SAN ANTONIO – Stepping in for just his second start for San Antonio FC on Saturday night, goalkeeper Matt Cardone was faced with a big test early when Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2 was awarded a penalty kick after Marco Bustos was fouled on a free kick.

The 23-year-old more than passed, as a diving stop to his right kept the game scoreless and paved the way for a 2-0 victory for the hosts at Toyota Field.

“It was a big moment in the game,” said San Antonio Coach Darren Powell after the game. “We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again, goals change games. Matt has that moment and he has to make a decision on the penalty save and it was a fantastic save. I think that gives him confidence and I thought he gave a good, solid, calm performance.”

The save ended up as the only one Cardone had to make, as the miss appeared to take the wind out of Vancouver’s sails, which allowed San Antonio to take firm control of the contest the remainder of the way. Now on a six-game undefeated streak, the victory moved San Antonio into seventh place in the Western Conference standings with games in hand on the three teams below them.