San Antonio FC today announced that the club has transferred defender Sebastien Ibeagha to New York City FC, pending league and federation approval. The transaction was made following Ibeagha’s contract option being exercised by SAFC. Per club policy, terms of the transfer were not disclosed.

“We’re very thankful to have had Sebastien with us last year and we wish him the best of luck as he steps up to the next level in MLS with New York City FC,” said SAFC Head Coach Darren Powell. “The NYCFC technical staff has kept us informed and has been very helpful throughout this process, and I think what this creates within our affiliation is a bit of synergy between the two teams. It creates a pathway that we’ve talked about before through our academy, through the first team, and now an opportunity to go all the way to MLS. Our players are all very ambitious and hungry, and if they’re successful they may have further opportunities in MLS and New York City.”

Ibeagha is the reigning USL Defender of the Year after leading San Antonio to a league-best 15 shutouts and a second-place finish in the USL Western Conference. Overall in the 2017 regular season, Ibeagha appeared in 30 matches, playing 2,700 minutes and recording two assists. The defender also led the club and the USL in clearances, tallying 190 throughout the course of the season.

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 and 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).