San Antonio FC re-signed Brazilian midfielder Pecka for the upcoming USL season pending league and federation approval, the club announced today.

“We’re happy to have Pecka back for the 2018 season,” SAFC Head Coach Darren Powell said. “He had a very strong campaign in 2017 and showed that he can play several different roles in midfield for us. He’s an asset to the team and we expect him to build on his quality performances this coming season.”

Pecka returns to SAFC after becoming an important part of the team’s midfield throughout the 2017 campaign. The Brazilian started in 21 of his 24 appearances during the regular season, tallying 1,850 minutes played and recording one assist while creating nine chances. The midfielder also added four chances created in 208 minutes played during the club’s USL playoff run, and featured in nine minutes in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.

Throughout the USL regular season and playoffs combined, Pecka led SAFC with a 77 percent tackle success rate (60/77) and in interceptions (57), while also ranking first on the team with an 87 percent passing accuracy, completing 758 of 872 attempted passes. He also recorded a passing accuracy of 90 percent or higher in seven matches this season.

“I’m very excited to be back with SAFC for another season,” Pecka said. “I feel at home playing for this club and living in this city. The fans are incredible and they’re always behind us, and I want to repay them with positive results. Last season was good and I’m very motivated to build on it this year.”

Prior to joining SAFC, Pecka spent the 2016 season with Rayo OKC in the North American Soccer League (NASL), where he scored one goal in 21 appearances while leading the team to the NASL playoff semifinals.

Pecka began his career in his native Brazil, where he played for Flamengo and CFZ do Rio before moving to the United States to join the Fort Lauderdale Strikers (NASL) in 2011, helping the club reach the NASL final in 2014. The 28-year-old then spent the 2015 season with MLS side Real Salt Lake, where he made four appearances with the first team and six appearances on-loan with Real Monarchs SLC (USL).

San Antonio FC is currently preparing for the upcoming USL season, and fans can purchase 2018 season 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).