San Antonio FC Eager to Improve on Last Season's Performance

Club aims to compete for USL Championship title after first-round playoff exit in 2025

Jan. 27, 2026 at 8:07pm

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After a first-round playoff loss in the 2025 season, San Antonio FC is eager to get back on the field and improve on its 11-12-7 record. The club has 15 players returning, including midfielder Luke Haakenson, and has added four new players, including defender Akeem Ward. Head coach Carlos Llamosa is focused on getting more consistency from his team on both sides of the ball.

Why it matters

San Antonio FC has made the playoffs six times in club history, but is seeking to take the next step and compete for a USL Championship title. The club struggled at times last season with scoring goals and defensive consistency, issues it is hoping to address in the upcoming campaign.

The details

San Antonio FC kicked off preseason training last week, with Haakenson saying the team "hit the ground running" and has a "leg up" with 15 returning players. Llamosa noted the players reported to camp in better shape compared to a year ago, and he is focused on improving the team's consistency on both offense and defense after it finished 15th in goals scored and 16th in goals conceded in the USL last season. The club opened its preseason with a 0-0 draw against MLS side Austin FC.

  • San Antonio FC's 2026 season starts in the coming weeks.
  • The club was eliminated in the first round of the 2025 USL Championship playoffs.

The players

Luke Haakenson

A midfielder in his third season with San Antonio FC.

Carlos Llamosa

San Antonio FC's head coach, in his second season with the club.

Akeem Ward

A seven-year pro defender who signed with San Antonio FC in December after playing for the Colorado Springs Switchbacks.

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What they’re saying

“I feel like we picked up where we left off. The advantage of having a core of group of (15 returning players) and then adding the four new guys, who look great. You can't say enough about it. We really hit the ground running in the first week so far. I really do feel like it's going to give us a leg up.”

— Luke Haakenson, Midfielder (expressnews.com)

“The guys show up in preseason in good shape. So, that's a plus, that's a good difference compared to a year ago. A year ago, was the first time with my players, first time with my staff. Now it's different. We have one year working together as a staff, most of the group is going to stay this year. So, we know the players, the qualities we need to work on to improve. That's an advantage.”

— Carlos Llamosa, Head Coach (expressnews.com)

“I'm going to bring energy, I'm going to bring positivity, my experience. I've been at a lot of clubs. God willing, played a lot of games and hopefully more to come. At the end of the day, fans pay to watch us play, so being able to entertain them and as well as win is kind of something I want to help do.”

— Akeem Ward, Defender (expressnews.com)

What’s next

San Antonio FC will continue its preseason preparations, including additional friendly matches, before opening the 2026 USL Championship season in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

San Antonio FC is poised to build on last season's playoff appearance, with a core group of returning players and a head coach in his second year with the club. The team is focused on improving consistency on both ends of the field to compete for a USL Championship title.