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.