SAN ANTONIO – San Antonio FC has signed defender Austin Dunker and goalkeeper Lee Johnston for the upcoming 2016 USL season, the club announced today. Both players have spent preseason in training camp with the team. Dunker’s signing is pending international clearance. Per club policy, terms of the contracts were not disclosed.
Dunker, who primarily plays on the left-hand side, most recently spent time with the Seattle Sounders U-23 side (PDL). The Greensboro, NC native played college soccer at Elon University under current SAFC Head Coach Darren Powell from 2011-14.
“I’m really pleased for Austin,” said Powell. “He has had a really good preseason on trial for us. He gives us options down the left-hand side of defense and midfield. I’m very familiar with his personality and his character and I am happy that he is a part of SAFC.”
The 23 year-old Dunker was named to the All-Southern Conference Second Team in 2013 after starting all of Elon’s 23 matches. Overall in his Elon career Dunker also earned Southern Conference All-Freshman honors and was named to the Top Drawers Soccer Team of the Week in 2013. He has previously also spent time with the Carolina Dynamo (PDL).
“I couldn’t be more excited to join San Antonio FC,” said Dunker. “This is a great city and one that is passionate about its soccer. I want to thank the management and coaching staff for the opportunity to be a part of something special.”
Johnston, a native Newberry, FL, played college soccer at West Virginia University in 2013 and 2014 after transferring from the University of Pittsburgh following the 2012 season. The 23 year-old joins Josh Ford and Matt Cardone in the goalkeeper ranks at SAFC.
“Lee came in for a week on trial with us earlier in the preseason and he impressed us,” said Powell. “He has a lot of good shot-stopping abilities and he is quick. He has some maturing to do as a goalkeeper, but as a staff we felt his best years are ahead of him and we look forward to seeing him develop under coach Juan Lamadrid.”
“I’m really excited to join SAFC,” said Johnston. “Everyone in the organization has been very welcoming and supportive. It’s a great environment to be in as we prepare for the upcoming season.”
San Antonio FC will in front of home supporters at Toyota Field on Saturday, April 9 against Swope Park Rangers, the USL affiliate of Sporting Kansas City.
Fans interested in being a part of the inaugural season can place a deposit for 2016 season tickets online at www.sanantoniofc.com or by calling 210-444-5MLS. Single-game tickets for individual matches can also be purchased on the club’s website.
Supporters can follow the club by liking San Antonio FC on Facebook, as well as following the team on Twitter (@SanAntonioFC), Instagram (@sanantoniofc) and Snapchat (@SanAntonioFC).
About Spurs Sports & Entertainment
Spurs Sports & Entertainment is the premier provider of sports and entertainment in South Texas. SS&E owns and operates the San Antonio Spurs (NBA), San Antonio Rampage (AHL), San Antonio Stars (WNBA), Austin Spurs (NBA Development League), San Antonio FC (USL) and also manages the day-to-day operations of the AT&T Center and Toyota Field.
SAN ANTONIO – San Antonio FC has signed defender Austin Dunker and goalkeeper Lee Johnston for the upcoming 2016 USL season, the club announced today. Both players have spent preseason in training camp with the team. Dunker’s signing is pending international clearance. Per club policy, terms of the contracts were not disclosed.
Dunker, who primarily plays on the left-hand side, most recently spent time with the Seattle Sounders U-23 side (PDL). The Greensboro, NC native played college soccer at Elon University under current SAFC Head Coach Darren Powell from 2011-14.
“I’m really pleased for Austin,” said Powell. “He has had a really good preseason on trial for us. He gives us options down the left-hand side of defense and midfield. I’m very familiar with his personality and his character and I am happy that he is a part of SAFC.”
The 23 year-old Dunker was named to the All-Southern Conference Second Team in 2013 after starting all of Elon’s 23 matches. Overall in his Elon career Dunker also earned Southern Conference All-Freshman honors and was named to the Top Drawers Soccer Team of the Week in 2013. He has previously also spent time with the Carolina Dynamo (PDL).
“I couldn’t be more excited to join San Antonio FC,” said Dunker. “This is a great city and one that is passionate about its soccer. I want to thank the management and coaching staff for the opportunity to be a part of something special.”
Johnston, a native Newberry, FL, played college soccer at West Virginia University in 2013 and 2014 after transferring from the University of Pittsburgh following the 2012 season. The 23 year-old joins Josh Ford and Matt Cardone in the goalkeeper ranks at SAFC.
“Lee came in for a week on trial with us earlier in the preseason and he impressed us,” said Powell. “He has a lot of good shot-stopping abilities and he is quick. He has some maturing to do as a goalkeeper, but as a staff we felt his best years are ahead of him and we look forward to seeing him develop under coach Juan Lamadrid.”
“I’m really excited to join SAFC,” said Johnston. “Everyone in the organization has been very welcoming and supportive. It’s a great environment to be in as we prepare for the upcoming season.”
San Antonio FC will in front of home supporters at Toyota Field on Saturday, April 9 against Swope Park Rangers, the USL affiliate of Sporting Kansas City.
Fans interested in being a part of the inaugural season can place a deposit for 2016 season tickets online at www.sanantoniofc.com or by calling 210-444-5MLS. Single-game tickets for individual matches can also be purchased on the club’s website.
Supporters can follow the club by liking San Antonio FC on Facebook, as well as following the team on Twitter (@SanAntonioFC), Instagram (@sanantoniofc) and Snapchat (@SanAntonioFC).
About Spurs Sports & Entertainment
Spurs Sports & Entertainment is the premier provider of sports and entertainment in South Texas. SS&E owns and operates the San Antonio Spurs (NBA), San Antonio Rampage (AHL), San Antonio Stars (WNBA), Austin Spurs (NBA Development League), San Antonio FC (USL) and also manages the day-to-day operations of the AT&T Center and Toyota Field.
