In its first USL Cup match of 2026, San Antonio FC hosted Birmingham Legion FC at Toyota Field on Saturday night. SAFC controlled possession for 60% of the run of play. Scoring chances came early and often. Despite 24 shot attempts – 10 on goal – and eight set-piece opportunities, the home side couldn’t find the back of the net.
“You have to give credit to their goalkeeper for blocking shots, but I stay with the positive thing – we created chances,” SAFC head coach Carlos Llamosa said. “Sooner or later, I believe that we’re going to score more goals.”
San Antonio’s back five played such stifling defense that BLFC managed only two shots on goal. The Birmingham attack was completely neutralized as SAFC goalkeeper Richard Sanchez kept a clean sheet through the first 90 minutes. Being a USL Cup match – not a league match – there would be no extra time. With the score tied nil-nil at the end of regulation, the match would be decided by kicks from the penalty mark.
“You talk to the goalkeeper coach – in this instance, Juan Lamadrid. He helps out with scouting the players and where they’re gonna shoot. We definitely study those shooters and make sure that we’re on point when they come up,” Sanchez said.
Birmingham’s leading scorer, midfielder Tyler Pasher, snuck the first PK past a diving Sanchez to the bottom left corner, and BLFC went up 1-0. SAFC answered with an equalizer as captain Mitch Taintor calmly beat BLFC goalkeeper Jassem Koleilat – who had six saves in regulation – to the bottom right corner.
Tied 1-1, Birmingham forward Sebastian Saucedo’s shot glanced off the post, much to the relief of the home crowd. SAFC defender Emil Cuello then stutter-stepped and found the right corner to give San Antonio the lead, 2-1.
Birmingham defender Sebastian Tregarthen’s shot sailed over the top post. SAFC defender Tiago Suarez stepped up to fire a low shot to the left corner, which was saved by Koleilat, keeping Birmingham’s hopes alive.
Looking for the equalizer, Birmingham forward Romario Williams’ laser shot was spectacularly denied by Sanchez, diving to his left and parrying the ball away to safety. SAFC now found itself needing only one more goal to seal the deal.
“At the end of the day, if it’s me being called upon in a certain moment, I have to make sure I’m focused. Credit to the boys, though, because we had a pretty good match today,” Sanchez said.
In his 100th appearance in an SAFC uniform, midfielder Jorge Hernandez nonchalantly sauntered up to deftly deposit the clincher in the top left corner, winning the match for SAFC with its third goal by penalty kick.
“I pictured in my head scoring a goal so I can kiss the badge, because I love this club. I guess it all worked out. Happy ending,” Hernandez said.
The victory earned San Antonio two points in the group stage of the USL Cup. SAFC will return to league play, hosting Colorado Switchbacks FC at Toyota Field Saturday at 7:30 p.m.
Read Next: SAFC Back Atop West After Edging Past El Paso in Rival Match
