SAN ANTONIO — It has been well over a month, eight matches, since San Antonio FC fans tasted a win but on Saturday they did, with a 1-0 win over Memphis 901 FC at Toyota Field.
Players and Head Coach Alen Marcina had been speaking for weeks about how one win can change anything, and this win has certainly done that, with the result SAFC moves away from dropping out of the playoff places and has some breathing space. The exhale of relief from many fans was audible.
But changes had to be made to get the win, and while one of those changes has been very notable, a change in goalkeeper, the others have been more subtle.
Defensively, players have been marking up better, there’s been less space, men have been covered and ultimately players have been communicating. This could be seen on Memphis’ 18th minute chance. While a good through-ball unlocked the defense, by having numbers back and covering well, the only option was to shoot, which allowed Kendall McIntosh to make the save.
There was smarter running getting forward and that’s what led to the goal, letting the ball do the work over forcing things.
It can be easy when a defender is coming onto you to get the ball and push back, but on this occasion Kameron Lacey resisted the urge to not do that and let the ball go forward, putting him in acres of space.
That then leads to another change, one that has been highlighted by Alen Marcina, communication. With Juan Agudelo in the box he makes a smart run and gets between defenders and signals exactly where he wants the ball, allowing the ball to be placed between the defenders.
That left him with a simple finish for the goal.
With a goal lead San Antonio FC was able to organize even more defensively and increase the physicality which made life difficult for Memphis.
Another moment highlighted San Antonio’s changes this season on previous season. Things this year have been about being opportunistic. That means that while being more organized defensively chances are still sought out when they come, which is most clearly seen with how many men were forward on a 52nd minute freekick.
It’s one match and people shouldn’t be carried away, Marcina certainly won’t, but these were smart changes and if they can be sustained should help SAFC get results. Even if it’s less chaotic than previous seasons.
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