San Antonio FC earned a 1-1 draw against Sacramento Republic FC on Saturday night at Papa Murphy’s Park. An equalizing goal from AJ Ajeakwa salvaged a point on the road for the Silver and Black.

“I’m very proud of our players for their effort and performance,” SAFC Head Coach Darren Powell said. “We didn’t get off to the best start this evening, but the response of our players was fantastic in an unbelievable atmosphere, so I’m proud of their attitude.”

Sacramento opened the scoring in the 19th minute when Emrah Klimenta found the end of a through-ball and slotted the ball past SAFC goalkeeper Lee Johnston.

SAFC forward AJ Ajeakwa equalized just over ten minutes later after midfielder Kris Tyrpak played him in on goal with a through-ball. Ajeakwa then placed the ball to the far post past goal-keeper Evan Newton to level the score at 1-1. The goal marked Ajeakwa’s third goal so far this season as well as Kris Tyrpak’s third assist for the club.

San Antonio FC goalkeeper Lee Johnston made his first professional start, recording three saves on the night after making his USL debut last weekend at Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC following Diego Restrepo’s ejection from the match.

“It felt great [to make my first start],” Johnston said. “I enjoy playing in front of big crowds; I played in front of them before in college, and tonight when I was called upon I was there to help the guys out.”

San Antonio FC will return to action at Toyota Field on Saturday, July 8 as it hosts Liga MX side Santos Laguna in the club’s first international friendly in franchise history. SAFC will then return to USL action on July 14 when they host OKC Energy FC at Toyota Field on ESPNU.

Scoring Summary:

SRFC: 1-0, Emrah Klimenta (Danny Barrera assist) 19’

SAFC: 1-1, AJ Ajeakwa (Kris Tyrpak assist) 31’

Disciplinary Summary:

SAFC: Yellow Card (AJ AJeakwa 39’)

Attendance: 11,569

SAFC Starting XI: GK: Lee Johnston; D: Ben Newnam, Cyprian Hedrick, Sebasiten Ibeagha, Greg Cochrane; M: Michael Reed (c), Devin Vega, Rafa Castillo, Kris Tyrpak (Mark O’Ojong 66’), Billy Forbes; F: AJ Ajeakwa (Shawn Chin 84’)

Substitutions Not Used: Ryan Roushandel, Victor Araujo, Aly Alberto Hassan, Maxi Rodriguez, Stephen McCarthy

Postgame Notes: