San Antonio FC named their first new player of 2020 last week and in keeping with their tradition of showcasing local talent, they brought back a Boerne native. Defender Blake Smith joins SAFC most recently from the Canadian Premiere League. He also has experience in both USL and MLS, originally drafted by the Montreal Impact 8th overall in 2013. Said Smith, “I’m super excited to be back home. Obviously this is something I’ve wanted to happen at some point in my career, and it’s just the perfect moment for me to make the move back to San Antonio. My wife and family couldn’t be happier that we are back. I’m excited to help out the club and I can’t wait to get going.”

Smith was raised in Boerne and attended Boerne Champion High School while also playing for Classics Elite. He was named the 2009 San Antonio Express-News Player of the Year while with Champion

MOVING ON

While we don't have a complete picture of who will be on the 2020 SAFC Roster, we do have a far better understanding of players that will not be back with SAFC. Headlining that list is Midfielder Jack Barmby who signed with Phoenix Rising FC. His one season in SA was very productive. He finished tied for the team lead in Goals and third in Assists. He was also counted upon for delivering quality free kicks. That is a role that will have to be replaced and he will leave a big void in the SAFC attack overall.

Also gone for 2020 will be Forward Frank Lopez as he returns to his parent club LA Galaxy II from a mid-season loan to SAFC. Lopez was an offensive game changer for SAFC last summer but his scoring prowess still wasn’t enough to get the team to the post season. He scored a remarkable team leading 8 goals in only 14 appearances. There has never been such a dynamic scorer like him suiting up for SAFC previously and he will be extremely difficult to replace.