The 2023 USL Championships Season has been a roller coaster year for San Antonio FC to say the least. Ending at home against Indy Eleven in frustration in a 3-3 draw in front of a sold out crowd that witnessed (6) goals and massive performance from Defender Mitch Taintor. That result saw them go from 2nd on the USL Western Conference table to securing the 4th spot and another home match against a familiar foe in Colorado Switchbacks at Toyota Field.
After winning a very challenging first round playoff match against the Switchbacks 1-0 and nabbing their second win in eleven matches, the lads of Silver and Black find themselves on a path to fight #pordos.
Here are 5 Things that Must happen for a DOS scenario:
No.5 : San Antonio must use the offensive weapons that dominate the USL. Santi Patino, Nathan Fogaca and Ignacio “Nacho” Bailone must find the net against Sacramento Republic quickly and early. They key to victory lies with Centre-Forward Tani Oluwaseyi. The Top SAFC 2023 goal scorer has 17 goals and versus Sacramento must pop off.
No.4 : Phoenix Rising needs to beat out Orange County. They took it to double extra time to knock out No. 3 San Diego Loyal ending that franchise last season as they will cease operations due to Major League Soccer imposing their way and making another MLS franchise there.
No3: Mitch Taintor. The absolute Defender of San Antonio FC has played (29) matches scored (3) times and has (1) assist. This must be his greatest moment as a defender against his former team. The last time they met, Sacramento won 3-1 saw Mitch Taintor shown a red card back in June. They have met (12) times with (3) Draws (5W) for Sacramento Republic and (4W) San Antonio FC. It’s clear these two top clubs will meet early for a USL Western Conference Championship type of feel. Expect to see the defender play the best of level play. A must in order to prevent an early exit.
No.3: In the Eastern Conference Birmingham Legion must take down Charleston Battery. If Phoenix Rising knocks out OC and Legion does work against Battery, San Antonio FC would be the top seed and have a chance to bring it home.
No.2: ABU! Mohammad Abu must have another outstanding performance in the mid field. Accompanied with Shannon Gomez unreal game saving clearance and Jacori Hayes outstanding stance in the midfield pressuring the Switchback defense will allow for more heroic performances by Jorge Hernandez.
No.1: WIN! sounds crazy but simply has to win it in regulation. San Antonio FC can not allow themselves to go into extra time with SACRepublic. With the recent lack of offensive goals being produced by the lads of silver and black, it’ll be a tough fight if the match goes into extra and PK. The last thing we as devoted fans need is another California heartbreak moment, i.e Orange County 2021.
Soy San Antonio Fútbol 