SAN ANTONIO – Cardiff City FC took a 1-0 victory against San Antonio FC in an international exhibition on Saturday night, but the night saw four players from the SAFC Pro Academy make their professional debut in a spirited contest before 7,723 fans at Toyota Field.

“I just want to thank Cardiff City FC, the gaffer Neil Warnock, Kevin Blackwell and all their staff for choosing to come to San Antonio as part of their preseason,” said SAFC Head Coach Darren Powell. “I’m really proud of our players. Every single one of them came out tonight with intensity and represented this club and city to the best of their ability, and they delivered a very good performance against quality opposition.”

The lone goal of the match came in the 57th minute after midfielder Josh Murphy converted a penalty to give the Bluebirds the lead. SAFC created a handful of chances throughout the match but was ultimately unable to find the equalizer.

While the club’s attacking chances went astray for the hosts, the night was a special one for midfielders Rocky Perez and Abraham Lincon, who both came off the bench in the second half, as well as Elite Training Program players Angel Bacho and Joey Batrouni. All four made their first professional appearance before an enthusiastic Toyota Field crowd, joining regular SAFC local standouts Cristian Parano, Ethan Bryant and Jose Gallegos in featuring during the contest.

“It’s a tribute to the staff and our academy staff for getting these players to play in a game of the magnitude of Cardiff,” said Powell. “They prepared these kids, it’s relentless and we work extremely hard to do so.”

The Bluebirds will head on to face more USL Championship opposition on Thursday night with a visit to New Mexico United, but the EFL Championship side was appreciative of the reception it had received in the Alamo City, especially from a good contingent of U.S.-based fans that had made the trip.

“They’re an amazing group… I think it’s lovely,” said Cardiff Manager Neil Warnock. “We are a family club and I think we’re trying to get the game and enjoy it day in and day out. There’s too much seriousness these days, and professionalism, and sometimes you forget about the enjoyment.”