San Antonio FC (2-1-0, 7 points) defeated RGV FC (0-2-3, 2 points) 1-0 on Saturday night in a fan-less Toyota Field thanks to a second half goal by Forward Gonzalo Di Renzo. The goal was Di Renzo's first of the season and his first as a SAFC player. The win puts SAFC in sole possession of first place in Group D. The result also makes it two wins in two home games for SAFC at Toyota Field this season. It was San Antonio's first game back in their home stadium since opening night back in March, a span of 140 days. It also marked the first win for SAFC at home vs RGV-FC since 2017.
SAFC dominated the ball in the early going, to the tune of 71% possession in the opening half of the match. SAFC also out shot RGV by a 9-3 margin in the first 45 minutes. RGV was likely feeling the effects of having to play their third match in 7 days, and their second straight game on the road.
From the RGV side, last week's goal scoring hero against SAFC, Taiberson, was forced to leave the match in the 32nd minute due to what appeared to be cramping issues. RGV seemed content to let SAFC have the majority of the ball and play a quick counter strike game in the opening half. It nearly resulted in a goal just before the halftime whistle as RGV's Rodriguez had an open look for the final shot of the half, but it was dealt with cleanly by Dayne St Clair, the MLS product on loan who started his second straight match in net for San Antonio.
SAFC also racked up five corners to RGV's none in the opening half, but couldn't cash in with any of their set pieces. Defender Blake Smith had one of the better chances of the scoreless opening half for SAFC.
Defender Mitchell Taintor had the first big moment for SAFC early in the second half when an RGV break ended with his clearance, by way of a header, deep in the San Antonio box to snuff out the threat.
San Antonio finally broke through in the 60th minute when Parano did the hard work in the middle of the pitch to win the ball away from an RGV Defender. He hit Di Renzo with a pass running freely in stride. Di Renzo took a touch and had just enough power on his shot to beat RGV's Blanchette with his near side strike.
Parano, who scored in last week's match, was credited with an Assist on the goal. The reigning USL Young Player of the Year Award winner is off to another strong start in his second SAFC season. He is the only SAFC player with a Goal and an Assist three games into the 2020 season.
SAFC out shot RGV 19-9 in the match and also held a wide advantage in Corners (8-2) and overall Possession (60-40). San Antonio FC are one of only three unbeaten teams in USL Championship West.
Up next for SAFC is a road match against Austin Bold, assuming they can get the game in. Austin Bold were forced to postpone their matches on July 23rd and July 26th for ongoing issues surrounding Covid-19. As of now the match between San Antonio and Austin, set for Saturday August 1st, is still as-scheduled. It will be the first of three straight road matches for SAFC as they try and extend their unbeaten run to four games.
Scoring Summary:
SAFC: 1-0, Gonzalo Di Renzo (Cristian Parano assist) 60’
Disciplinary Summary:
RGVFC: Yellow Card (David Rocha) 9’
SAFC: Yellow Card (PC) 36’
RGVFC: Yellow Card (Kevin Rodriguez) 45’
IMAGES: SAN ANTONIO FC TWITTER
PHOTOS: DARREN ABATE, INSTAGRAM: @PEAKACTION