San Antonio FC has signed defender Connor Maloney for the 2020 USL Championship season pending league and federation approval, the team announced today. Per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

"We are excited to add Connor Maloney to the SAFC Family,” said SAFC Head Coach Alen Marcina. “Connor exemplifies the intensity, tireless work ethic, and high character traits of our team culture and will serve as an essential contributor both on and off the field."

Maloney joins SAFC from Columbus Crew SC (MLS) where he has played since the start of the 2017 season. Originally drafted in the third round (49th overall) by the Crew in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft, Maloney has made 15 first-team appearances in all competitions with Columbus. In addition, Maloney has also spent time on loan with the Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USLC) in both the 2017 and 2018 seasons.

Following his 2018 season in Columbus, Maloney was named the winner of the club’s Kirk Urso Heart Award, which is awarded to the Crew player that best exemplifies the qualities in a teammate and becomes 'the heart' in the club's locker room. The award is named after the late Urso who played as a midfielder for the Crew in 2012.

“I am very excited to get started with San Antonio FC,” said Maloney. “I would like to thank the management and coaching staff for providing me an opportunity to contribute to much success in San Antonio.”

The wingback attended Penn State University from 2013-16 where he played four seasons of collegiate soccer. Maloney scored 27 goals and recorded 17 assists in 75 appearances with the Nittany Lions, while being named the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year in 2010. The 24-year-old was also named to the All-Big Ten First Team in all three seasons from 2014-16. The Harrisburg also spent a brief time with Reading United in USL League Two while in college.

San Antonio FC is currently preparing for the upcoming USL Championship season, and fans can purchase 2020 season tickets by calling or texting 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 (@SAFCUSL), as well as following the team on Twitter (@SanAntonioFC) and Instagram (@sanantoniofc).