San Antonio FC today announced that goalkeeper and San Antonio native Matt Cardone will return to the club for the 2017 USL season, pending USL and federation approval. Per club policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed.

Cardone was unveiled to SAFC supporters Tuesday night at Cover 3 for the club’s USA vs. Costa Rica watch party.

“We’re excited to have local San Antonio boy Matt Cardone return for next season,” SAFC Head Coach Darren Powell said. “We thought towards the end of last season he showed some really good form. He made some crucial saves in crucial moments for us, and we’re looking for him to mature as a goalkeeper over the course of next year. We are looking forward to him continuing to improve his play, and be competitive in the 2017 season.”

Cardone joined SAFC prior to the start of the 2016 season and went on to make 14 appearances and 13 starts, playing a total of 1,191 minutes in USL play. Cardone was the first player in SAFC history to earn USL Player of the Week honors following his performance at Saint Louis FC, where he recorded seven saves, including a penalty save, en route to the team’s 2-0 win.

The San Antonio native led the league in penalty saves (4) and led the club with four shutouts throughout the season. Cardone recorded 48 saves while allowing 21 goals, and was 5-7-2 in USL play, where he recorded a 1.59 GAA. The keeper also set a club record for most saves in a single match when he tallied nine saves at Swope Park Rangers on July 30.

“It’s an exciting opportunity to remain with SAFC and continue to be a part of this great organization,” said Cardone. “I’m happy to remain in the San Antonio community where I grew up and to be around our amazing fans.”

Prior to joining the Alamo City club, Cardone spent 2015 playing for the now-defunct San Antonio Scorpions in the North American Soccer League. The 23-year-old also played four years of collegiate soccer at Trinity University in San Antonio from 2011-2014, where he earned All-American honors in 2012 and 2014. Cardone also attended MacArthur High School in San Antonio.

San Antonio FC is currently prepping for its second season in the USL, which is scheduled to kick off in the spring. Fans interested in season tickets can contact the SAFC sales office at 210-444-5MLS or visit SanAntonioFC.com

Supporters can follow the club by liking San Antonio FC on Facebook, as well as following the team on Twitter (@SanAntonioFC), Instagram (@sanantoniofc) and Snapchat (SanAntonioFC).