SAN ANTONIO FC OPENS USL CHAMPIONSHIP SEASON WITH STATEMENT WIN OVER PHOENIX RISING
Danny Jefferson / Independent Frames
The 2026 season in the USL Championship is officially underway, and San Antonio FC wasted no time making a statement to start the year. In front of their home supporters, San Antonio opened their campaign with a strong performance, defeating Phoenix Rising FC 2–1 in a match that set the tone for the long season ahead.
From the opening whistle, San Antonio looked sharp and focused. The club came out with energy, pushing forward early and forcing Phoenix to react rather than control the pace of the match. That early pressure quickly paid off. San Antonio found the back of the net in the opening minutes, giving the home side a crucial early lead and sending the crowd into a frenzy. It was exactly the type of start any team hopes for in a season opener.
Danny Jefferson / Independent Frames
The goal gave San Antonio confidence as they continued to press and control large portions of the first half. Their midfield dictated the tempo while the back line stayed organized to prevent Phoenix from creating dangerous opportunities. Phoenix Rising, however, is never a team that goes away quietly. As the match progressed, they began to find their rhythm and started to push forward in search of an equalizer.
The visitors eventually broke through, leveling the match and reminding San Antonio that the contest was far from over. The equalizer shifted the momentum momentarily and brought renewed urgency to both sides. Instead of letting the match slip away, San Antonio responded with composure and determination. The squad regrouped and continued attacking with purpose, looking to reclaim control of the match.
Danny Jefferson / Independent Frames
Their persistence paid off as San Antonio once again found the back of the net, reclaiming the lead and restoring the energy inside the stadium. The goal proved to be a decisive moment in the match. With the advantage back in their favor, San Antonio shifted into a more disciplined approach. The team remained organized defensively while still creating opportunities going forward.
Phoenix pushed forward late in the match in hopes of stealing a point on the road. The pressure mounted in the closing stages as they attempted to break through San Antonio’s defense. But San Antonio’s back line stood firm, clearing dangerous chances and protecting the lead during the final minutes of the match. The defensive discipline shown late in the game highlighted the team’s composure and ability to manage the moment in a tight contest.
Danny Jefferson / Independent Frames
For San Antonio FC, opening the season with three points is an important step as they look to establish themselves early in the Western Conference race. A strong start can often set the tone for the months ahead, and the club showed the type of balance and determination needed to compete throughout the season. Meanwhile, Phoenix Rising will take lessons from the opener as they look to regroup and bounce back in their next match. The USL Championship season is a long journey, but San Antonio FC could not have asked for a better beginning. With confidence on their side and momentum building, San Antonio will now look to carry this performance forward as the campaign continues.
San Antonio FC Advances to Quarterfinals Despite Late Collapse Against New Mexico United
Jägermeister Cup Group Stage – Toyota Field, San Antonio Danny Jefferson | July 26, 2025
SAN ANTONIO, TX — San Antonio FC clinched the top spot in Group 2 of the 2025 USL Jägermeister Cup despite surrendering a two-goal lead and losing in a penalty shootout to New Mexico United. The match ended 2–2 in regulation, with United prevailing 3–0 in penalties, but San Antonio’s group-stage record was enough to secure advancement to the quarterfinal round.
San Antonio struck first in the 8th minute. Forward Juan Agudelo opened the scoring following a precise setup from Andrés Paredes. The chance originated from a well-worked sequence on the left side, where Paredes’ entry pass found Agudelo in space. His shot deflected off a defender and beat New Mexico goalkeeper Alex Tambakis at the near post.
Agudelo extended the lead in the 51st minute, capitalizing on a defensive error by New Mexico. A failed clearance landed at his feet near the edge of the box, and the veteran striker calmly chipped Tambakis to make it 2–0.
For most of the second half, San Antonio controlled the tempo, limiting New Mexico’s looks on goal. However, as stoppage time approached, momentum shifted. United pulled one back in the 92nd minute through Valentin Noël, who finished a low-driven cross after a scramble in the penalty area. In the ninth minute of added time, substitute Dayonn Harris completed the comeback with a close-range finish following a breakdown in San Antonio’s defensive shape.
Per tournament format, the match proceeded to a penalty shootout, where United converted all three of their opening attempts. San Antonio failed to score from the spot, with misses from Agudelo, Shannon Gomez, and Jorge Hernandez.
Despite the shootout loss, San Antonio secured first place in Group 2 due to superior points earned over the three group matches. They finished ahead of New Mexico and Monterey Bay FC, who were both eliminated from the tournament. United’s dramatic finish was not enough to qualify for a quarterfinal berth, even after earning a point from the draw.
Match Statistics:
Final Score: San Antonio FC 2, New Mexico United 2
Penalty Shootout: New Mexico United wins 3–0
Goals:
SA: Agudelo (8’), Agudelo (51’)
NM: Noël (90+2’), Harris (90+9’)
Possession: NMU ~66% | SAFC ~34%
Shots (on target): NMU 11 (4) | SAFC 9 (6)
Fouls: NMU 13 | SAFC 11
Yellow Cards: 1 each
San Antonio FC will now host Hartford Athletic in the quarterfinal round on August 20, 2025, at Toyota Field. With the knockout stage ahead, the club will look to address late-game lapses that nearly cost them a place in the next round.
New Mexico United exits the tournament having shown fight to the final whistle, but ultimately falls short in both points and penalty shootout bonus tallies required for advancement.