HIGHLIGHTS:
SAN ANTONIO – San Antonio FC (8-0-3) pushed their unbeaten streak to 11 matches on Saturday night as they defeated the Rio Grande Valley FC Toros (0-9-3) in front of fans at Toyota Field for the first time since March 7.
The victory saw SAFC keep their spot at the top of Group D secure and shave three points off their magic number (8) to clinch a playoff berth.
“I’m very happy with the guys tonight to remain undefeated through 11 games,” said SAFC Head Coach Alen Marcina. “It’s a big accomplishment in itself. RGV is a team that battles and fights for 90 minutes. They are a very difficult team to play, and I have a ton of respect for their staff and their players. They make it a tough challenge – we knew that going into this game. We were relentless in our preparation and the guys earned the three points. I’m proud of them.”
Luis Solignac opened the scoring before the small group of fans even got settled into their seats. SAFC took advantage of an RGV mistake on a pass as Solignac got in front of the ball and slid it home just 10 seconds in, putting the home side up a goal.
Solignac’s goal tied the Championship’s record for the fastest regular-season goal in league history and is the fastest goal scored in SAFC history.
“It’s amazing,” Solignac said of his goal. “It’s just a goal that counts as one but I’m happy it was a record.”
Kyle Edwards would level the match 10 minutes in as he took the pass from Ian Hoffman and beat SAFC goalkeeper Matt Cardone to make it 1-1.
San Antonio took the lead for good when Hunter Gorskie scored off a set-piece as Connor Maloney’s attempt found Gorskie’s foot and he slotted the ball home in the 17th minute. SAFC added the third goal when Jose Gallegos found Ignacio Bailone, who fired a shot on net from the top of the penalty area, making it 3-1 at halftime.
The second half saw RGV get closer as Deshane Beckford tapped home a shot past Cardone in the 60th minute to make it 3-2. The visitors would have a few more scoring chances but San Antonio’s defense would hold on for the win.
“Players have been committed and I’m proud of them for that. Now it’s about recovery and focus on our next opponent,” Marcina said.
UP NEXT:
San Antonio FC is now 8-0-3 (27 points) on the season and will return to the pitch next Saturday at 8:30 p.m. to face the El Paso Locomotive (5-2-3, 18 points).
