Justin Dhillon scored a dramatic match winner deep into second half added time to turn a 1-1 Draw into a sensational 2-1 San Antonio FC (7-6-5, 27 points) win over division leaders El Paso Locomotive (12-5-2, 41 points) at Toyota Field on Saturday night. The game marked a return to action for SAFC after two weeks of postponements due to poitive Covid cases in the San Antonio FC organization and it did not disappoint. El Paso was handed only their second defeat of the season and their first loss since June. Dhillon added two shots on target and a 100 percent passing accuracy in 18 minutes to complete his big night.
It was the 4th goal of the season for Dhillon and his first since June 26th. Dhillon did most of the work on the match-winner by himself, slicing inbetween and through a remarkable seven El Paso Defenders as he battled his way into the box to get his shot off into the far corner of El Paso's net. Dhillon was carded for removing his shirt in the post goal celebration. It's doubful he cared much. The win puts San Antonio FC back in playoff position in what is becoming a tight Mountain Division playoff chase.
“I’m just so proud of the guys,” said San Antonio FC Manager Alen Marcina. “With what we have had to endure the last few weeks it’s been incredibly difficult. We preach resilience and that’s what the guys showed tonight. They did everything they could on the field. They battled, they fought, and they earned the three points.”
The match doubled as a Copa Tejas clash. The supporter driven Cup Tournament to crown the best USL Chmapionship team in Texas has been dominated by El Paso who are 4 points away from clinching the top spot. But they would get no closer to lifting the trophy on this night.
Marcus Epps got things going for SAFC with his goal in the 32'. Midfielder Jose Gallegos played him open into the El Paso box and Epps did the rest shooting a crafty take that went around a defender and beat Locomotove Keeper Logan Ketterer into the bottom corner of the net for the early 1-0 lead. Epps had a big night with six shots, three shots on target, one goal and five successful dribbles in the match.
El Paso would hit back in the 54' as Sebastian Velasquez beat SAFC's Matt Cardone with a point blank header off a set piece Corner Kick to equalize the match. That would set up the late dramatics for Dhillon to steal the show.
After the final whistle blew tensions rose as a huge melee broke out on the field involving several players from both teams and coaching staffs. El Paso Captain Yuma Monsalvez appeared to kick start the proceedings although it was unclear what set him off. It is unknown as of this writing if cards were shown as a result of the altercation. Any significant discipline action for SAFC, if any is forthcoming, would hinder a team already facing the challenge of playing two more games in the next 7 nights.
Next up for San Antonio FC is their rescheduled match against Real Monarchs. It will be held on Wednesday night at Toyota Field as SAFC will play their second of three straight home games over eight nights.
IMAGES - SAN ANTONIO FC TWITTER
PHOTO - DARREN ABATE / INSTAGRAM: @PEAKACTION