San Antonio FC (8-3-0, 27 points) got all they needed in the first 22 minutes of the match as they defeated RGV-FC (0-3-9, 3 points) by a score of 3-2 on Saturday night. It was the first game played with fans at Toyota Field since March. 813 socially distanced fans attended the match; about half of what permitted.
It was the second week in a row that SAFC defeated RGV-FC, concluding their 4-game season series with San Antonio winning three games and drawing one. San Antonio FC are the only unbeaten team in USL Championship. RGV-FC have yet to win a game.
With the result SAFC takes over the lead in the head to head series with RGV-FC for the first time in the 5 year history of the rivalry (23 points to 20 points all time, head to head).
More importantly for San Antonio FC, they are now only 6 points away from clinching Group D. Two wins in their remaining five games will seal the deal. No matter what happens in their game at El Paso next week, San Antonio FC will have a chance to clinch the Group during their next 2-game home stand.
Manager Alen Marcina commented on the win, “I’m very happy with the guys tonight to remain undefeated through 11 games. It’s a big accomplishment in itself. RGV is a team that battles and fights for 90 minutes. They are a very difficult team to play, and I have a ton of respect for their staff and their players. They make it a tough challenge – we knew that going into this game. We were relentless in our preparation and the guys earned the three points. I’m proud of them.”
Luis Solignac got things rolling for SAFC in the first 10 seconds of the match. Officially clocked at 9 seconds, it was the fastest goal scored in San Antonio FC history. Solignac leads the team with 6 goals scored.
Kyle Edwards tied the match for the visitors just 10 minutes later, but San Antonio FC was unfazed, responding with two more goals in the next 12 minutes. Hunter Gorskie regained the lead for SAFC with his first goal of the season when he redirected a Connor Maloney shot into the net in the 17th minute. Five minutes later a nifty back heel pass from Solignac set up Ignacio Bailone for his third goal of the season and a two goal SAFC lead.
Deshane Beckford would score for RGV FC in the 59th minute to tighten the match but SAFC would go on to close out the victory. Solignac summed up the night talking about some fans being back. “It was amazing. We can’t really interact with them yet, but it’s really nice to hear some noise when we score or make a nice play. We are very happy and hopefully they enjoyed the game tonight.”
In the 87th minute, Fabrizio Bernal became the latest San Antonio FC Academy product to make his professional debut.
Next up for San Antonio FC is their only match outside of Group D play remaining on their schedule as they will travel to El Paso on Saturday night.
Scoring Summary:
SAFC: 1-0, Luis Solignac 1’
RGVFC: 1-1, Kyle Edwards (Ian Hoffman assist) 10’
SAFC: 2-1, Hunter Gorskei (Connor Maloney assist) 17’
SAFC: 3-1, Ignacio Bailone (Luis Solignac assist) 22’
RGVFC: 3-2, Deshane Beckford (Luka Prpa assist) 59’
Disciplinary Summary:
SAFC: Yellow Card (Cristian Parano) 81’
RGVFC: Yellow Card (James Murphy) 83’
Attendance: 813 (socially distanced)
IMAGES: SAN ANTONIO FC TWITTER
PHOTOS: DARREN ABATE, INSTAGRAM: @PEAKACTION