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GALLERY: SAFC Re-Signs Joshua Yaro

SAN ANTONIO FC RE-SIGNS DEFENDER JOSHUA YARO

San Antonio FC has re-signed defender Joshua Yaro for the 2020 USL Championship season pending league and federation approval, the team announced today. Per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

"We are thrilled to re-sign and welcome Josh Yaro back to the SAFC family,” said SAFC Head Coach Alen Marcina. “Josh is the epitome of players we seek as a club. He demonstrates excellent leadership on and off the field, he is committed to our club and community and he has showcased as one of the premier center-backs in the league.”

Yaro appeared, started and played all 90 minutes in 32 league matches with SAFC last season, compiling 2,871 total minutes played. Defensively, Yaro led San Antonio in clearances (126) and blocks (26), while ranking third on the team in passing accuracy (89.0 percent). The 25-year-old scored his first professional goal last season when his header found the back of the net on Aug. 30 in Tacoma.

Originally drafted in the first round (second overall) by the Philadelphia Union in the 2016 Major League Soccer SuperDraft, Yaro made 17 appearances totaling 1,326 minutes in his rookie season while helping the club make the MLS playoffs. Overall in his professional career, Yaro has made 41 total appearances between the Union and the Union II – the Union’s USL Championship affiliate — tallying 3,204 minutes while receiving just four yellow cards. The defender was a Generation Adidas athlete, becoming one of seven selections of the 2016 class.

"It's good to be back,” said Yaro. “San Antonio is a place I consider home now. Last year, we didn't achieve what we wanted, so I wanted to be part of this team that seems to be a strong group so far. I'm excited to work with Coach Alen and this organization, and I'm excited to play in front of our fans again and make something special out of this year."

Born in Ghana, Yaro played college soccer at Georgetown University for three seasons from 2013-15. Following his junior and final season with the Hoyas, Yaro was named the Big East Defender of the Year and an NSCAA First-Team All American. The defender was named the college Player of the Year by TopDrawerSoccer.com in 2014 following his sophomore season. While in college, Yaro also played for the Baltimore Bohemians in USL League Two.

San Antonio FC is currently preparing for the upcoming USL Championship season, and fans can purchase 2020 season tickets by calling or texting the SAFC sales office at 210-444-5657 or by visiting www.sanantoniofc.com. Supporters can also follow the club by liking San Antonio FC on Facebook (@SAFCUSL), as well as following the team on Twitter (@SanAntonioFC) and Instagram (@sanantoniofc).

“We are thrilled to re-sign and welcome Josh Yaro back to the SAFC family,” said SAFC Head Coach Alen Marcina. “Josh is the epitome of players we seek as a club. He demonstrates excellent leadership on and off the field, he is committed to our club and community and he has showcased as one of the premier center-backs in the league.”

“It’s good to be back,” said Yaro. “San Antonio is a place I consider home now. Last year, we didn’t achieve what we wanted, so I wanted to be part of this team that seems to be a strong group so far. I’m excited to work with Coach Alen and this organization, and I’m excited to play in front of our fans again and make something special out of this year.”

SAN ANTONIO FC RE-SIGNS GOALKEEPER MATTHEW CARDONE

San Antonio FC has re-signed goalkeeper and San Antonio native Matthew Cardone for the 2020 USL Championship season pending league and federation approval, the team announced today. Per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

"We are delighted to re-sign our locally grown goalkeeper Matt Cardone,” said SAFC Head Coach Alen Marcina. “Matt has demonstrated that he can compete among the league’s top goalkeepers, and he is an excellent fit for our team culture. We expect Matt to have essential leadership responsibilities and set an admirable example for our goalkeepers coming through our Elite Training Program and SAFC Pro Academy."

With SAFC in 2019, Cardone appeared in 33 matches, compiling 2,923 minutes played and seven clean sheets. He recorded 94 saves on the season to set a new SAFC record while also ranking seventh in the USL Championship. Cardone recorded a season-high six saves three times in 2019 while recording at least four saves in a match on 11 different occasions. Cardone saved 63.1% of the 149 shots he faced while also adding 29 catches, 29 clearances and 14 punches.

Overall in his San Antonio FC career, Cardone has appeared in 68 matches in all competitions, making 67 starts and tallying 6,000 minutes. The 26-year-old became the first-ever SAFC player to earn USL Player of the Week honors after his performance at Saint Louis FC in August of 2016 and remains the club’s all-time penalty save leader with five. Cardone also holds the joint-record for saves in a single match with SAFC after he recorded nine at Swope Park Rangers on July 30, 2016.

“I’m really excited to return to SAFC for another year,” said Cardone. “I have been privileged to be a part of this club for the last few years, and I’m excited to continue that.”

With his re-signing, Cardone is currently the only player on the SAFC roster since the club’s inception in 2016. Prior to joining SAFC, Cardone spent 2015 playing for the San Antonio Scorpions in the North American Soccer League. The Alamo City native played four years of collegiate soccer at Trinity University from 2011-2014, where he earned All-American honors in 2012 and 2014, and also attended MacArthur High School.

“We are delighted to re-sign our locally grown goalkeeper Matt Cardone,” said SAFC Head Coach Alen Marcina. “Matt has demonstrated that he can compete among the league’s top goalkeepers, and he is an excellent fit for our team culture. We expect Matt to have essential leadership responsibilities and set an admirable example for our goalkeepers coming through our Elite Training Program and SAFC Pro Academy.”

“I’m really excited to return to SAFC for another year,” said Cardone. “I have been privileged to be a part of this club for the last few years, and I’m excited to continue that.”

SAN ANTONIO FC TO HOST DEFENDING CHAMPION REAL MONARCHS SLC IN 2020 SEASON OPENER

San Antonio FC will host the defending league champions Real Monarchs SLC on March 7 at Toyota Field in the club’s 2020 USL Championship season opener, the league announced today. The game will kick-off at 7:30 p.m. and marks the second consecutive year that SAFC will begin the regular season at Toyota Field.

Fans can currently purchase a two-game bundle that includes the home opener against Real Monarchs SLC and the upcoming preseason friendly against FC Dallas (MLS) on Feb. 12. The bundle – along with SAFC season tickets — can be purchased at www.sanantoniofc.com or by calling or texting 210-444-5657. Individual game tickets for the rest of the 2020 season will go on sale at a later date.

San Antonio will welcome the Monarchs to Toyota Field for the fourth time in team history while the matchup will mark the eighth overall meeting between the two clubs. SAFC has compiled a 2-0-1 home record against the Monarchs, outscoring them 9-5 in those matches. The Monarchs claimed the 2019 USL Championship crown after defeating Louisville City FC in last year’s final.

SAFC previously hosted Phoenix Rising FC in its 2019 home opener with the sides playing to an entertaining 3-3 draw in front of a sold-out crowd. Prior to last season, San Antonio hosted Sporting Kansas City II (2016), LA Galaxy II (2017) and Saint Louis FC (2018) in their previous home openers, selling out each respective match. Overall SAFC is averaging 8,138 fans per game in their four regular season home openers at Toyota Field.

In addition, the league announced that SAFC will travel to Colorado Springs to face Switchbacks FC in their home opener on March 14. The Alamo City club will look to earn their first win at Weidner Field as the two teams will meet for the ninth time since the start of the 2016 season.

The full 2020 San Antonio FC schedule will be released at a later date.

SAN ANTONIO FC SIGNS DEFENDER CONNOR MALONEY

San Antonio FC has signed defender Connor Maloney for the 2020 USL Championship season pending league and federation approval, the team announced today. Per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

"We are excited to add Connor Maloney to the SAFC Family,” said SAFC Head Coach Alen Marcina. “Connor exemplifies the intensity, tireless work ethic, and high character traits of our team culture and will serve as an essential contributor both on and off the field."

Maloney joins SAFC from Columbus Crew SC (MLS) where he has played since the start of the 2017 season. Originally drafted in the third round (49th overall) by the Crew in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft, Maloney has made 15 first-team appearances in all competitions with Columbus. In addition, Maloney has also spent time on loan with the Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USLC) in both the 2017 and 2018 seasons.

Following his 2018 season in Columbus, Maloney was named the winner of the club’s Kirk Urso Heart Award, which is awarded to the Crew player that best exemplifies the qualities in a teammate and becomes 'the heart' in the club's locker room. The award is named after the late Urso who played as a midfielder for the Crew in 2012.

“I am very excited to get started with San Antonio FC,” said Maloney. “I would like to thank the management and coaching staff for providing me an opportunity to contribute to much success in San Antonio.”

The wingback attended Penn State University from 2013-16 where he played four seasons of collegiate soccer. Maloney scored 27 goals and recorded 17 assists in 75 appearances with the Nittany Lions, while being named the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year in 2010. The 24-year-old was also named to the All-Big Ten First Team in all three seasons from 2014-16. The Harrisburg also spent a brief time with Reading United in USL League Two while in college.

“We are excited to add Connor Maloney to the SAFC Family,” said SAFC Head Coach Alen Marcina. “Connor exemplifies the intensity, tireless work ethic, and high character traits of our team culture and will serve as an essential contributor both on and off the field.”

Following his 2018 season in Columbus, Maloney was named the winner of the club’s Kirk Urso Heart Award, which is awarded to the Crew player that best exemplifies the qualities in a teammate and becomes ‘the heart’ in the club’s locker room. The award is named after the late Urso who played as a midfielder for the Crew in 2012.

SAN ANTONIO FC SIGNS MIDFIELDER JESUS ENRIQUEZ

San Antonio FC has signed midfielder Jesus Enriquez for the 2020 USL Championship season pending league and federation approval, the team announced today. Per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

"We are excited by the addition of Jesus Enriquez to the SAFC family,” said SAFC Head Coach Alen Marcina. “Jesus possesses game-changing qualities in the attack and is committed to the off the ball tasks required in our game model. With our club commitment to develop and progress players, we are excited to see Jesus evolve as a player and professional in 2020."

Enriquez joins the Alamo City club after spending the previous two seasons with San Antonio’s rivals RGV FC. From 2018-19 with the Toros, Enriquez appeared in 61 league matches, making 49 starts while recording 4,625 minutes played, 10 goals, nine assists and 85 key passes. Enriquez recorded one key pass per 54 minutes played over the course of his two seasons in RGV, and the 22-year-old led the Toros in both goals (six) and assists (six) in the 2018 season.

“I’m excited to become a part of this club and city,” said Enriquez. “I can’t wait to get started and do all I can to help the team have a great season.”

Originally born in California, Enriquez holds dual nationality with the United States and Mexico. The midfielder originally joined RGV FC after spending the early part of his professional career with Club Tijuana of Liga MX. Enriquez scored two goals in four matches against SAFC since the start of the 2018 USL Championship season.

“We are excited by the addition of Jesus Enriquez to the SAFC family,” said SAFC Head Coach Alen Marcina. “Jesus possesses game-changing qualities in the attack and is committed to the off the ball tasks required in our game model. With our club commitment to develop and progress players, we are excited to see Jesus evolve as a player and professional in 2020.”

“I’m excited to become a part of this club and city,” said Enriquez. “I can’t wait to get started and do all I can to help the team have a great season.”

SAN ANTONIO FC SIGNS DEFENDER HUNTER GORSKIE

San Antonio FC has signed defender Hunter Gorskie for the 2020 USL Championship season pending league and federation approval, the team announced today. Per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

"We are excited to welcome Hunter Gorskie to the SAFC family,” said SAFC Head Coach Alen Marcina. “Hunter brings leadership on and off the field, championship experience, and a commitment to helping drive our culture. As a team, we seek great communicators and high tactical awareness, which Hunter demonstrates both."

Gorskie joins SAFC after spending parts of the 2019 season with Loudoun United in the USL Championship, and Thisted FC in the Danish second division. Gorskie made 13 appearances with Thisted prior to joining Loudon for the tail end of the 2019 season where he made six appearances and won 20 duels.

After making two appearances with the San Jose Earthquakes reserves in 2013, Gorskie signed his first professional contract with the New York Cosmos (NASL) the same year. In three seasons with the Cosmos from 2013-15, the 28-year-old made 46 league appearances while compiling 3,350 minutes played and winning two NASL championships (2013, 2015). Following his time with the Cosmos, Gorskie spent two seasons with Polish club Miedz Legnica from 2015-17 before returning to the United States and joining the Tampa Bay Rowdies in the USL Championship. The defender spent two seasons with the Rowdies, with his most successful coming in 2018 where he served as a team captain and appeared in a team-high 34 matches, compiling 2,904 minutes played and scoring two goals.

“I’m looking forward to being a part of this great organization,” said Gorskie. “I’m excited for the pursuit of bringing a championship home to this city’s dedicated fan base.”

Originally from New Jersey, Gorskie attended Stanford University where he played collegiate soccer from 2009-12. He was named second team All-Pac-12 and Pac-12 All-Academic first team following his senior season. While in college, Gorskie also played for USL League Two teams Chicago Fire Premier, the Central Jersey Spartans and the New Jersey Rangers.

“We are excited to welcome Hunter Gorskie to the SAFC family,” said SAFC Head Coach Alen Marcina. “Hunter brings leadership on and off the field, championship experience, and a commitment to helping drive our culture. As a team, we seek great communicators and high tactical awareness, which Hunter demonstrates both.”

“I’m looking forward to being a part of this great organization,” said Gorskie. “I’m excited for the pursuit of bringing a championship home to this city’s dedicated fan base.”

SAN ANTONIO FC SIGNS DEFENDER BLAKE SMITH

San Antonio FC signed defender and Boerne, Texas native Blake Smith for the 2020 USL Championship season pending league and federation approval, the team announced today. Per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

"We are excited to sign a locally raised player in Blake Smith for the upcoming season,” said SAFC Head Coach Alen Marcina. “Blake is a first-class professional, holds championship experience, and fits the player profile of our defined game model. We are excited to have him at San Antonio FC."

Smith joins San Antonio from Pacific FC in the Canadian Premier League where he made 24 appearances last season. Prior to his time with Pacific, the 28-year-old spent parts of two seasons with FC Cincinnati in both Major League Soccer and the USL Championship. In 2018, Smith appeared in 32 USL Championship matches with Cincinnati, compiling 2,700 minutes while helping his side earn the 2018 Regular Season Championship.

Originally drafted by the Montreal Impact in the first round (eighth overall) of the 2013 MLS SuperDraft, Smith made over 35 appearances with the Impact and their reserves over the course of two seasons in all competitions. The defender also spent time with Indy Eleven on loan in his early career before joining Swiss club Yverdon-Sport where he made 14 appearances and scored four goals in 2015. Prior to joining FC Cincinnati in 2018, Smith spent two seasons with Miami FC in the NASL where he compiled 4,588 minutes played in 61 total appearances while adding nine assists. He was also named to the NASL Team of the Week four times during his 2017 season in Miami.

“I’m super excited to be back home,” said Smith. “Obviously this is something I’ve wanted to happen at some point in my career, and its just the perfect moment for me to make the move back to San Antonio. My wife and family couldn’t be happier that we are back. I’m excited to help out the club and I can’t wait to get going.”

Smith was raised in Boerne and attended Boerne Champion High School while also playing for Classics Elite. He was named the 2009 San Antonio Express-News Player of the Year while with Champion and went on to attend the University of New Mexico where he scored 13 goals and added 19 assists in 70 appearances for the Lobos from 2009-12. During his college career he was also named an NSCAA Scholar All-American in 2011 along with being named to the First Team All-MPSF in both 2011 and 2012.

“We are excited to sign a locally raised player in Blake Smith for the upcoming season,” said SAFC Head Coach Alen Marcina. “Blake is a first-class professional, holds championship experience, and fits the player profile of our defined game model. We are excited to have him at San Antonio FC.”