San Antonio FC had its playoff dream fall just short after a gritty and hardworking performance on the road in Orange County in the Western Conference Finals on Saturday night. After falling behind in the first half, SAFC leveled in the second half and took the game to penalty kicks where they were eventually eliminated.  

It was an amazing season,” said SAFC Head Coach Alen Marcina. “It's tough to go out on penalties, but I'm proud of the collective and how cohesive they were. They were ultra-competitive and demonstrated resilience throughout the season.

“We clearly demonstrated a true team identity, and I'm proud of everybody's effort and commitment. Everybody needs to keep their head held high and be proud of what was achieved this year, and to have reached a Western Conference Final for the first time in franchise history.”

The match started relatively even with both teams feeling the other out to try and get a foothold in the game. It was the home side that would strike first when a long throw from the hosts found the foot of the leading scorer Ronaldo Damus who finished past the diving Jordan Farr. SAFC entered halftime down a goal and looking to get back into the match in the second 45 minutes.

It only took 20 minutes in the second half for SAFC to equalize. A run from Connor Maloney down the right hand side ended with a pinpoint cross to the back post where Marcus Epps leaped highest to finish. The goal was Epps’ seventh of the season in all competitions and first in the playoffs. Maloney’s assist was his second in the postseason, which is a new SAFC record.

The two teams ended regular time tied and would go on to play an eventful but scoreless extra 30 minutes. In the end, SAFC were unlucky in penalty kicks, falling 5-3 to Orange County from the spot.

Scoring Summary:

OCSC: 0-1, Ronaldo Damus 39’

SAFC: 1-1, Marcus Epps (Connor Maloney assist) 67’

Penalty Summary:

OCFC: 1-0, Seth Casiple (scored)

SAFC: 1-1, Connor Maloney (scored)

OCSC: 2-1, Dillon Powers (scored)

SAFC: 2-2, Santiago Patino (scored)

OCSC: 3-2, Ben Mines (scored)

SAFC: 3-3, Jasser Khmiri (scored)

OCFC: 4-3, Thomas Enevoldsen (scored)

SAFC: 4-3, Justin Dhillon (missed)

OCSC: 5-3, Ugo Okoli (scored)

Disciplinary Summary:

OCSC: Yellow Card (Ronaldo Damus) 6’

SAFC: Yellow Card (Alen Marcina) 56’

OCSC: Yellow Card (Kevin Alston) 60’

SAFC: Yellow Card (Nathan) 64’

SAFC: Yellow Card (PC) 88’

SAFC: Yellow Card (Mitch Taintor) 105’

Attendance: 5,386

SAFC Starting XI: GK: Jordan Farr; D: Kortne Ford, Jasser Khmiri, Mitch Taintor; M: Connor Maloney, Mohammed Abu, Jose Gallegos, Marcus Epps (Cam Lindley 118’), PC (c) (Sam Gleadle 104’); F: Nathan (Justin Dhillon 76’), Santiago Patino

Substitutions not used: Carlos Mercado, Joaquin Varela, Ollie Wright, Chris Lema

Postgame Notes:

• SAFC was eliminated from the playoffs after reaching the first Conference Final in team history…SAFC went 2-1 in postseason play in 2021, doubling its playoff win total in team history
• SAFC midfielder Marcus Epps scored his first goal of the playoffs and his seventh in all competitions…defender Connor Maloney recorded his second playoff assist which is the most for any SAFC player in postseason history
• SAFC defenders Mitchell Taintor and Jasser Khmiri both recorded seven clearances while Taintor added six interceptions as well…goalkeeper Jordan Farr made four saves on the night, the most in his short SAFC career