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USL San Antonio FC

San Antonio FC Defeats New York Red Bulls II 2-1 on the Road

September 15, 2021 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
San Antonio FC News Release


MONTCLAIR, NJ - San Antonio FC (10-6-7) earned their second consecutive road win, defeating the New York Red Bulls II (4-15-4) 2-1 on Wednesday night. A stellar goal from Jose Gallegos along with a Red Bulls II own goal helped pave the way for the three points.

"The Red Bulls are a high pressing very aggressive team, and so are we," said SAFC Head Coach Alen Marcina. "It's two teams that are the aggressors with and without the ball. But our guys demonstrated resilience and were able to close the game a man down, so I'm incredibly proud of the guys in the locker room."

After a furious start from the Red Bulls II that forced a brilliant save from Matthew Cardone, SAFC eventually were the first to strike in the 33rd minute. After midfielder Cam Lindley recovered the ball in midfield, his deflected pass found Gallegos who turned on the jets to steam past the defender and finish nicely into the bottom corner for the 1-0 lead. The Alamo City club entered halftime with the one goal lead before quickly doubling it at the start of the second half. A PC corner kick nearly found the head of Justin Dhillon before goalkeeper Samuel Joseph accidentally turned the ball into his own net.

After Mohammed Abu was sent off due to a second yellow card, Red Bulls II immediately capitalized and cut the lead in half in the 55th minute. However, SAFC would defend well and hold onto the lead to earn the road win in New Jersey.

SAFC will now head to Sacramento to take on Republic FC this Saturday, September 18 in what will be the final match of the team's four-game road trip.

Scoring Summary:

SAFC: 1-0, Jose Gallegos 33'

SAFC: 2-0, Own Goal (Samuel Joseph) 48'

NYRB: 2-1, Kyle Zajec (Jeremy Rafanello assist) 55'

Disciplinary Summary:

SAFC: Yellow Card (Justin Dhillon) 18'

NYRB: Yellow Card (John Wolyniec) 25'

NYRB: Yellow Card (Serge Ngoma) 25'

NYRB: Yellow Card (coaching staff) 25'

NYRB: Yellow Card (Mandela Egbo) 28'

SAFC: Yellow Card (Mohammed Abu) 37'

NYRB: Yellow Card (Daniel Edelman) 40'

SAFC: Red Card (Mohammed Abu) 53'

NYRB: Yellow Card (Juan Castillo) 64'

SAFC: Yellow Card (Joaquin Varela) 65'

SAFC: Yellow Card (Matthew Cardone) 90'

SAFC Starting XI: GK: Matthew Cardone; D: Joaquin Varela, Mitch Taintor, Kortne Ford; M: PC (c), Cam Lindley (Chris Lema 45'), Mohammed Abu, Connor Maloney; F: Marcus Epps, Jose Gallegos, Justin Dhillon (Nathan 62')

Substitutions not used: Carlos Mercado, Axel Sjoberg, Leo Torres, Shandon Hopeau

Postgame Notes:

SAFC earned their second straight road victory and first ever win against Red Bulls II...with the win, SAFC is now 2-0-2 all-time against Eastern Conference opponents

SAFC has now won eight of its last 12 games, picking up 25 points over that span since July 17

SAFC forward Jose Gallegos was named SWBC Man of the Match after scoring the opening goal and adding four successful dribbles and three shots...the goal was the fourth of the season for the San Antonio native

SAFC defender Joaquin Varela helped lead the defense to a win, recording a team-high seven clearances to go with four interceptions and four possessions gained...both Varela and Mitch Taintor won 75.0 percent of their aerial duels in the victory

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