San Antonio FC Head Coach Darren Powell knows his team is on a tough road trip early in their inaugural season. He also knows an early trip can test his club and make them better as the season goes on, that includes losing.
SAFC fell for the first time in franchise history as they suffered a 1-0 defeat to the Orange County Blues FC in front of 1,224 fans inside Anteater Stadium on Saturday night.
Both teams had several scoring chances early in the match. San Antonio goalkeeper Josh Ford made two big saves and defender Sam McBride blocked what looked to be a sure goal to keep the game scoreless. SAFC midfielder Rafa Castillo had two chances to put San Antonio in front, but his attempts went off the crossbar.
Orange County took the lead for good just before halftime thanks to a unfortunate San Antonio penalty. SAFC defender Milton Palacios took down OC’s Andre Campbell in the box and the home club was awarded the penalty kick. Didier Crettenand converted the attempt in the 39th minute to give the Blues the 1-0 lead.
The second half saw San Antonio become much more aggressive. Despite good chances to score, SAFC could not convert and fell for the first time ever as a team.
SAFC is in the middle of a three-game road trip that has seen them play three matches in seven days.
San Antonio FC is now 1-1-2 (5 points) on the season and will return to the pitch next Saturday when they wrap up their three game road trip in Colorado against Switchbacks FC at 2:30 p.m.
