San Antonio FC has added defenders Jacob Castro, Josh Ramsey and Sebastian Mercado, as well as midfielder Rocky Perez and forward Fabrizio Bernal to the roster pending league and federation approval, the team announced today. The players’ registration with SAFC as USL Academy Players allows them to play in competitive matches without potentially jeopardizing future college eligibility.

“As a club, we believe strongly in development, progression and competition,” said SAFC Head Coach Alen Marcina. “These players have earned opportunities with the first team and have demonstrated the character and performance to contribute to the environment. This developmental process we know will allow for each player to have a positive impact on the culture and performance of San Antonio FC.”

Perez, Castro, Mercado and Bernal are all members of the SAFC Pro Academy, while Ramsey comes to SAFC from Solar SC in Dallas. Mercado and Bernal joined the academy in 2019 while Perez originally joined in 2017. Castro has been with the Pro Academy since its inception. All five players have appeared in preseason matches for San Antonio FC this season. Both Perez and Ramsey have received United States Youth National Team call-ups so far in their young careers.

“It is extremely important for us to be able to provide integrative opportunities for players from our Pro Academy and players who have been identified thru our Talent ID Department,” said SAFC Academy Director and Assistant Coach Nick Evans. “These young players are at different integrated stages with the professional team but have each shown that they can contribute to the squad and we look forward to their development over the next USL Championship season.”

SAFC recently concluded a preseason that included nine SAFC Pro Academy players accumulating over 1,000 minutes between them on the field. The SAFC Pro Academy currently fields five teams and competes in the U.S. Development Academy league, while the club’s Elite Training Program continues to pay huge dividends for the organization as well as the local soccer community.

San Antonio FC opens the season at Toyota Field this Saturday against Real Monarchs SLC at 7:30 p.m. Fans can purchase tickets to the match – along with 2020 season tickets -- by calling or texting the SAFC sales office at 210-444-5657 or by visiting SanAntonioFC.com. Supporters can also follow the club by liking San Antonio FC on Facebook (@SAFCUSL), as well as following the team on Twitter (@SanAntonioFC) and Instagram (@sanantoniofc).