San Antonio FC hosted their second International Friendly in four nights as they were defeated by Pumas UNAM from Liga MX 4-2 on Friday night at Toyota Field in fromt of 5,373 fans. Nathan and Khmiri scored for SAFC in the loss. Juan Dinenno scored a second half brace for Pumas in the come-from-behind victory. SAFC led the match for 75 minutes but couldn't close it out, surrendering three goals in the final 15 minutes.
Unlike the first Friendly this week, this match began with mostly regulars for SAFC in the starting eleven. SAFC lost to Queretaro FC on Tuesday night by the same score of 4-2 but played mostly Academy players. Said Manager 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 got off to a hot start as Nathan buried a Marcus Epps cross in the middle of the Pumas box for the early 1-0 lead in the 10'. It's a good sign for the Striker who has zero League Goals but has now scored his second Goal in as many games in International Friendlies.
Just two minutes later Pumas equalized when Midfielder Amaury Garcia scored past SAFC Keeper Carlos Mercado to even the match at 1-1. The fireworks contined in the 23' when San Antonio FC Defender Jasser Khmiri put in a header from a Corner Kick set piece and SAFC took back the lead at 2-1, which they would carry until the Halftime break.
SAFC made 9 changes at the start of the second half bringing on a mix of starters, bench players, and Academy players to see out the game. Pumas appeared to tie the match in the 63' but the goal was waived off for Offside during the Corner Kick play.
Pumas would finally tie the match in the 76' when Juan Dinenno scored a clever back-heel goal with his back to the net from inside the six to even the game at 2-2. In the 80' Pumas would grab the lead for good when Dinnenno scored his brace. Oddly enough Dinenno had been Yellow Carded from the bench in the first half of the game for dissent towards a Referee. Washington Corrozo wrapped up the scoring for Pumas in the 90'.
For SAFC they can take some big positives from the International week as three players who haven't scored in League play tallied Goals in the two games this week. Additionally, three players who have zero Assists in Legaue play also talled Assists this week. It could serve as the confidence boost the Offense needs to get going for a team that has struggled as of late.
Next up for SAFC is a return to USL Championship play as they will travel to face Colorado on July 17th, where SAFC has never won a game in five tries. SAFC will be looking for their first league win overall since May 22.
San Antonio FC returns home on Wednesday July 21st.
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PHOTO: DARREN ABATE / INSTAGRAM: @PEAKACTION