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USL San Antonio FC

San Antonio FC Earns Point After 1-1 Draw in Las Vegas

June 12, 2021 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
San Antonio FC News Release


LAS VEGAS - San Antonio FC (2-1-4) shared the points with the Las Vegas Lights (1-4-1) at Cashman Field on Friday night. An early goal from SAFC defender Joaquin Varela was canceled out by a late Las Vegas penalty, as the sides finished the game even.

"Las Vegas posed a good challenge," said SAFC Head Coach Alen Marcina. "They brought a lot of energy and intensity. I felt we were very organized defensively and created enough opportunities to get more than just one goal, but there are details that we have to refine, improve and learn from to get better."

SAFC got on the board first in the ninth minute when a corner kick from midfielder Emil Cuello found the foot of Varela who placed the shot into the far corner of the net. The goal was the second within the first 15 minutes of a match for SAFC this season, and eighth overall since the start of 2020. The goal was Varela's first for the club, while the assist marked Cuello's team-leading second in 2021.

Las Vegas looked to get back into the game and created chances during the first-half, forcing some good saves from Matthew Cardone who recorded three on the night, taking his SAFC record to 251 all-time. With both teams exchanging attacking blows in the second-half, Las Vegas earned a penalty kick after San Antonio midfielder Ollie Wright committed a foul in the box. Cal Jennings scored the PK for the Lights, which was enough to take a point.

SAFC defender Sam Gleadle was named the SWBC Man of the Match after leading the team with four interceptions and 11 possessions gained to go with two chances created and 23 successful passes. Gleadle also won 71.4 percent of his duels and 100 percent of his aerial duels.

San Antonio FC will endure its first short turnaround of the season as it travels to face New Mexico United on Wednesday, June 16 at 8:30 p.m. central time. Following the match, SAFC returns home to face RGV FC on June 19 at Toyota Field.

Scoring Summary:

SAFC: 1-0, Joaquin Varela (Emil Cuello assist) 9'

LV: 1-1, Cal Jennings (penalty) 82'

Disciplinary Summary:

SAFC: Yellow Card (Cam Lindley) 72'

LV: Yellow Card (Daniel Crisostomo) 72'

SAFC: Yellow Card (Joaquin Varela) 84'

LV: Yellow Card (Julian Vasquez) 88'

SAFC: Yellow Card (Chris Lema) 90'

SAFC Starting XI: GK: Matthew Cardone; D: Joaquin Varela, Axel Sjoberg (c), Liam Doyle; M: Sam Gleadle, Emil Cuello (Ollie Wright 54'), Cam Lindley, Chris Lema; F: Justin Dhillon (Jordan Perruzza 54'), Marcus Epps, Jose Gallegos (Nathan 69')

Substitutions not used: Carlos Mercado, Ethan Bryant, Leo Torres, Shandon Hopeau

Postgame Notes:

SAFC defender Joaquin Varela scored his first goal of the season, giving SAFC the lead in the ninth minute off a set piece...Varela added four tackles, six clearances and two interceptions on the night

SAFC defender Sam Gleadle led the team with four interceptions and 11 possessions gained to go with two tackles...was named the SWBC Man of the Match after completing 23 passes and creating two chances... also won 71.4 percent of his duels and 100 percent of his aerial duels...Gleadle ranks third on the club with 17 tackles, while only conceding three fouls on the season

Tonight's SAFC goal in the ninth minute marked the second goal scored by the club in the first 15 minutes of a match this season, and the eighth since the start of 2020...two of the three fastest goals in SAFC history have come since the start of 2020

San Antonio midfielder Emil Cuello recorded his team-leading second assist of the season...Cuello made his return to the starting lineup after serving a one-game suspension on 6/5 at COS

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