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San Antonio FC

San Antonio FC Finishes SAFC International Showcase against Pumas UNAM

July 9, 2021 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
San Antonio FC News Release


SAN ANTONIO - San Antonio FC played their second match in the SAFC International Showcase, hosting Pumas UNAM at Toyota Field Friday night. Despite the 2-4 loss for the club, SAFC once again put in an impressive performance, holding a 2-1 lead with 15 minutes to go with a mix of first-team and SAFC Pro Academy players.

"We're incredibly proud of the collective," said SAFC Head Coach Alen Marcina. "To have the opportunity to compete in front of our fans against two Liga MX teams are memories that will last forever. This week the city of San Antonio got to see a total club identity. I'm incredibly proud of everybody. A lot of work has been put in from players, staff and front office, and to be able to demonstrate that club identity this week is something we'll remember forever, continue to build and continue to get better."

SAFC once again started the better side and opened the scoring 10th minute. A great pass from Emil Cuello slipped in Marcus Epps behind the defense before the midfielder sent a low pass across the face of goal that was finished by Nathan. The goal marked Nathan's second in the International Showcase and second in as many games. After conceding three minutes later to level the score 1-1, SAFC took the lead again from a corner kick in the 23rd minute when Cuello's cross found Jasser Khmiri who headed home for the goal.

The Alamo City club make nine changes at halftime, including SAFC Pro Academy player Angel Bernal who became the 15th overall player from the academy to make a first-team appearance. SAFC held the 2-1 lead into the 76th minute before fresh legs from the Liga MX side were able to score three goals in the final quarter hour of the match.

San Antonio FC once again nine SAFC Pro Academy and ETP products on the field tonight, tying the most in a single match in team history (exhibition or competition not including preseason).

San Antonio FC will return to league play with a road match in Colorado Springs against the Switchbacks on Saturday, July 17. SAFC will then return home on July 21 for a home match against New Mexico United on ESPN2.

Scoring Summary:

SAFC: 1-0, Nathan (Marcus Epps assist) 10'

UNAM: 1-1, Amaury Garcia 13'

SAFC: 2-1, Jasser Khmiri (Emil Cuello assist) 23'

UNAM: 2-2, Juan Dinenno (Washington Corozo) 76'

UNAM 2-3, Juan Dinenno 80'

UNAM: 2-4, Washington Corozo (Leonel Lopez) 90'

Disciplinary Summary:

SAFC: Yellow Card (Nathan) 27'

SAFC: Yellow Card (Liam Doyle) 43'

UNAM: Yellow Card (Juan Dinenno) 45'

UNAM: Yellow Card (Ricardo Galindo) 59'

SAFC: Yellow Card (Carlos Mercado) 74'

SAFC First-Half Starting XI: GK: Carlos Mercado (c); D: Sam Gleadle, Liam Doyle, Jasser Khmiri, Bradley Dildy*; M: Trialist, Cam Lindley (c), Emil Cuello, Jose Gallegos, Marcus Epps; F: Nathan

SAFC Second-Half Starting XI: GK: Carlos Mercado; D: Angel Bernal*, Joaquin Varela, Roman Holt, Leo Torres; M: Ethan Bryant, Rocky Perez, Emil Cuello, Shandon Hopeau, Bryan Arellano* (Kai Louviere* 86'); F: Justin Dhillon (c)

*SAFC Pro Academy Player

Attendance: 5,373

Postgame Notes:

SAFC hosted its fifth international exhibition match in club history, welcoming Pumas FC to Toyota Field tonight...Pumas joins Queretaro, Santos Laguna and Cardiff City as clubs that have faced SAFC in exhibition play

SAFC featured nine SAFC Pro Academy and ETP products on the field tonight, tying the most in a single match (exhibition or competition not including preseason) in team history...defender Angel Bernal made his first-team debut, becoming the 15th SAFC Pro Academy product to feature for the first-team in club history

SAFC forward scored his second goal in the International Showcase, coming from an assist from Marcus Epps

SAFC defender Jasser Khmiri made his return to the field after being our with injury...Khmiri scored a goal off a header from an Emil Cuello cross to give SAFC the lead in the first half

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