SAN ANTONIO – San Antonio FC is one step closer to a trophy after a clinical first half and another lockdown defensive performance as they defeated Chattanooga Red Wolves SC 2-0 Saturday night at Toyota Field to finish atop its USL Cup group.

Driving the news: The match turned in a matter of minutes just before halftime.

  • Santiago Patiño broke the deadlock in the 45th minute, finishing a well-worked setup from Nicky Hernandez to give San Antonio the lead.
  • Before Chattanooga had time to regroup, Curt Calov blasted home a long-range strike one minute later, sending SAFC into halftime with a commanding 2-0 advantage.

Between the lines: San Antonio's defense ensured the early cushion was more than enough.

Goalkeeper Richard Sanchez turned away all three shots on target he faced as the back line secured the club's third clean sheet of the USL Cup campaign, never allowing Chattanooga to seriously threaten after halftime.

What they're saying: Head coach Carlos Llamosa credited his team for navigating a challenging group stage.

  • "It feels good," Llamosa said of advancing in the USL Cup. "That was a good group, a tough group, and I think the team did well getting great results at Tulsa and Knoxville, and then tonight, so we did really well, and hopefully we continue like that in this cup."

The other side: Saturday's opener was especially meaningful for Patiño, whose first goal of the season ended a lengthy scoring drought.

  • "I'm very excited, very happy to be able to score again. I have scored many goals for this club and on this field," he said. "Sometimes it can be like this, but always looking at the big picture, always trying to get better. I knew this was gonna come."

By the numbers:

  • 2: Goals scored by SAFC, both in the final two minutes of the first half.
  • 3: Saves by Richard Sanchez.
  • 3: Clean sheets for San Antonio during this year's USL Cup.
  • 1: Group title, sending SAFC into the quarterfinals for the second straight season.

What's next: SAFC will wrap up its three-match homestand by hosting Las Vegas Lights FC next Saturday at Toyota Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. CT

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Written by

Stephen Michael
Stephen Michael
Stephen Michael has over 12 years of experience as a sports journalist covering the moments that define the game. His coverage has appeared across digital platforms, from Project Spurs to SB Nation, covering sports teams in San Antonio and Austin.