Game 18 – San Antonio FC vs. Real Monarchs SLC

Date: Saturday, July 22, 2017

Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. central

Stadium: Toyota Field (San Antonio, TX)

San Antonio FC: 10-1-6, 36 pts (3rd place)

Real Monarchs SLC: 14-2-1, 43 pts (1st place)

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SAN ANTONIO FC PLAY TO 1-1 DRAW IN FRONT OF SELLOUT CROWD AT TOYOTA FIELD

San Antonio FC and OKC Energy FC played to a 1-1 draw in front of 8,131 fans at Toyota Field on Friday night, marking the club’s third USL sellout this season and fourth overall in franchise history.

“Fair play to OKC tonight,” said SAFC Head Coach Darren Powell. “They set themselves up differently than they have in previous games. The first half was tight and they were hard for us to break down. The second half we opened them up and got the goal. You always leave yourself vulnerable at 1-0. Goals change games. Now we’ve earned the point which is important in this league, and now we keep moving forward.”

SAFC midfielder Billy Forbes opened the scoring in the 52nd minute after goalkeeper Diego Restrepo found midfielder Devin Vega with a punt. Vega made his way up the field and played Forbes in, who chipped it into the net past goalkeeper Cody Laurendi for the 1-0 lead.

The goal marked Forbes’ seventh of the season and first since April 28, putting him just one short of tying Rafa Castillo’s all-time leading record (eight), while Vega recorded his second assist of the season after recording his first of the campaign on April 28 as well.

OKC Energy FC came close to equalizing in the 84th minute when the Video Assistant Referee awarded the visitors a penalty, but defender Coady Andrews was denied by the crossbar. The Energy then equalized in the dying moments of the match when Miguel Gonzales capitalized off a moment of chaos in the hosts’ box.

The sellout marks the second highest attendance at Toyota Field in San Antonio FC history, and is the first consecutive sellout at the venue after SAFC drew 8,007 fans to its first international friendly against Club Santos Laguna (Liga MX) last Saturday.

SAFC will return to action on Saturday, July 22 as the club hosts first-place Real Monarchs SLC at Toyota Field at 7:30 p.m. The match will mark the first of two matches between the Western Conference leaders this season.

Scoring Summary:

SAFC: 1-0, Billy Forbes (Devin Vega assist 52’)

Energy FC: 1-1, Miguel Gonzalez 90’

Disciplinary Summary:

Energy FC: Yellow Card (Sam Fink 23’)

Attendance: 8,131

SAFC Starting XI: GK: Diego Restrepo; D: Cyprian Hedrick, Sebasiten Ibeagha, Stephen McCarthy (Mark O’Ojong 82’), Greg Cochrane; M: Michael Reed (c), Devin Vega (Maxi Rodriguez 90’), Rafa Castillo, Kris Tyrpak, Billy Forbes; F: AJ Ajeakwa (Victor Araujo 72’)

Substitutions Not Used: Lee Johnston, Ryan Roushandel, Aly Alberto Hassan, Cesar Elizondo

Postgame Notes:

San Antonio FC remain unbeaten through nine home matches this season…SAFC has not lost at home since 9/10/16 vs. Saint Louis FC…marks the fourth draw in five overall matches with OKC in club history…neither SAFC or Energy FC has ever scored more than one goal each in a single matchup
With the draw, San Antonio FC sits on 36 points in the USL standings…the club has now tied their entire point tally from the 2016 season when they recorded 36 points in 30 matches
San Antonio FC midfielder Billy Forbes was named SWBC Man of the Match after he scored his team-leading seventh goal of the USL season…the goal marked Forbes’ first since 4/28 at Portland Timbers 2…with the strike, Forbes is one goal shy of the all-time club record, which is currently held by teammate Rafa Castillo (eight goals)
SAFC has not kept a clean sheet in their last four matches, conceding just one goal in each of the last four USL games…SAFC previously recorded 10 shutouts in their first 13 matches…SAFC has only allowed more than a single goal in a game once this season (4/25 at Seattle)
San Antonio FC midfielder Devin Vega recorded his second assist of the USL season and first since 4/28 at Portland Timbers 2
Toyota Field hosted its second consecutive sellout in all competitions, with 8,131 fans in attendance tonight…comes after SAFC hosted 8,000 plus fans in an international club friendly match against Liga MX side Santos Laguna last week…tonight’s sellout was the third USL sellout this season for the club, and second-highest attendance in team history
SAFC defender Greg Cochrane led the team with seven tackles and also added four clearances and one interception…defender Sebastien Ibeagha recorded a game-high nine clearances while Devin Vega led the team in passing accuracy (87 percent, min. 20 passes)

Scoring Summary:

SAFC: 1-0, Billy Forbes (Devin Vega assist 52’)

Energy FC: 1-1, Miguel Gonzalez 90’

Disciplinary Summary:

Energy FC: Yellow Card (Sam Fink 23’)

Attendance: 8,131

Substitutions Not Used: Lee Johnston, Ryan Roushandel, Aly Alberto Hassan, Cesar Elizondo

Postgame Notes:

San Antonio FC remain unbeaten through nine home matches this season…SAFC has not lost at home since 9/10/16 vs. Saint Louis FC…marks the fourth draw in five overall matches with OKC in club history…neither SAFC or Energy FC has ever scored more than one goal each in a single matchup
With the draw, San Antonio FC sits on 36 points in the USL standings…the club has now tied their entire point tally from the 2016 season when they recorded 36 points in 30 matches
San Antonio FC midfielder Billy Forbes was named SWBC Man of the Match after he scored his team-leading seventh goal of the USL season…the goal marked Forbes’ first since 4/28 at Portland Timbers 2…with the strike, Forbes is one goal shy of the all-time club record, which is currently held by teammate Rafa Castillo (eight goals)
SAFC has not kept a clean sheet in their last four matches, conceding just one goal in each of the last four USL games…SAFC previously recorded 10 shutouts in their first 13 matches…SAFC has only allowed more than a single goal in a game once this season (4/25 at Seattle)
San Antonio FC midfielder Devin Vega recorded his second assist of the USL season and first since 4/28 at Portland Timbers 2
Toyota Field hosted its second consecutive sellout in all competitions, with 8,131 fans in attendance tonight…comes after SAFC hosted 8,000 plus fans in an international club friendly match against Liga MX side Santos Laguna last week…tonight’s sellout was the third USL sellout this season for the club, and second-highest attendance in team history
SAFC defender Greg Cochrane led the team with seven tackles and also added four clearances and one interception…defender Sebastien Ibeagha recorded a game-high nine clearances while Devin Vega led the team in passing accuracy (87 percent, min. 20 passes)

SAN ANTONIO FC HOSTS OKC ENERGY FC IN USL GAME OF THE WEEK

Following a weekend break in its USL season and its first international club friendly last weekend, San Antonio FC (10-1-5) will host OKC Energy FC (5-8-3) at Toyota Field on Friday, July 14 at 8 p.m. as it returns to USL action. The match will be part of a busy Friday for the club that will kick-off a big weekend of soccer in the Alamo City.

Starting at 10 a.m. on Friday, San Antonio FC will host a live broadcast of the SiriusXM FC show “United States of Soccer” with host Jason Davis at GS 1221, a local SAFC Bar Network partner. Following the show, the club will host a Town Hall Q&A with Davis. Later that night, SAFC will host Energy FC at Toyota Field in the USL Game of the Week, which will be nationally broadcast on ESPNU and SiriusXM FC.

San Antonio FC recently earned a 1-1 draw against Club Santos Laguna in its first-ever international exhibition match, drawing 8,007 fans to Toyota Field in the club’s third sellout of the season. Prior to that, SAFC earned a 1-1 draw in league play at Sacramento Republic FC thanks to a goal from AJ Ajeakwa.

The Alamo City club currently ranks second in the Western Conference, trailing Real Monarch SLC by eight points with one game in hand. SAFC has now scored 25 goals in league play while conceding just seven, and remains the only team in the USL with just one loss. The Silver and Black will look to aim their first win against the Energy after recording three draws and one loss in their four encounters so far.

OKC Energy FC will aim to record their first win in nearly a month on the road. The team recently recorded two consecutive losses at the hands of Real Monarchs and Tulsa Roughnecks FC, and now find themselves in 11th place in the standings with 18 points.

The match at Toyota Field will kick start a weekend full of soccer as San Antonio hosts a Gold Cup Group C double-header at the Alamodome, with Jamaica and El Salvador facing-off against each other prior to Mexico taking on Curacao just hours later.

Game 17 – San Antonio FC vs. OKC Energy FC

Date: Friday, July 14, 2017

Kickoff: 8 p.m. central

Stadium: Toyota Field (San Antonio, TX)

San Antonio FC: 10-1-5, 35 pts (2nd place)

OKC Energy FC: 5-8-3, 18 pts (11th place)

All-time Series: The game marks the fifth all-time matchup between the two clubs. In the four previous games between them, OKC has won one while the other three have been draws. No club has ever scored more than a single goal in any of the matchups, and the previous game between the two this season ended in a 0-0 draw. SAFC is looking for their first win against the Energy in team history.

Watch/Stats:

ESPNU

WatchESPN

Listen:

SiriusXM FC Channel 85

Media Information: