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Match Preview: San Antonio FC Travels to League-Leading LA Galaxy II
San Antonio FC (1-0-1) will play against league leaders LA Galaxy II (2-0-2) at the StubHub Center track on Wednesday, April 13 in their third match of the 2016 USL season. The match will be the first encounter ever between the two clubs, as both will fight to remain undefeated in their 2016 campaign.
Coverage of the match will be available for free through www.sanantoniofc.com, as well as the USL Match Center.
SAFC will travel to LA following their inaugural home opener at Toyota Field last Saturday, where they managed to get a 1-1 draw against league newcomers Swope Park Rangers, who currently sit in fourth place on the league table. An early goal in the second minute by Daniel Salloi gave SPR the lead before a late first-half equalizer by SAFC midfielder Danny Garcia put the teams level.
Despite San Antonio FC playing away from home this week, they will have plenty of support back in the Alamo City. For their inaugural match, SAFC saw a record-breaking attendance with 8,466 fans packing Toyota Field to cheer for the silver and black.
LA Galaxy II remains undefeated this season after starting off strong with two back-to-back wins against Arizona United and Saint Louis FC, followed by two draws against Real Monarchs and Orange County Blues. Now, SAFC will aim to hand the leaders their first loss of the season.
The Galaxy II attack will be led by Jack McBean, who has two goals so far in the young season. Coached by Curt Onalfo, the club is looking to improve on their 2015 campaign, where they lost dramatically to Rochester Rhinos in the final minutes of the USL Championship match.
San Antonio FC has yet to see its first loss in franchise history, and will aim to continue their undefeated streak in Los Angeles on Wednesday. SAFC faces a busy week as it takes on the Orange County Blues on Saturday, April 16, only three days after their upcoming encounter against the Galaxy II as part of a three-game road trip that concludes on April 23 in Colorado Springs.
Game 3 – San Antonio FC at LA Galaxy II
Date: Wednesday, April 13, 2016
Kickoff: 9:30 p.m. central
Stadium: Stub Hub Center Track (Carson, CA)
San Antonio FC: 1-0-1, 4 pts (7th place)
Swope Park Rangers: 2-0-2, 8 pts (1st place)
All-time Series: The game marks the first matchup ever between San Antonio FC and LA Galaxy II
Streaming:
Media Information:
Social Media Information:
Twitter: @SanAntonioFC
Snapchat: SanAntonioFC
Facebook: San Antonio FC
Instagram: @sanantoniofc
Hashtags: #OurClub, #LAvSA
San Antonio FC (1-0-1) will play against league leaders LA Galaxy II (2-0-2) at the StubHub Center track on Wednesday, April 13 in their third match of the 2016 USL season. The match will be the first encounter ever between the two clubs, as both will fight to remain undefeated in their 2016 campaign.
Coverage of the match will be available for free through www.sanantoniofc.com, as well as the USL Match Center.
SAFC will travel to LA following their inaugural home opener at Toyota Field last Saturday, where they managed to get a 1-1 draw against league newcomers Swope Park Rangers, who currently sit in fourth place on the league table. An early goal in the second minute by Daniel Salloi gave SPR the lead before a late first-half equalizer by SAFC midfielder Danny Garcia put the teams level.
Despite San Antonio FC playing away from home this week, they will have plenty of support back in the Alamo City. For their inaugural match, SAFC saw a record-breaking attendance with 8,466 fans packing Toyota Field to cheer for the silver and black.
LA Galaxy II remains undefeated this season after starting off strong with two back-to-back wins against Arizona United and Saint Louis FC, followed by two draws against Real Monarchs and Orange County Blues. Now, SAFC will aim to hand the leaders their first loss of the season.
The Galaxy II attack will be led by Jack McBean, who has two goals so far in the young season. Coached by Curt Onalfo, the club is looking to improve on their 2015 campaign, where they lost dramatically to Rochester Rhinos in the final minutes of the USL Championship match.
San Antonio FC has yet to see its first loss in franchise history, and will aim to continue their undefeated streak in Los Angeles on Wednesday. SAFC faces a busy week as it takes on the Orange County Blues on Saturday, April 16, only three days after their upcoming encounter against the Galaxy II as part of a three-game road trip that concludes on April 23 in Colorado Springs.
Game 3 – San Antonio FC at LA Galaxy II
Date: Wednesday, April 13, 2016
Kickoff: 9:30 p.m. central
Stadium: Stub Hub Center Track (Carson, CA)
San Antonio FC: 1-0-1, 4 pts (7th place)
Swope Park Rangers: 2-0-2, 8 pts (1st place)
All-time Series: The game marks the first matchup ever between San Antonio FC and LA Galaxy II
Streaming:
Media Information:
Social Media Information:
Twitter: @SanAntonioFC
Snapchat: SanAntonioFC
Facebook: San Antonio FC
Instagram: @sanantoniofc
Hashtags: #OurClub, #LAvSA
USL President: Im Loving What Im Seeing
Among the sold-out crowd of 8,466 at Toyota Field on Saturday, USL President Jake Edwards was there to see San Antonio FC’s inaugural home match.
Edwards took a few minutes to talk about his hopes for one of the USL’s newest franchises.
What are your first impressions of San Antonio FC?
JE: I’m loving what I’m seeing. It’s not just that fans are coming out, but you can see the passion, the excitement and the enthusiasm here. This is something we always knew would happen in San Antonio with this ownership group and it’s great to see the fans raring to go.
When you were here in January, the team was just announced. What did you think of the way the team was built?
JE: It’s a testament to the work that Spurs Sports & Entertainment has done here in a short space of time. This organization does everything at the top level. They’ve got big ambitions here and big goals. To achieve those, you’ve got to do everything at a top level on the field and off the field.
Were you expecting a reception like this?
JE: This is something we always knew would happen in San Antonio with this ownership group, and it’s great to see the fans raring to go.
To see this crowd, It’s a testament to the passion that the supporters and people of San Antonio have for the sport, and a testament to supporting local sports that they’re here in such great numbers.
What do you see for San Antonio for growth as a soccer city?
JE: It’s critical that the city engage with the team. That’s how they succeed and how we succeed. To see the mayor, judge and so many officials at this game, the fact that they were so committed to soccer and working with the Spurs organization to bring soccer here was critical. I certainly applaud their efforts and I know they have big plans for the future.
What is San Antonio’s MLS blueprint? How does it follow the path of Seattle and Orlando from USL to MLS?
JE: If San Antonio can continue to build the brand, build the fanbase and continue to have these kinds of crowds, they’re in great shape for the future.
It’s about having an owner with the vision . They have to be engaged in the community, and the community has to play their part. The fan base has to come and sell out the stadium. They have to create that authentic soccer atmosphere and make people look at San Antonio. The city as a whole has to get behind it.
Sometimes it takes five years, sometimes it’s 10 to 15 years. It’s happening quicker and quicker these days. But you have to have all the right pieces in place in San Antonio.
San Antonio FC Managing Director Tim Holt was USL President from 2009-15. What can you tell us about your predecessor?
JE: He doesn’t drink enough beer. He’s a health-conscious nut, so he runs too much and is way too fit. Tim is the consummate professional. It was my pleasure to work under him for a couple of years, and I learned a lot from him. He is a passionate, committed sports executive and is absolutely the right man for this job to take this team forward.
Among the sold-out crowd of 8,466 at Toyota Field on Saturday, USL President Jake Edwards was there to see San Antonio FC’s inaugural home match.
Edwards took a few minutes to talk about his hopes for one of the USL’s newest franchises.
What are your first impressions of San Antonio FC?
JE: I’m loving what I’m seeing. It’s not just that fans are coming out, but you can see the passion, the excitement and the enthusiasm here. This is something we always knew would happen in San Antonio with this ownership group and it’s great to see the fans raring to go.
When you were here in January, the team was just announced. What did you think of the way the team was built?
JE: It’s a testament to the work that Spurs Sports & Entertainment has done here in a short space of time. This organization does everything at the top level. They’ve got big ambitions here and big goals. To achieve those, you’ve got to do everything at a top level on the field and off the field.
Were you expecting a reception like this?
JE: This is something we always knew would happen in San Antonio with this ownership group, and it’s great to see the fans raring to go.
To see this crowd, It’s a testament to the passion that the supporters and people of San Antonio have for the sport, and a testament to supporting local sports that they’re here in such great numbers.
What do you see for San Antonio for growth as a soccer city?
JE: It’s critical that the city engage with the team. That’s how they succeed and how we succeed. To see the mayor, judge and so many officials at this game, the fact that they were so committed to soccer and working with the Spurs organization to bring soccer here was critical. I certainly applaud their efforts and I know they have big plans for the future.
What is San Antonio’s MLS blueprint? How does it follow the path of Seattle and Orlando from USL to MLS?
JE: If San Antonio can continue to build the brand, build the fanbase and continue to have these kinds of crowds, they’re in great shape for the future.
It’s about having an owner with the vision . They have to be engaged in the community, and the community has to play their part. The fan base has to come and sell out the stadium. They have to create that authentic soccer atmosphere and make people look at San Antonio. The city as a whole has to get behind it.
Sometimes it takes five years, sometimes it’s 10 to 15 years. It’s happening quicker and quicker these days. But you have to have all the right pieces in place in San Antonio.
San Antonio FC Managing Director Tim Holt was USL President from 2009-15. What can you tell us about your predecessor?
JE: He doesn’t drink enough beer. He’s a health-conscious nut, so he runs too much and is way too fit. Tim is the consummate professional. It was my pleasure to work under him for a couple of years, and I learned a lot from him. He is a passionate, committed sports executive and is absolutely the right man for this job to take this team forward.
The Adventure Begins
Fiesta doesn’t officially begin for another five days, but San Antonio started the party early at Toyota Field on Saturday for the inaugural home match of San Antonio FC.
A stadium-record crowd of 8,466, including San Antonio Mayor Ivy Taylor, Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff, USL President Jake Edwards and Spurs players Boris Diaw, Patty Mills and Boban Marjanovic watched SAFC rally back from an early deficit for a 1-1 draw against Swope Park Rangers.
Fans young and old, 7-foot-3 and shorter, from all parts of San Antonio and beyond came for the historic match as San Antonio FC stayed undefeated in the USL. The biggest raves were about the atmosphere, as the game sold out earlier this week and the fans were loud from kickoff to the final whistle.
“We’ve thought for a while that soccer is a great fit for San Antonio,” Ivy Taylor said. “Soccer’s already an integral part of the community. So many kids in this city are in youth programs, and it’s going to be inspiring for them to see professionals representing their city.”
The tailgate got going at 2 p.m., as supporters groups The Crocketteers and Mission City 118 were joined by almost 1,000 soccer fans in the Toyota Field parking lots. Kids played pickup soccer games, chants began early and often, and a mariachi band topped off the facilities.
Michael Macias, a founder of the Crocketteers, said he was overwhelmed by the response to soccer from San Antonians.
“We’ve been waiting for something like this for a long time, and that’s obvious by the excitement,” Macias said. “I couldn’t even get enough tickets for my family.”
Ethan Ball, an 11-year-old club soccer player, said he always wants to play for SAFC someday. His father, Adam, said he’s excited to see how much soccer’s popularity grows in San Antonio with the addition of SAFC.
“We’ve been watching closely for the last few months,” Adam Ball said. “As soon as we can sign Ethan up for SAFC’s academy, we’re doing it.”
As Mission City 118 marched into the stadium, the noise exploded at Toyota Field for the first glimpse at the team playing on home turf.
They didn’t quiet down after a Swope Park Rangers goal in the second minute, and erupted when Danny Garcia tied the match in the 42nd minute, right in front of the two supporters sections.
Alvarez even gave the fans a priceless souvenir, launching the ball into the crowd after the goal.
“I’m so happy about the crowd,” Alvarez said. “The city came and supported us, hopefully we gave them a great show and they keep coming.”
The fans also broke out into chants for each of the three Spurs players who came to support a fellow Spurs Sports & Entertainment franchise.
“I really enjoyed this night,” Marjanovic said. “Everybody played soccer in our yards in Serbia, and this is great to see here. I’m really proud to be part of this family.”
It might be difficult for fan Cesar Gutierrez to make it to the next home match on April 30 against Tulsa. Gutierrez flew in from Buffalo, New York for the inaugural match on Saturday. He said his nephew was born in San Antonio a month ago, and he used his new godson as an excuse to fly 1,700 miles for the home opener.
“I’m moving back to San Antonio when we get MLS,” Gutierrez said. “I don’t care what my wife says, that’s going to happen.”
For city and county leaders, Saturday’s crowd signified a step into the direction of pushing for an MLS club. As SAFC prepares for the next home game, Wolff said he hopes the crowd is just as loud in a few weeks.
“Soccer is the up and coming sport in the United States,” Wolff said. “We’re joining the world with soccer and the growth of this sport is evolving in San Antonio. Hopefully with trying to get Major League Soccer here in the future, you see the excitement growing.”
Fiesta doesn’t officially begin for another five days, but San Antonio started the party early at Toyota Field on Saturday for the inaugural home match of San Antonio FC.
A stadium-record crowd of 8,466, including San Antonio Mayor Ivy Taylor, Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff, USL President Jake Edwards and Spurs players Boris Diaw, Patty Mills and Boban Marjanovic watched SAFC rally back from an early deficit for a 1-1 draw against Swope Park Rangers.
Fans young and old, 7-foot-3 and shorter, from all parts of San Antonio and beyond came for the historic match as San Antonio FC stayed undefeated in the USL. The biggest raves were about the atmosphere, as the game sold out earlier this week and the fans were loud from kickoff to the final whistle.
“We’ve thought for a while that soccer is a great fit for San Antonio,” Ivy Taylor said. “Soccer’s already an integral part of the community. So many kids in this city are in youth programs, and it’s going to be inspiring for them to see professionals representing their city.”
The tailgate got going at 2 p.m., as supporters groups The Crocketteers and Mission City 118 were joined by almost 1,000 soccer fans in the Toyota Field parking lots. Kids played pickup soccer games, chants began early and often, and a mariachi band topped off the facilities.
Michael Macias, a founder of the Crocketteers, said he was overwhelmed by the response to soccer from San Antonians.
“We’ve been waiting for something like this for a long time, and that’s obvious by the excitement,” Macias said. “I couldn’t even get enough tickets for my family.”
Ethan Ball, an 11-year-old club soccer player, said he always wants to play for SAFC someday. His father, Adam, said he’s excited to see how much soccer’s popularity grows in San Antonio with the addition of SAFC.
“We’ve been watching closely for the last few months,” Adam Ball said. “As soon as we can sign Ethan up for SAFC’s academy, we’re doing it.”
As Mission City 118 marched into the stadium, the noise exploded at Toyota Field for the first glimpse at the team playing on home turf.
They didn’t quiet down after a Swope Park Rangers goal in the second minute, and erupted when Danny Garcia tied the match in the 42nd minute, right in front of the two supporters sections.
Alvarez even gave the fans a priceless souvenir, launching the ball into the crowd after the goal.
“I’m so happy about the crowd,” Alvarez said. “The city came and supported us, hopefully we gave them a great show and they keep coming.”
The fans also broke out into chants for each of the three Spurs players who came to support a fellow Spurs Sports & Entertainment franchise.
“I really enjoyed this night,” Marjanovic said. “Everybody played soccer in our yards in Serbia, and this is great to see here. I’m really proud to be part of this family.”
It might be difficult for fan Cesar Gutierrez to make it to the next home match on April 30 against Tulsa. Gutierrez flew in from Buffalo, New York for the inaugural match on Saturday. He said his nephew was born in San Antonio a month ago, and he used his new godson as an excuse to fly 1,700 miles for the home opener.
“I’m moving back to San Antonio when we get MLS,” Gutierrez said. “I don’t care what my wife says, that’s going to happen.”
For city and county leaders, Saturday’s crowd signified a step into the direction of pushing for an MLS club. As SAFC prepares for the next home game, Wolff said he hopes the crowd is just as loud in a few weeks.
“Soccer is the up and coming sport in the United States,” Wolff said. “We’re joining the world with soccer and the growth of this sport is evolving in San Antonio. Hopefully with trying to get Major League Soccer here in the future, you see the excitement growing.”
San Antonio FC earn 1-1 Draw in Front of Record Crowd
Swope Park Rangers forward Daniel Sallo scored in the second minute of the match, giving the visitors an early lead. The forward capitalized after chaos in the home team’s box led to a loose ball right in front of goal.
San Antonio found their rhythm at around the ten-minute mark, and took control of the half thereafter with quality possession. The home side managed to get the equalizer in the 42nd minute when forward Danny Garcia found himself one-on-one with the visitors’ goalkeeper and slotted the ball into the net. The move came after midfielder Carlos Alvarez found the former FC Dallas man with a slick through-ball.
“Carlos turned, and as soon as I saw him turn I just went,” Garcia said. “Carlos has great vision, so he just played me through and I took a touch and put it in the back of the net.”
The second half was a possession battle that saw back and forth attacks from both squads, but neither team was able to find the winning goal by the final whistle.
Despite the draw, Head Coach Darren Powell expressed pride in his team for coming back from an early deficit.
“It was our first home game and it wasn’t the great start we were hoping for,” Powell said. “But that happens and I can’t say enough how proud I am of the guys for coming back and responding well, and putting themselves in a position to win it. The most important thing you look for is the response of the players, and tonight I thought the response was good.”
San Antonio FC will return to action next week when they play LA Galaxy II at Stub Hub Center on Wednesday. Coverage for the game will be found on www.sanantoniofc.com and uslsoccer.com.
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
Postgame Notes:
- The match at San Antonio marked the largest crowd in Toyota Field history with 8,466 fans coming out to the match…the previous record was 8,313 set in 2014
- SAFC midfielder Danny Garcia scored his first goal for the club, playing in an advanced position on the wing…Garcia played in four games with FC Dallas of MLS in his career without scoring a professional goal
- Midfielder Carlos Alvarez recorded his first assist of the year when his through ball found Danny Garcia for the equalizer in the first half…Alvarez recorded two goals and four assists while on loan to the Charlotte Independence (USL) from the Colorado Rapids (MLS) last year
- Seven of the 10 outfield players for SAFC recorded at least one shot…Rafa Castillo led the way, taking four shots and hitting the target twice…SAFC outshot Swope Park Rangers 17-7
Swope Park Rangers forward Daniel Sallo scored in the second minute of the match, giving the visitors an early lead. The forward capitalized after chaos in the home team’s box led to a loose ball right in front of goal.
San Antonio found their rhythm at around the ten-minute mark, and took control of the half thereafter with quality possession. The home side managed to get the equalizer in the 42nd minute when forward Danny Garcia found himself one-on-one with the visitors’ goalkeeper and slotted the ball into the net. The move came after midfielder Carlos Alvarez found the former FC Dallas man with a slick through-ball.
“Carlos turned, and as soon as I saw him turn I just went,” Garcia said. “Carlos has great vision, so he just played me through and I took a touch and put it in the back of the net.”
The second half was a possession battle that saw back and forth attacks from both squads, but neither team was able to find the winning goal by the final whistle.
Despite the draw, Head Coach Darren Powell expressed pride in his team for coming back from an early deficit.
“It was our first home game and it wasn’t the great start we were hoping for,” Powell said. “But that happens and I can’t say enough how proud I am of the guys for coming back and responding well, and putting themselves in a position to win it. The most important thing you look for is the response of the players, and tonight I thought the response was good.”
San Antonio FC will return to action next week when they play LA Galaxy II at Stub Hub Center on Wednesday. Coverage for the game will be found on www.sanantoniofc.com and uslsoccer.com.
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
Postgame Notes:
- The match at San Antonio marked the largest crowd in Toyota Field history with 8,466 fans coming out to the match…the previous record was 8,313 set in 2014
- SAFC midfielder Danny Garcia scored his first goal for the club, playing in an advanced position on the wing…Garcia played in four games with FC Dallas of MLS in his career without scoring a professional goal
- Midfielder Carlos Alvarez recorded his first assist of the year when his through ball found Danny Garcia for the equalizer in the first half…Alvarez recorded two goals and four assists while on loan to the Charlotte Independence (USL) from the Colorado Rapids (MLS) last year
- Seven of the 10 outfield players for SAFC recorded at least one shot…Rafa Castillo led the way, taking four shots and hitting the target twice…SAFC outshot Swope Park Rangers 17-7
Match Preview: San Antonio FC Hosts Swope Park Rangers in Inaugural Home Opener
San Antonio FC will host its Inaugural Home Match presented by H-E-B, on Saturday, April 9 at 7:30 p.m. against Swope Park Rangers at Toyota Field. The club aims to get a win as it plays in front of its home supporters for the first time.
SAFC heads into the match after getting a positive result away from home in its first game of the season against Seattle Sounders 2. The team earned their first three points this year after two early goals from Jason Johnson and a late strike from substitute Fejiro Okiomah gave them a comfortable victory.
San Antonio also put on a strong defensive performance in their first match, limiting the Sounders’ attacking chances and breaking down dangerous opportunities. Goalkeeper Josh Ford put on a stellar performance between the posts, recording five saves over the course of his first clean sheet.
Swope Park Rangers, the affiliate of Sporting Kansas City (MLS), are enjoying a strong start to their inaugural season as well, earning two wins in as many games against Portland Timbers 2 and Tulsa Roughnecks FC, respectively. The team is led by a dangerous attack that has recorded three goals and has attempted an impressive 25 shots this season.
The match will be a showdown between the two league newcomers, with both teams looking to continue their winning streak and climb atop the league standings.
SAFC expects a big turnout after it announced earlier this week that seating tickets to the home opener were sold out, with general admission and standing room only tickets still available.
Fans that cannot make it to Toyota Field on Saturday can watch the match live on www.sanantoniofc.com on their desktop or mobile device.
Game 2 – San Antonio FC vs Swope Park Rangers
Date: Saturday, April 9, 2016
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m.
Stadium: Toyota Field (San Antonio, TX)
San Antonio FC: 1-0-0, 3 pts (6th place)
Swope Park Rangers: 2-0-0, 6 pts (3rd place)
All-time Series: The game marks the first matchup ever between San Antonio FC and Swope Park Rangers
Streaming:
Broadcasters: Geoff Sheen & Paul McGinlay
Media Information:
Match Notes Attached
Social Media Information:
Twitter: @SanAntonioFC
Snapchat: SanAntonioFC
Facebook: San Antonio FC
Instagram: @sanantoniofc
Hashtags: #OurClub, #SAvSPR
San Antonio FC will host its Inaugural Home Match presented by H-E-B, on Saturday, April 9 at 7:30 p.m. against Swope Park Rangers at Toyota Field. The club aims to get a win as it plays in front of its home supporters for the first time.
SAFC heads into the match after getting a positive result away from home in its first game of the season against Seattle Sounders 2. The team earned their first three points this year after two early goals from Jason Johnson and a late strike from substitute Fejiro Okiomah gave them a comfortable victory.
San Antonio also put on a strong defensive performance in their first match, limiting the Sounders’ attacking chances and breaking down dangerous opportunities. Goalkeeper Josh Ford put on a stellar performance between the posts, recording five saves over the course of his first clean sheet.
Swope Park Rangers, the affiliate of Sporting Kansas City (MLS), are enjoying a strong start to their inaugural season as well, earning two wins in as many games against Portland Timbers 2 and Tulsa Roughnecks FC, respectively. The team is led by a dangerous attack that has recorded three goals and has attempted an impressive 25 shots this season.
The match will be a showdown between the two league newcomers, with both teams looking to continue their winning streak and climb atop the league standings.
SAFC expects a big turnout after it announced earlier this week that seating tickets to the home opener were sold out, with general admission and standing room only tickets still available.
Fans that cannot make it to Toyota Field on Saturday can watch the match live on www.sanantoniofc.com on their desktop or mobile device.
Game 2 – San Antonio FC vs Swope Park Rangers
Date: Saturday, April 9, 2016
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m.
Stadium: Toyota Field (San Antonio, TX)
San Antonio FC: 1-0-0, 3 pts (6th place)
Swope Park Rangers: 2-0-0, 6 pts (3rd place)
All-time Series: The game marks the first matchup ever between San Antonio FC and Swope Park Rangers
Streaming:
Broadcasters: Geoff Sheen & Paul McGinlay
Media Information:
Match Notes Attached
Social Media Information:
Twitter: @SanAntonioFC
Snapchat: SanAntonioFC
Facebook: San Antonio FC
Instagram: @sanantoniofc
Hashtags: #OurClub, #SAvSPR
SAN ANTONIO FC FORWARD JASON JOHNSON NAMED TO USL TEAM OF THE WEEK
SAN ANTONIO (April 5, 2016) – San Antonio FC forward Jason Johnson has been named to the USL Team of the Week for his performance against Seattle Sounders 2 on April 3, the USL announced this afternoon. Johnson scored two goals in his debut with the club, leading the team to a 3-0 victory over Seattle.
SAFC got a strong start early in the match when Johnson scored twice in the opening 10 minutes of SAFC’s inaugural contest. The Jamaican was found by a through ball from Greg Cochrane in the third minute, and buried his shot past a diving goalkeeper. Johnson’s second came minutes later when he rounded the keeper one-on-one and simple passed the ball into the net.
“Getting two goals early on was a really good thing for the team knowing that we are a good defensive squad,” Johnson said after Sunday’s match. “It was huge especially away from home and the first game in franchise history. I think that is a brilliant way to start off a season.”
Johnson joined SAFC in March of this year from the Chicago Fire of Major League Soccer (MLS) where he spent the majority of the 2015 season, making 20 appearances and scoring two goals. Johnson, a Generation Adidas player, was originally selected by the Houston Dynamo (MLS) in the first round (13th overall) of the 2013 MLS SuperDraft.
SAFC defender-forward Fejiro Okiomah was named to the USL Team of the Week Bench after he scored his first club goal against Seattle to seal the win, just two minutes after coming on as a second-half substitute.
The full USL Team of the Week:
GK – Mark Ridgers, Orlando City B
D – Hugh Roberts, Richmond Kickers
D – Jacob VanCompernolle, Swope Park Rangers
D – Harrison Delbridge, FC Cincinnati
D – James Kiffe, Sacramento Republic FC
M – Junior Flemmings, New York Red Bulls II
M – Vince Cicciarelli, Saint Louis FC
M – David Estrada, Charlotte Independence
F – Jack McBean, LA Galaxy II
F – Jason Johnson, San Antonio FC
F – Daniel Haber, Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2
Bench: Ryan Thompson (STL), Bruno Perone (WIL), Fejiro Okiomah (SA), Gary Cennerazzo (TUL), Andrew Wiedeman (CIN), Chris Cortez (AZ), Christian Volesky (ROC)
San Antonio FC will play in front of home supporters for the first time 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 their deposit for 2016 season tickets online atwww.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).
SAN ANTONIO (April 5, 2016) – San Antonio FC forward Jason Johnson has been named to the USL Team of the Week for his performance against Seattle Sounders 2 on April 3, the USL announced this afternoon. Johnson scored two goals in his debut with the club, leading the team to a 3-0 victory over Seattle.
SAFC got a strong start early in the match when Johnson scored twice in the opening 10 minutes of SAFC’s inaugural contest. The Jamaican was found by a through ball from Greg Cochrane in the third minute, and buried his shot past a diving goalkeeper. Johnson’s second came minutes later when he rounded the keeper one-on-one and simple passed the ball into the net.
“Getting two goals early on was a really good thing for the team knowing that we are a good defensive squad,” Johnson said after Sunday’s match. “It was huge especially away from home and the first game in franchise history. I think that is a brilliant way to start off a season.”
Johnson joined SAFC in March of this year from the Chicago Fire of Major League Soccer (MLS) where he spent the majority of the 2015 season, making 20 appearances and scoring two goals. Johnson, a Generation Adidas player, was originally selected by the Houston Dynamo (MLS) in the first round (13th overall) of the 2013 MLS SuperDraft.
SAFC defender-forward Fejiro Okiomah was named to the USL Team of the Week Bench after he scored his first club goal against Seattle to seal the win, just two minutes after coming on as a second-half substitute.
The full USL Team of the Week:
GK – Mark Ridgers, Orlando City B
D – Hugh Roberts, Richmond Kickers
D – Jacob VanCompernolle, Swope Park Rangers
D – Harrison Delbridge, FC Cincinnati
D – James Kiffe, Sacramento Republic FC
M – Junior Flemmings, New York Red Bulls II
M – Vince Cicciarelli, Saint Louis FC
M – David Estrada, Charlotte Independence
F – Jack McBean, LA Galaxy II
F – Jason Johnson, San Antonio FC
F – Daniel Haber, Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2
Bench: Ryan Thompson (STL), Bruno Perone (WIL), Fejiro Okiomah (SA), Gary Cennerazzo (TUL), Andrew Wiedeman (CIN), Chris Cortez (AZ), Christian Volesky (ROC)
San Antonio FC will play in front of home supporters for the first time 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 their deposit for 2016 season tickets online atwww.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).
SAN ANTONIO FC RECORDS 3-0 WIN OVER SEATTLE IN INAUGURAL USL MATCH
“We came out to a very fast start and got a couple of goals and had to hold on to the lead the rest of the match,” said SAFC Head Coach Darren Powell. “To get three points on the road in our opening game, the team is very pleased.”
SAFC got a strong start early in the match when a string of passes at the edge of the hosts’ box ended with a cool finish from Johnson, earning him the first goal of the night and the first ever in club history. The forward struck again just seven minutes later after capitalizing on an awkward bounce over the defense that found him one-on-one with the opposing keeper.
“Two goals early on was a really good thing for the team knowing that we are a good defensive squad,” said Johnson. “It was huge especially away from home and the first game in franchise history. I think that is a brilliant way to start off a season.”
The half ended with San Antonio leading by two after a strong showing both defensively and offensively.
In the second half, San Antonio FC created multiple chances through the wings, but no cross was met with a dangerous shot on target. Despite a good spell of possession for Sounders 2, SAFC substitute Fejiro Okiomah put his name on the score sheet, burying his shot following a deflection in the box only two minutes after coming on.
The club received some extra support with around 30 members of SAFC supporter groups the Crocketteers and Mission City 118 on hand to cheer on the club in Seattle.
“Our fan support in Seattle was absolutely fantastic,” said Powell. “They sang for 90 minutes and from the moment the players walked out until the very end, so that really helped the guys. We hope to see a few more next weekend, but if they can make that noise, what an atmosphere we can create at Toyota Field.”
The victory follows a very successful preseason campaign that saw SAFC get six wins and two draws. The Sounders will look to get their first win of the 2016 season next week when they host Rio Grande Valley FC in Washington.
San Antonio will take three points home ahead of their second match of the season. The team will look to continue its unbeaten run in their home opener as they host Swope Park Rangers at Toyota Field on Saturday, April 9 at 7:30 p.m.
Scoring Summary:
SAFC: 0-1, Jason Johnson ‘3
SAFC: 0-2, Jason Johnson ‘10
SAFC: 0-3, Fejiro Okiomah ’79
SAFC Starting XI: GK: Josh Ford (c); D: Milton Palacios (Sebastien Thuriere ’90), Stephen McCarthy, Sam McBride, Bobby Moseley (Fejiro Okiomah ’77); M: Michael Reed, Rafa Castillo, Carlos Alvarez (Danny Garcia ’66), Greg Cochrane, Manolo Sanchez (Shawn Chin ’57); F: Jason Johnson
Substitutions Not Used: Matt Cardone, Miguel Salazar, Victor Araujo
Postgame Notes:
· The match in Seattle marked the first game in SAFC history…the club was announced as a USL expansion franchise owned by Spurs Sports & Entertainment in January of 2016
· Forward Jason Johnson scored the first goal in SAFC club history with his third minute strike…took only seven more minutes for Johnson to add his second club goal…Johnson was signed by SAFC in February after he spent 2015 with the Chicago Fire (MLS)
· Although traditionally being deployed as a defender over his career, Fejiro Okiomah made his first appearance for SAFC as a striker, coming on as a substitute in the 77th minute…scored his first club goal in the 80th minute to give SAFC a 3-0 lead.
· SAFC goalkeeper Josh Ford recorded a clean sheet in his first match with the club…Ford previously played with the Seattle Sounders (MLS) from 2011-2014
· Club rookie Sam McBride made his first appearance and first start for the club after joining from Elon University…McBride, along with Miguel Salazar and Austin Dunker are former Elon products who played under Darren Powell during his time there.
“We came out to a very fast start and got a couple of goals and had to hold on to the lead the rest of the match,” said SAFC Head Coach Darren Powell. “To get three points on the road in our opening game, the team is very pleased.”
SAFC got a strong start early in the match when a string of passes at the edge of the hosts’ box ended with a cool finish from Johnson, earning him the first goal of the night and the first ever in club history. The forward struck again just seven minutes later after capitalizing on an awkward bounce over the defense that found him one-on-one with the opposing keeper.
“Two goals early on was a really good thing for the team knowing that we are a good defensive squad,” said Johnson. “It was huge especially away from home and the first game in franchise history. I think that is a brilliant way to start off a season.”
The half ended with San Antonio leading by two after a strong showing both defensively and offensively.
In the second half, San Antonio FC created multiple chances through the wings, but no cross was met with a dangerous shot on target. Despite a good spell of possession for Sounders 2, SAFC substitute Fejiro Okiomah put his name on the score sheet, burying his shot following a deflection in the box only two minutes after coming on.
The club received some extra support with around 30 members of SAFC supporter groups the Crocketteers and Mission City 118 on hand to cheer on the club in Seattle.
“Our fan support in Seattle was absolutely fantastic,” said Powell. “They sang for 90 minutes and from the moment the players walked out until the very end, so that really helped the guys. We hope to see a few more next weekend, but if they can make that noise, what an atmosphere we can create at Toyota Field.”
The victory follows a very successful preseason campaign that saw SAFC get six wins and two draws. The Sounders will look to get their first win of the 2016 season next week when they host Rio Grande Valley FC in Washington.
San Antonio will take three points home ahead of their second match of the season. The team will look to continue its unbeaten run in their home opener as they host Swope Park Rangers at Toyota Field on Saturday, April 9 at 7:30 p.m.
Scoring Summary:
SAFC: 0-1, Jason Johnson ‘3
SAFC: 0-2, Jason Johnson ‘10
SAFC: 0-3, Fejiro Okiomah ’79
SAFC Starting XI: GK: Josh Ford (c); D: Milton Palacios (Sebastien Thuriere ’90), Stephen McCarthy, Sam McBride, Bobby Moseley (Fejiro Okiomah ’77); M: Michael Reed, Rafa Castillo, Carlos Alvarez (Danny Garcia ’66), Greg Cochrane, Manolo Sanchez (Shawn Chin ’57); F: Jason Johnson
Substitutions Not Used: Matt Cardone, Miguel Salazar, Victor Araujo
Postgame Notes:
· The match in Seattle marked the first game in SAFC history…the club was announced as a USL expansion franchise owned by Spurs Sports & Entertainment in January of 2016
· Forward Jason Johnson scored the first goal in SAFC club history with his third minute strike…took only seven more minutes for Johnson to add his second club goal…Johnson was signed by SAFC in February after he spent 2015 with the Chicago Fire (MLS)
· Although traditionally being deployed as a defender over his career, Fejiro Okiomah made his first appearance for SAFC as a striker, coming on as a substitute in the 77th minute…scored his first club goal in the 80th minute to give SAFC a 3-0 lead.
· SAFC goalkeeper Josh Ford recorded a clean sheet in his first match with the club…Ford previously played with the Seattle Sounders (MLS) from 2011-2014
· Club rookie Sam McBride made his first appearance and first start for the club after joining from Elon University…McBride, along with Miguel Salazar and Austin Dunker are former Elon products who played under Darren Powell during his time there.