San Antonio FC has signed All-League defender Ryan Felix along with defender-midfielder Gianluca Cuomo pending league and federation approval, the club announced today. Per club policy, terms of the deals were not disclosed.

Felix was named to the USL All-League Second Team following his impressive season with the Rochester Rhinos in 2017. In 31 regular season appearances, the 6-4 defender played in 2,790 minutes while recording 100 clearances and leading the Rhinos to a fourth-place finish in the Eastern Conference and a berth in the USL playoffs. The 24-year-old tied for the Rhinos' team-high with 70 interceptions and recorded an 80 percent success rate winning 48 tackles, as the Rhinos conceded the fewest goals in the Eastern Conference. Felix was most recently on trial with MLS side New York City FC.

“Ryan is someone we have tracked over the offseason while he was with New York City FC this preseason,” said SAFC Head Coach Darren Powell. “We have watched him over the last couple of years with Orange County and Rochester and we are excited to add him to our back line this season.”

Prior to joining Rochester, Felix spent two seasons with Orange County SC from 2015-16, appearing in 24 matches over the course of two seasons. Felix played in 1,065 total minutes with OCSC and helped the club reach the 2016 USL playoffs. The Los Angeles native played collegiate soccer at Loyola University Marymount from 2011-2014 while also spending time with FC Tucson (PDL) during his time in college.

“It’s very exciting to be here,” said Felix. “This is a great club and I was very impressed since the first time I came to play here a couple of years ago with Orange County. I’m really looking forward to the opportunity of playing in front of the fans here and I have a lot of family here in Texas, so that’s a big plus. I’m really looking forward to getting to work.”

Cuomo joins SAFC after spending preseason with the club on trial. The 24-year-old was identified at a soccer combine in Orlando by the San Antonio FC technical staff. Cuomo previously spent time with the Rochester River Dogz (NPSL) where he was named an NPSL 2016 First Team All Supporters XI Selection. The Rochester, NY native attended and played soccer at Warner University of the Sun Conference where he was named Second Team All-Conference following his 2015 season.

“Gianluca has come in and done very well this preseason and impressed the coaching staff,” said Powell. “He has come in very hungry and shown good character and competitiveness. He has played well in preseason matches so we are glad to add him to the roster.”

“I’m very thankful for this opportunity,” said Cuomo. “Preseason has gone great and I’m ready to get started with the USL season. We have a great group of guys and I couldn’t be more excited for it. Being on trial is a good learning experience, and you just have to stay level-headed and work hard every day. You have to give your best and I’m happy to be a part of this club.”

With the additions of Felix and Cuomo, the SAFC roster currently stands at 25. Felix will wear No. 3 while Cuomo will wear No. 14 for the club.

San Antonio FC is currently preparing for the upcoming USL season, which kicks off on March 17 in Sacramento prior to the SAFC home opener on March 24 at Toyota Field vs. Saint Louis FC. Fans can purchase 2018 season tickets or single-game tickets by calling the SAFC sales office at 210-444-5MLS 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).