San Antonio FC has signed goalkeeper Diego Restrepo for the upcoming USL season pending federation approval, the club announced today. Restrepo joins SAFC after impressing the club 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 helped lead the Strikers on an impressive run in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup last season, 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 (USL), and the fourth round against DC United (MLS). The Strikers knocked out two MLS foes throughout their time in the competition last year.

“Diego has shown great character throughout the preseason and has integrated himself well with Matt [Cardone] and Lee [Johnston] as a goalkeeping team,” said SAFC Head Coach Darren Powell. “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.”

Restrepo spent time at the IMG Soccer Academy before attending college at both the University of South Florida and the University of 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). The 29-year-old was named NASL Player of the Week three times and was included in the NASL Team of the Week seven times over the course of the 2013 season.

Restrepo also spent time with the Charlotte Independence (USL) along with Metropolitanos in Venezuela prior to joining the Strikers last season.

“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.”

With the signing of Restrepo, the current SAFC roster stands at 24.

San Antonio FC is currently prepping for its second season in the USL, which is scheduled to kick off on March 26 at RGV FC before the club returns to Toyota Field for its home opener on April 1 vs. LA Galaxy II at 7:30 p.m. Fans interested in tickets can contact the SAFC sales office at 210-444-5MLS or visit SanAntonioFC.com.

Supporters can follow the club by liking San Antonio FC on Facebook, as well as following the team on Twitter (@SanAntonioFC), Instagram (@sanantoniofc) and Snapchat (SanAntonioFC).