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San Antonio Pulls Dramatic Comeback on T2

By NICHOLAS MURRAY - nicholas.murray@uslsoccer.com, 06/02/18, 10:36PM EDT

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Gordon, Bruce score late to earn 2-1 victory before crowd of 7,244


Photo courtesy Darren Abate / San Antonio FC

SAN ANTONIO – Alex Bruce scored late in stoppage time as San Antonio recorded a dramatic 2-1 victory against the Portland Timbers 2 on Saturday night before a crowd of 7,244 fans at Toyota Field. San Antonio’s Mikey Lopez forced a good save from Portland goalkeeper Alex Mangels in the ninth minute as his shot from the top of the penalty area to the left corner was just turned aside, but that ended up being the story of the first half as hosts had more chances but were unable to break the deadlock. T2 then took the lead five minutes into the second half as a counterattack led by Marvin Loria released Augustine Williams, who was brought down in the left side of the penalty area. Williams stepped up and converted from the spot as he shot low to the left corner to send Diego Restrepo the wrong way. San Antonio pushed to find an equalizer, and both Lopez and Sonny Guadarrama send finishes off target for the hosts, but with four minutes to go Omar Gordon created space in the penalty area to fire home and level things up. San Antonio then grabbed all three points as a poor clearance from a cross by Jose Escalante opened up a chance for Bruce to fire home into the right corner for a big comeback victory.

Scoring:
50’ – POR – Augustine Williams (penalty)
87’ – SA – Omar Gordon (Darnell King)
90+3’ SA – Alex Bruce

Three Things That Matter:

  • 1. San Antonio had huffed and puffed throughout Saturday night’s contest to little reward as Portland’s defense did just enough to keep it out for most of the game, but the host’s efforts were rewarded late thanks to Omar Gordon and Alex Bruce’s tallies. Gordon’s third goal in the past four games was just desserts for the Jamaican, whose efforts saw him record four key passes prior to his sharp low finish, while Bruce’s finish was a classic effort by the young striker as he kept his composure to fire home into the right corner of the net to set off a massive celebration at Toyota Field.
  • 2. Portland had so far this season avoided falling into the traps that had befallen it a season ago, but Saturday night was a step back to 2017 as the visitors were unable to hold onto a lead on the road that would have helped the side keep pace at the top of the Western Conference with Real Monarchs SLC. With another trip to Texas in the offing next weekend to face Rio Grande Valley FC, T2 will need to shake off this result quickly and get back on the horse next Saturday night.
  • 3. San Antonio’s attacking struggles have been a main story of the club’s season so far, but Saturday night had the feeling of a result that could prove a turning point. SAFC’s lack of finishing seemed set to curse it to a home defeat – a rare occurrence since the side joined the USL in 2016 – but now the side is firmly back in contention for the top eight after a memorable victory.

USLSoccer.com Man of the Match

Omar Gordon, San Antonio FC – Gordon’s late goal sparked the dramatic comeback victory as the Jamaican was tireless in trying to get his side back into the game throughout the second half.

Upcoming Games:

San Antonio FC vs. Sacramento Republic FC – June 16, 8:30 p.m. ET, Toyota Field

Portland Timbers 2 at Rio Grande Valley FC – June 9, 8:30 p.m. ET, H-E-B Park

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