San Antonio FC goalkeeper Matt Cardone played the role of spoiler Saturday night at World Wide Technology Soccer Park in Fenton.

Playing in place of starter Josh Ford, who’s out with a shoulder injury, Cardone made seven saves, including a few game-changers, in a 2-0 victory over St. Louis FC before a sellout crowd of 5,262.

“We had a ton of chances and their keeper came up with a few really key stops,” STLFC midfielder and captain Chad Bond said. “When we score first, we win games. We came out strong, but then we gave up a sloppy goal and it just killed us.”

The loss spoiled the home debut of interim coach Tim Leonard, who starred at Mehlville High and St. Louis University.

With just five games left in its second United Soccer League season, STLFC fell to 7-10-8. It was the third consecutive win for San Antonio (10-6-7), which entered the weekend holding the eighth and final Western Conference playoff spot.

“Starting with tonight and through the rest of the season, it’s do-or-die,” Leonard said. “I liked our spirit at the start and was pleased with the overall effort. But the mistakes ... it’s hard to come back when you gift goals like we did tonight.’’