San Antonio FC has clinched a playoff spot in the USL Championship Western Conference. There’s still much to play for on Saturday as they suit up against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC.
Single Season Goal Record
Ever “Cheno” Guzman became the record goal scorer in 2018 with 11. Nathan Fogaca has tied the record for most goals scored in a season on October 20th in New Mexico has the potential to be the sole possessor of single season goal record this Saturday if he scores against Colorado Springs.
Hadji Barry of the Switchbacks could also find himself in the record books as he is tied for the All-time USL Championship Goal Scoring Record for a single season, Barry is tied with Cameron Lancaster, who scored 25 Goals in 2018 for Louisville.
We could see history made twice at Toyota Field on Saturday.
Fight for Home Field Advantage
San Antonio FC and Colorado Springs Switchbacks are tied in points with 49. San Antonio FC currently holds the tie breaker due to head to head record with 2 wins and 1 draw in three meetings this season. A win or draw will secure a first round home field playoff match. If San Antonio FC get a result on Saturday, they will host either San Diego Loyal or Orange County SC on Friday November 5th. A loss by San Antonio FC and the Alamo City Boys will California Dreamin’ as they would travel West to face San Diego or Orange County on Sunday November 7th.
Discipline (Lack thereof)
Both San Antonio FC and Colorado Switchbacks have seven Red Cards on the season, and San Antonio FC have a USL Championship leading 89 Yellow Cards. Any major disciplinary action by either club could severally affect a deep playoff run.
Health is Wealth
Last week was the first time in a while, San Antonio FC did not report any injuries, with just Ollie Wright sitting out with a red card obtained after a second yellow the week previous in New Mexico. Having a full healthy squad is a key component to making a deep run in the playoffs. Marcina only used one sub last week and just two against New Mexico, leaving players rested. With a deep and talented roster, it’s up to Alen Marcina to put out the optimal starting XI and substitutes and using subs at the right times.
Playoff Scenarios and Schedule
The regular season concludes this Saturday, Oct. 30 with 15 matches across both conferences with plenty on the line. Two playoff berths remain open – one in the Mountain Division, one in the Pacific Division. Also at stake are the Central Division title and three battles for homefield advantage in the Conference Quarterfinals.
All 14 playoff matches prior to the Final will be streamed live on ESPN+. Playoff match dates are as follows:
- Conference Quarterfinals – Nov. 5-7
- Conference Semifinals – Nov. 12-14
- Conference Finals – Nov. 20
- Championship Final – Nov. 28
Possible matchups and dates for the eight Conference Quarterfinals are below. The final playoff bracket and schedule with start times will be announced by Oct. 31.
Eastern Conference Quarterfinals
(A1) Tampa Bay Rowdies* vs. (C4) FC Tulsa, Nov. 6
(A2) Charlotte / Pittsburgh vs. (C3) Memphis 901 FC
(B1) Birmingham/Louisville vs. (A4) Miami FC
(B2) Birmingham vs. Louisville vs. (A3) Charlotte/Pittsburgh
Western Conference Quarterfinals
(M1) El Paso Locomotive FC* vs. (P4) LA Galaxy II / Oakland / Tacoma, Nov. 5
(M2) San Antonio / Colorado Springs vs. (P3) Orange County / San Diego, Nov. 5
(P1) Phoenix Rising FC* vs. (M4) Rio Grande Valley / New Mexico / Austin, Nov. 6
(P2) Orange County / San Diego vs. San Antonio / Colorado Springs, Nov. 7
Key to Seeds: A = Atlantic Division | C = Central Division | M = Mountain Division | P = Pacific Division
* Clinched top divisional seed
Full Link: https://www.uslchampionship.com/news_article/show/1191249
San Antonio FC hosts Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC on Saturday October 30th, with a kick off set for 7:30 PM Central Time.
Tickets still available at: https://www.ticketmaster.com/san-antonio-fc-vs-colorado-springs-san-antonio-texas-10-30-2021/event/3A005A8FB3F13043
Match will be televised on ESPN+: https://www.espn.com/espnplus/player/_/id/4d42e631-7bbc-4ab9-ae87-ebf95ea16129
Soy San Antonio Fútbol 