San Antonio FC re-signed decorated Colombian midfielder Rafa Castillo for the 2019 USL Championship season pending league and federation approval, the club announced today. Per club policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed.

Castillo returns to SAFC for his fourth season after amassing 63 appearances and 4,548 minutes in all competitions with the club since the start of the 2016 season. His 12 goals rank second all-time on the club, and he is just one of six players to appear for SAFC in all three seasons of its existence. In his three seasons, he has also accumulated two assists, 111 shots and 51 shots on target.

“We’re pleased to have Rafa back for the 2019 season,” SAFC Head Coach Darren Powell said. “His professionalism, leadership, and his abilities on the field are clear for all to see, and we expect him to have a prominent role within the group throughout the course of the campaign.”

Over the course of a 2018 season where Castillo battled multiple injuries, the 38-year-old appeared in 13 USL matches, making five starts and totaling 546 minutes. The veteran midfielder chipped in with two goals and nine key passes. Castillo also appeared in one Open Cup match, scoring one goal in 65 total minutes.

“First and foremost, I’m thankful for the opportunity to continue playing,” Castillo said. “I’m excited to continue learning from my coaches and teammates, and look forward to representing our amazing fans, city and badge on the field while making the San Antonio community and my family proud.”

Prior to joining SAFC in 2016, Castillo enjoyed an impressive two years with the now-defunct San Antonio Scorpions, where he helped lead the club to a championship in 2014. Along with a long and illustrious career in his native Colombia where he won the 2009 Primera A Clausura Championship, Castillo also played and won a championship in the first division of Egypt before moving to the United States to join the San Antonio soccer community. The midfielder also made nine appearances for the Colombian national team from 2001-03, scoring three goals.

San Antonio FC is currently preparing for the upcoming USL season, and fans can purchase 2019 season tickets by calling the SAFC sales office at 210-444-5657 or by visiting SanAntonioFC.com. Supporters can also follow the club by liking San Antonio FC on Facebook, as well as following the team on Twitter (@SanAntonioFC), Instagram (@sanantoniofc) and Snapchat (SanAntonioFC).