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USL San Antonio FC

San Antonio FC Clinches Playoff Berth for Second Consecutive Season

October 21, 2021 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
San Antonio FC News Release


ALBUQUERQUE - San Antonio FC (13-8-9) clinched a spot in the USL Championship playoffs on Wednesday night for the second consecutive season. Despite falling 2-4 in New Mexico, SAFC secured its spot in the postseason after Austin Bold FC lost on the road to El Paso Locomotive.

"It's the first time in SAFC history to go to playoffs in back to back seasons," said SAFC Head Coach Alen Marcina. "We are incredibly proud of that achievement. It's difficult playing in the strongest division in the league. I am extremely proud of the collective."

New Mexico took the lead early after scoring a rebound from a fantastic Matthew Cardone save, however SAFC would equalize in the 32nd minute through a Nathan penalty. The goal was Nathan's 11th of the season, which ties the all-time single season record for SAFC originally set by Ever Guzman in 2018. SAFC then took the lead after a a wonderful set piece from Ollie Wright found Joaquin Varela who scored his second attempt after forcing a save with the first.

The referee handed out 17 cards in the match, including a second yellow card to Wright in the 58th minute, forcing San Antonio to play a man down for the remainder of the game. With their advantage, New Mexico pressed and found three unanswered goals to seal the 4-2 victory at home.

Despite the loss, SAFC earned its third playoff berth in club history. SAFC has two matches remaining at home against Austin Bold FC and Colorado Springs Switchbacks respectively. The club controls its own destiny as it looks to lock up second place in the decision and a first-round home playoff match.

Scoring Summary:

NMU: 0-1, IIija Ilic 12'

SAFC: 1-1, Nathan (penalty) 32'

SAFC: 2-1, Joaquin Varela 35'

NMU: 2-2, Chris Wehan 66'

NMU: 2-3, Andrew Tinari 78'

NMU: 2-4, Chris Wehan (Josh Suggs assist) 89'

Disciplinary Summary:

SAFC: Yellow Card (PC) 9'

NMU: Yellow Card (Rashid Tetteh) 21'

SAFC: Yellow Card (Nathan) 26'

SAFC: Yellow Card (Jose Gallegos) 28'

NMU: Yellow Card (Josh Suggs) 31'

NMU: Yellow Card (Austin Yearwood) 33'

NMU: Yellow Card (Kalen Ryden) 38'

SAFC: Yellow Card (Joaquin Varela) 41'

SAFC: Yellow Card (Ollie Wright) 47'

NMU: Yellow Card (Troy Lesene) 57'

SAFC: Red Card (Ollie Wright) 58'

SAFC: Yellow Card (Alen Marcina) 68'

NMU: Yellow Card (JP Guzman) 72'

NMU Yellow Card (Alex Tambakis) 82'

SAFC: Yellow Card (Kortne Ford) 86'

SAFC: Yellow Card (Mathieu Deplagne) 90'

Attendance: 5,593

SAFC Starting XI: GK: Matthew Cardone; D: Mathieu Deplagne, Joaquin Varela, Kortne Ford, M: PC (c) (Santiago Patino 80'), Sam Gleadle, Marcus Epps, Jose Gallegos, Connor Maloney; F: Nathan (Cam Lindley 67'), Ollie Wright

Substitutions not used: Carlos Mercado, Roman Holt, Chris Lema

Postgame Notes:

SAFC clinched its third ever playoff berth in club history and second in as many seasons

SAFC finished the season with a 7-5-5 road record, marking the second-highest road wins in a single season for SAFC

SAFC forward Nathan scored his 11th goal of the season, tying the single-season scoring record in club history...Nathan's 11 goals equal Ever Guzman's tally from the 2018 season

SAFC defender Joaquin Varela scored his second goal of the season, both coming off a set piece...the defender also added three shots and two on target in the match

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