The offseason has started for San Antonio FC and the 2021 is already starting to take shape. Two very important players have officially left the roster and likely the loanees won’t return for 2021.
At the end of the 2019 season, SAFC went under a major overhaul. The result, SAFC won Group D and made the playoffs for the first time since 2017 but it led to a first round playoff exit at the hands of New Mexico United. We will evaluate and give our thoughts on who will likely return and likely to leave as SAFC prepares for a 2021 campaign.
Already Gone
Luis Solignac – Transfermarkt Value: $660k
Came over the Chicago Fire; scored a team leading 8 goals and holds the record for the fastest goal in SAFC history. Just a couple of weeks after the San Antonio FC’s first round exit, Solignac signed with San Luis de Quillota, a Chilean side playing in the second division. San Luis is wrapping it’s 2020 campaign mired in 9th place and stuck in the Primera B de Chile since being relegated in 2018.
With the apparent speed of Solginac’s exit, it seems like a contract was being worked out before the end of SAFC’s season. With a market value of $660,000 US dollars, SAFC ownership probably didn’t have the budget to offer a similar contract to Lucho.
Cristian Parano – Transfermarkt Value: $125k
Came at the beginning of 2019 with little fanfare but great potential and after two season leaves as one of the top 10 players to ever don the SAFC kit. Parano’s market value has yet to be updated but it should be well north of $200k. Cristian Parano announced on his personal Instagram that he was moving on. While no former announcement has been made by SAFC, his agent or the club signing him; we have heard speculation Parano may head to Portugal, but it’s no secret that MLS sides have shown interest in the young Argentine. Teams like FC Dallas, Austin FC and Orlando City could be possible suitors if Parano decides to stay in the US. If Parano stays in the USL, a club like Louisville, Reno or Phoenix could come knocking. There is possibility he could return home and sign with a second division club in Argentina.
Still on the Roster
Forwards
Ignacio “Nacho” Bailone – Transfermarkt Value: $350k
Became a force to be reckoned with coming off the bench, scored timely goals and made assists late in matches that turned the tide for SAFC. His market value will most likely remain around the same if not slightly increase. Bailone has been seen on his personal Instagram enjoying some off time in Tampa Bay. Coincidentally, the USL Championship final is being played this weekend in Tampa as the Rowdies take on Phoenix Rising. Could the Rowdies or even worse Phoenix be showing interest in signing Nacho. Phoenix is known for signing former SAFC players on a regular basis. SAFC ownership will have to give Bailone a lucrative deal to keep him. Which should be a priority to keep the core of the group intact.
Chances of returning: 30%
Fabrizio Bernal – Transfermarkt Value: N/A
A homegrown product from the SAFC youth academy. Made his 2020 USL Championship debut with one appearance and played three minutes. He was one of six players on the roster to be called up from the youth academy. SAFC hopes his potential will turn into goals in the near future.
Chances of returning: 80%
Gonzalo Di Renzo – Transfermarkt Value: $330k
Came in on loan from Club Atlético de Lanús and scored three goals for SAFC in 2020. Officially the loans ends at the end of November but a month later his contract with Lanús also expires. Will wait and see if he re-signs with the Argentine side or if SAFC make a run at signing Di Renzo full time.
Chances of Returning: 25%
Jose Gallegos – Transfermerkt Value: $110k
Is a nominee for USL Championship Youth Player of the Year. With 2 Goals, 3 Assists and 103 Duels Won, Gallegos has shown he belongs in the USL and could be a star. Could potentially end up in MLS for 2022. For now Gallegos should stay one more year at SAFC to continue his growth and progression.
Chances of Returning: 90%
Jordan Perruzza – Transfermarkt Value: $275k
Came in on loan late in the season and scored 3 Goals for the Alamo City Boys. Is scheduled to return to Toronto FC II. Although Perruzza may be considered a future striker and successor to Jozi Altidore, bit there is interest from European clubs wanting to sign him.
Chances of Returning: 5%
We predict it will be back to the drawing building the Forwards depth chart but with Gallegos set for a breakout year in 2021, they have a foundation to build around.
Midfielders
Victor “PC” Giro – Transfermarkt Value: $330k
Naturally a Leftback, PC played at Center Mid during the 2020 season and did an excellent job. Is remains to been seen if he wants to continue playing center mid or want to return to his old position. PC was an important part the SAFC’s spine and should be a top priority to be re-signed.
Chances of Returning: 80%
Zachary Herivaux – Transfermarkt Value: $193k
A center mid with great talent for situational awareness on the field and tactical acumen. Led the team in passing accuracy. Herivaux’s second tour with SAFC was a success and should come back for a third season.
Chances of Returning: 90%
Hayden Partain – Transfermarkt Value: $165k
Only had 6 appearances but is a promising player to be a regular starter at Center Mid. SAFC should re-sign Hayden Partain to keep the midfield corps with depth.
Chances of Returning: 90%
Rocky Perez Jr- Transfermarkt Value: N/A
Another homegrown product but has yet to make his USL Championship debut. The 16 year old will most likely return to the academy and re-join the main squad on loan again sometime in 2021.
Chances of Returning: 95%
Leo Torres – Transfermarkt Value: N/A
Torres has been on the main squad for two season now, had 2 appearances and played 19 minutes. Is the next Jose Gallegos in term of development. Will likely be on the main squad again in 2021 but will need to shown progression.
Chances of Returning: 95%
Santi Viera -Transfermarkt Value: $330k
Came in on loan from Liverpool FC in Uruguay (not the EPL side) only made 3 appearances, is a talented player but is highly unlikely to return to SAFC.
Chances of Returning: 0%
Defenders
Liam Doyle – Transfermarkt Value: $275k
Came to SAFC in September from Memphis 901 FC, made his SAFC debut during the playoff match with New Mexico United and played 102 minutes. The Isle of Man native could be a nice addition in 2021
Chances of Returning: 50%
Hunter Gorskie – Transfermarkt Value: $165k
A value centreback and defender during 2020, would be valuable asset to return for 2021. Had 12 starts and part of one of the best defenses in SAFC’s history.
Chances of Returning: 80%
Kai Greene – Transfermarkt Value: $220k
Was a starter in 2019 but only had 441 minutes in 2020. If Alen Marcina keeps his main formation it will be unlikely that Greene will be a starter in 2021. Will probably be looking to be a starting left back somewhere. He is a more than capable starter on many USL clubs.
Chances of Returning; 20%
Connor Maloney – Transfermarkt Value: $275k
Connor was a tenacious defender, a natural right back played the most of the season as a winger and fell back to help the 3 man defense formation. Connor is a leader and a vital member for building a championship team. Should be high priority to re-sign.
Chances of Returning: 90%
Callum Montgomery – Transfermarkt Value: $220k
Came in on loan from FC Dallas. Was an excellent centreback but looks like he is ready for the next step in his progression, which means he will likely be on FC Dallas’ main roster in 2021.
Chances of Returning: 0%
Sebastian Mercado – Transfermarkt Value: N/A
The 17 year old Homegrown product that has yet to make his USL Championship debut.
Chances of Returning: 50%
Josh Ramsey – Transfermarkt Value: N/A
The sixth homegrown product on the main squad made his USL Championship debut this season with one appearance. Is committed to attend Notre Dame and should go to further develop his game.
Chances of Returning: 0%
Blake Smith – Transfermarkt Value: $303k
A popular player on the SAFC squad and enjoyed playing at home in front of family and friends. Like Maloney, played well as a winger. Another leader and player that is vital to building a championship contending team.
Chances of Returning: 95%
Mitchell Taintor – Transfermarkt Value: $303k
Only missed one match all season, Taintor was a vital part to the SAFC defense. He led the team in clearances with 68. If SAFC wants to replicate the defense’s success in 2021, Taintor should be re-signed.
Chances of Returning: 85%
Joshua Yaro – Transfermarkt Value: $220k
The Quiet Warrior. Was the heart and leader of the defense. He led the team in blocks and was consistent. At times, Yaro looked like he lost a step on speed defending but is still very capable.
Chances of Returning: 90%
Goalkeepers
Matt Cardone – Transfermarkt Value: $193k
A cornerstone of the club. Cardone is the last original member of the 2016 San Antonio FC inaugural team. Had his best season to date as a goalkeeper. Is entering his prime and will likely continue his career here.
Chances of Returning: 95%
Carlos Mercado – Transfermarkt Value: N/A
First year as a full professional, did not make his USL Championship debut. Has experience playing with Corpus Christi of USL League 2 and played with Des Moines. Graduated and played college soccer at UIW. Could possibly return for 2021 to back up Cardone.
Chances of Returning: 50%
After how this 2020 season has transpired, many clubs including San Antonio FC will be on tight budgets and will have to get creative signing players and scouting talent for the 2021 season. San Antonio FC did have five players on a homegrown contact and four on loan which helped the club financially, not having to pay nine players on the roster. Player signing announcements should begin around mid November. Stay tuned to soysaf.com for all updates on San Antonio FC’s offseason news and signings.
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