The Final Word: Ollie Vision

Zion Banks Stadium

San Antonio FC was looking to break it’s winless streak in Utah. SAFC hadn’t won since May 22nd and were sitting in 6th place in the Mountain Division. A win against lowly Real Monarchs could be the start to swing the shift to climb the table.

Real Monarch started Gavin Beavers, a 16 year old making his professional debut. Santiago Patino returned from a three match suspension. Justin Dhillon created the first chance for San Antonio in the 6th minute but his header from the center of the box sailed wide. in the 18th minute, Jose Gallegos gave San Antonio another opportunity to score, from a shot from the left side but was saved by Beavers. The first goal of match came in the 39th minute when Douglas Martinez shot went past a diving Matt Cardone.

SAFC started the half down 1-0 and really didn’t find rhythm until the late in the second half. Olli Wright came in the 70th minute and just seven minute later Wright got his second assist of the season when he connected with Justin Dhillon to tie things up. San Antonio would hold for a draw in Utah and head back home leading the USL with 6 draws.

SAFC Head Coach Alen Marcina

(On the match…)

“It’s positive to get a point on the road, it’s never easy playing from home. We created more than enough opportunities to earn the three points. Collectively, we need to do a better job executing. We believe and trust the process, and soon we will be executing and turning those ties into wins. All we can do now is learn, grown and get ready for our upcoming opponent.”

(On players stepping up despite injuries…)

“At some point this year we’ll have our full roster available. Like any team, you’re strongest with a full roster and we haven’t had that opportunity just yet. I am proud of the players who have been stepping up and as their number is called, and now we just have to clean up our execution.”

(On returning home next weekend…)

“We want to keep our unbeaten streak at home going. Austin is a very tough opponent and a veteran team, but what we need to work on is execution of that pass, final shot on target, final defensive action. When we begin to execute consistently we’ll turn ties into wins.”

SAFC Defender Liam Doyle

(On the game…)

“Overall it’s not good enough. We’ve had too many draws and we’ve been letting the odd goal in here and there, and we’re not capitalizing on chances, and until we do we won’t win games, it’s as simple as that.”

(On working on the team’s execution…)

“The key word is execution, and that’s on both ends of the ball. We need clean sheets as defenders, and we’re creating enough chances to put three or four in the back of the net. It’s not just the forwards, it’s us defenders, the wide men, everyone as a collective. We need to start winning and find a way.”

(On returning home next weekend…)

“It’s a different feeling to play at home, it’s a great feeling and a full house should drive us on. It’s a big game against an in-state rival and we need to show our best.”

By the Numbers

SAFC leads the league in draws with 6 out of 10 games

SAFC had a season best 49.4% possesion

Matt Cardone recorded 6 saves

Ollie Wright had a 87.5% passing accuracy on 8 passes.

Up Next

San Antonio FC return home on July 3rd to face Austin Bold.