MATCH DAY: San Antonio FC hosts Austin FC on Wednesday night

SAN ANTONIO – While San Antonio fans have waited patiently for this day to come, the SAFC squad is looking at Wednesday night’s match as just another opportunity to get better against a strong opponent.

SAFC also knows their fans are going to make Toyota Field a fortress in what could be the biggest showdown between the two cities.

San Antonio FC is enjoying their hot start in the United Soccer League with a record of 5-1-0. Austin FC of Major League Soccer is coming into Wednesday’s third round match of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup with a record of 4-1-2. The match at 8 p.m. at Toyota Field will be the first ever between the two clubs.

“We know it’s a big challenge, they’re a strong MLS team that is doing fantastic this year,” said SAFC Head Coach Alen Marcina. “A win would be great for the club. Obviously, it’s a very big challenge, we’re excited by that challenge, and all we can do is control what we can control, focus on our preparation and put our best foot forward.”

San Antonio FC’s starting goalkeeper Jordan Farr is entering Wednesday night’s match coming off back-to-back shutouts. He told KSAT 12 Sports on Monday that he see’s a lot of similarities between Austin FC’s offensive attack and that of the El Paso Locomotive FC, the team San Antonio defeated 1-0 on Saturday at Toyota Field.

“This game is similar to El Paso formation-wise, El Paso and Austin play similar formations but different systems,” Farr said. “So, its helpful to play a game three days before that might be a little similar in how they like to build out and play. But Austin is a different level and we’re excited to show our stuff against that level.”

Farr added, “San Antonio fans wanted that MLS bid, Austin got it, ever since then there’s been a little beef, which we always love in the soccer community. I think the fans are going to be completely up for it. We’re proud of who we are and what we are building here in San Antonio and it’s a good time to show our academy kids and all the soccer that comes through San Antonio that we mean business and we’re a high level team.”

Check out KSAT 12 Meteorologist Justin Horne’s forecast for the game:

Daniel P. Villanueva has worked with KSAT 12 for over 18 years and is an award-winning producer. To submit story ideas, email dvillanueva@ksat.com