SAN ANTONIO – San Antonio FC announced on Thursday the club had acquired Juan Carlos Azocar on loan from Deportivo La Guaira F.C. for the 2023 USL Championship season. The transaction is pending league and federation approval.

The Venezuelan is set to return to the Championship for a fourth consecutive season overall, having most recently competed on loan in the past campaign for Oakland Roots SC. Azocar had a career-best campaign for the California-based club, scoring 10 goals and recording one assist and 25 chances created in 33 appearances as Oakland advanced to the Western Conference Semifinals of the USL Championship Playoffs before being eliminated by San Antonio at Toyota Field.

“We are very excited to welcome Juan and his family to San Antonio,” said SAFC Head Coach Alen Marcina. “He is an ultra-competitor committed to aggressive and relentless attacking actions with and without the ball. Versatility, verticality, on-ball dynamism and mental fortitude are important attributes Juan possesses and fit our forward-looking Game Model.”

Prior to this past campaign, Azocar spent two seasons with San Antonio’s South Texas Derby rival Rio Grande Valley FC. In two seasons with the Toros, the 27-year-old recorded seven goals and three assists in 29 appearances. He also brings more than 100 appearances of experience in Venezuela’s top flight, including 69 appearances for Deportivo La Guaira.