The Final Word: Playoff Bound

San Antonio FC needed a win or draw to secure second place in the Mountain Division on Saturday night in Toyota Field. A result would also guarantee at least a home match in the first round of the playoffs. Some records were also on the line as Nathan Fogaca was looking to become the single season goal scoring record holder for San Antonio FC and Hadji Barry was looking to break the USL Championship single season goal scoring record. With so much at stake, it was sure to be an exciting, high impact match.

The scoring opened early in the fifth minute when Nathan attempted a shot on goal that got passed keeper Sean Melvin and bounced off Colorado Springs defender Michael Edwards into the back of the net. Patino was behind Edwards waiting to score on an open net.

San Antonio FC maintained the lead at the half and would carry that momentum into the second half. Just one minute into the second half, when Nathan blew by five defenders along with Jose Gallegos, Nathan made a short pass to Gallegos who was able to chip it pass the Colorado Springs Keeper.

In the 68th minute, Marcus Epps connected with Kortne Ford on a long cross, Ford was able to tap in a header for the third goal of the night for the Alamo City Boys. It all they needed to get three points and secure a home match in the first round of the USL Championship playoffs.

San Antonio finishes the season versus Colorado Springs with 3 wins 1 draw and 0 losses. Jose Gallegos was named Man of the Match.

Post Match Comments

SAFC Head Coach Alen Marcina

(On the win…)

“Colorado and us both had a lot to play for tonight, and they are a very good team. They made it very challenging, credit to them. They were excellent all season long. But at the same time, I am incredibly proud of the collective. It was a total team effort from start to finish. We earned those three points. I’m so happy for our fans that we play for.”

(On hosting a home playoff match…)

“We love our fans. They are so passionate. You can feel the energy they bring, and they push our players. It helps with our crowd with our fans. We love them and we do this for them. We are thankful, grateful and excited we get to host in the first round.”

SAFC Midfielder Jose Gallegos

(On the win…)

“Its amazing. To open the season and beat them 3-0 and to close it that way as well is amazing. The boys are happy and I’m happy and it’s the perfect way to head into playoffs.”

(On entering playoffs…)

“Last year we went out in an unfortunate way. For the players that are still here from last year it stuck with us. This year we look to learn from that and with the team we have, the buoys are very confident, and I think we will do very good in the upcoming matches.”

PLAYOFFS NEXT

San Antonio FC will now host the San Diego Loyal, lead by Landon Donovan at Toyota Field on Friday night with kickoff set for 8:00 PM. This will be the first ever meeting between the two clubs. San Diego finished third in the Pacific Division.