San Antonio FC re-signed goalkeeper and San Antonio native Matt Cardone for the 2018 USL season pending league and federation approval, the club announced today. Per club policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed.

“We are pleased to have Matt return,” SAFC Head Coach Darren Powell said. “He continues to train and prepare well every day, and his signing makes us very competitive in the goalkeeper position. As a local San Antonio boy, he understands the club and city.”

Cardone recorded three clean sheets in five appearances for the Alamo City club during the 2017 campaign, conceding just two goals prior to suffering a what would become a season-ending injury on April 22 at Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2. The goalkeeper recorded 16 saves and an 88.9 percent save success rate in 416 minutes played, posting no losses and a 0.43 goals against average.

“To be able to stay with SAFC and represent the San Antonio community I grew up in is very important to me,” Cardone said. “I’m happy to continue playing in front of our amazing fans, and I’m excited for a successful 2018 season.”

The 24-year-old joined SAFC prior to the start of the club’s 2016 inaugural season, during which he made 14 appearances, playing 1,191 minutes in USL play. Cardone was the first-ever player to earn USL Player of the Week honors for the Silver and Black following his performance at Saint Louis FC, where he recorded seven saves, including a penalty save, to lead SAFC to a 2-0 victory.

Cardone led the USL in penalty saves in 2016, recording four throughout the campaign. The keeper also tallied nine saves at Swope Park Rangers on July 30, 2016, setting a club all-time record for most saves in a single match.

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

San Antonio FC recently wrapped up their 2017 USL Season, however, fans can already 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).