Final Word: SAFC’s undefeated season derailed in El Paso

The worries of some came to fruition on Saturday evening in El Paso as San Antonio FC lost 2-1 to the Locomotive. It was SAFC’s first loss of the season in their second and final match outside of Group D play in 2020. This was the toughest match to date for the Alamo City boys.

It was clearly one of San Anotnio FC’s least discipline matches of the season. Already leading the league with the most fouls conceded, SAFC added 22 more to the tally and 4 yellow cards. The referee showed some constraint in showing red to as many as three SAFC players.

First goal of the match belonged to El Paso on a penalty in the 40th minute. Callum Montgomery, which hadn’t played in a month, conceded a hard foul inside the box on Aaron Gomez. San Antonio FC was able to draw even right before the half when Nacho Bailone was taken down by Locomotive’s Andrew Fox, Luis Solignac scored leading seventh goal of the season on a converted chip shot penalty. It was a battle in the trenches as both clubs combined for 39 fouls and 7 yellow cards. We saw the debut of Toronto FC loanee, Jordan Perruza. It was a disappointing first assignment for Perruza as he took a shot that sailed wide and was booked for yellow in the 83rd minute and almost earned a second yellow on a foul a few moments later. Both teams fouled hard and the match seemed at a stalemate. In the third minute of extra time, Mitch Taintor made a hard foul on Salgado. A free kick into the box and goes off of Taintor for an own goal. Making it a double whammy of terrible for Taintor. San Antonio FC was unable to respond with only seconds left in the match.

SAFC Head Coach Alen Marcina

(On the result…)

“We stressed it all week and we experienced it tonight, but it’s about details. The details cost us late and we will learn from this game. There were a lot of positives, and we will grow and continue to get better.”

(On how he expects his team to respond…)

“It’s a team made of players with grit. We know its going to be a good response on Wednesday. Now it’s about recovering and preparing for our next opponent.”

San Antonio FC remains in first place of Group D, Tulsa and OKC drew 0-0, Austin Bold v RGVFC was rescheduled to a later date.

Game notes:

SAFC’s back three of Taintor, Yaro and Montgomery combined for 4 of the clubs 12 tackles on Saturday.

Zachary Herivaux wasn’t on the roster, no word if he missed the match due to injury or rested for Wednesday’s match against Austin Bold.

Cristian Parano was shut down, only had one shot on target and passed for 85.7 percent and only 7 completed passes

Luis Solignac leads team with seven goals.