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San Antonio FC

San Antonio FC Scores Late to Earn Road Point at Colorado Springs

June 5, 2021 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
San Antonio FC News Release


COLORADO SPRINGS - San Antonio FC (2-1-3) earned a road point at the Colorado Springs Switchbacks (1-2-1) at Weidner field on Saturday night. A debut goal from Justin Dhillon along with standout performances from Matthew Cardone and Joaquin Varela helped SAFC come from behind to rescue a draw.

"Obviously Colorado Springs is a strong opponent," said SAFC Head Coach Alen Marcina. "Their attackers are extremely dangerous as predicted, but I'm proud of my guys to demonstrate resilient behaviors over the course of the 95 minutes. It was a well-earned point."

The Switchbacks opened the scoring early when Hadji Barry was played in with a through ball leading to him firing a finish into the side netting. Colorado Springs threatened a few more times in the first half, forcing Cardone into a couple of impressive saves.

A scuffle just before half time saw red cards given to both Santiago Patino of SAFC and Michael Edwards of Colorado Springs. With both teams down to 10 men for the entire second half, the two sides were going back and forth in creating chances before Dhillon finally found the equalizer. A free-kick from Cam Lindley fell to the striker in the box who fired a left-footed finish into the top corner to level the score. The goal marked Dhillon's first for SAFC on his debut.

Cardone would come up with one more crucial save, parrying a shot onto the crossbar to keep the score level and wrap up the point for SAFC. The San Antonio native made four saves on the night, while Varela led SAFC in interceptions, clearances, tackles, blocks and duels.

In addition, midfielder Ollie Wright made his first professional start and defender Axel Sjoberg played his first minutes back from injury since the May 1 game at Toyota Field.

SAFC now travels to Las Vegas to take on Lights FC on Friday, June 11 in the first and only meeting between the two sides this season.

Scoring Summary:

Switchbacks: 0-1, Hadji Barry (Deshane Beckford assist) 6'

SAFC: 1-1, Justin Dhillon 88'

Disciplinary Summary:

Switchbacks: Yellow Card (Matt Mahoney) 15'

Switchbacks: Yellow Card (Deshane Beckford) 17'

SAFC: Yellow Card (Santiago Patino) 34'

SAFC: Red Card (Santiago Patino) 45'

Switchbacks: Red Card (Michael Edwards) 45'

Switchbacks: Yellow Card (Beverly Makangila) 49'

Attendance: 5,531

SAFC Starting XI: GK: Matthew Cardone; D: Joaquin Varela, Mathieu Deplagne (Axel Sjoberg 25') (Jordan Perruzza 56'), Liam Doyle; M: Sam Gleadle, Ollie Wright (Jose Gallegos 45'), Cam Lindley, Marcus Epps (Shandon Hopeau 78'), Chris Lema; F: Nathan (Justin Dhillon 59'), Santiago Patino

Substitutions not used: Carlos Mercado

Postgame Notes:

SAFC earned its first road point of the season, drawing the Switchbacks 1-1...SAFC now owns a 3-3-4 record against the Switchbacks, while collecting their second draw in Colorado Springs

SAFC forward Justin Dhillon made his club debut, coming on as a sub in the 57th minute...Dhillon scored his first goal for the club in the 88th minute to go with four aerial duels...Dhillon is the second player this season to score on his SAFC debut along with Santiago Patino

SAFC goalkeeper Matthew Cardone was named the SWBC co-Man of the Match after recording four saves on the night to hold the Switchbacks to one goal in the draw...Cardone has now made 20 saves on the season while conceding seven goals

SAFC defender Joaquin Varela was named SWBC co-Man of the Match after a stellar defensive performance...Varela led the team in tackles (seven), clearances (six), interceptions (four), blocks (one) and duels (15)...Varela also recorded an 80 percent passing accuracy and six possessions gained

San Antonio midfielder Ollie Wright made his first professional start, recording a 75 percent passing accuracy in 45 minutes...defender Axel Sjoberg also made his return from injury, playing 32 minutes in his first appearance since 5/1 vs. COS

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