SAN ANTONIO – San Antonio FC announced Thursday that it has signed goalkeeper Diego Restrepo for the upcoming USL season, pending federation approval. Restrepo, who briefly made an appearance with the Charlotte Independence during the 2015 USL season, returns to the league after impressing SAFC staff during a preseason trial.

Restrepo recently spent the 2016 season with the Fort Lauderdale Strikers where he made 11 league appearances, playing 990 minutes and recording 23 saves with a 1.36 goals-against average (GAA). Restrepo also helped the club post an impressive run in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup last year, advancing to the quarterfinals of the tournament – the furthest of any non-MLS team. Restrepo led his team to a win after penalty kicks in both the Third Round against the Richmond Kickers and the Fourth Round against Major League Soccer’s D.C. United.

“Diego has shown great character throughout the preseason and has integrated himself well with Matt [Cardone] and Lee [Johnston] as a goalkeeping team,” SAFC Head Coach Darren Powell said. “He has a wealth of experience in professional soccer and has a very positive attitude. We’re excited to have him join us in 2017.”

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Restrepo spent time at the IMG Soccer Academy before attending college at South Florida and Virginia. During his time at Virginia, he led his squad to the ACC Championship and NCAA National Championship in 2009. Restrepo spent two seasons playing professionally in Colombia and Venezuela from 2011-12 before joining the Tampa Bay Rowdies in 2013. With the Rowdies, Restrepo made 23 starts and led the league in saves (138) while ranking eighth in GAA (1.65).

Restrepo made two saves in one half of a match during the 2015 USL season with Charlotte and then joined Metropolitanos in Venezuela before joining Fort Lauderdale. 

“I’d like to thank the coaches for letting me come out here and show what I have,” said Restrepo. “I’m excited to be part of San Antonio FC; it’s a great organization and I’m looking forward to contributing in any way possible. I’m excited to help out in the community and be part of such a great city.”