There’s never been a lack of confidence about San Antonio FC.

What’s more, the sense of belief the defending USL Championship title holders have built on their rise to the top of the league is now permeating the players it knows might not be with them long-term.

Just take 19-year-old Rida Zouhir, on loan from Club de Foot Montreal this season, and his perspective on last Wednesday night’s 2-1 victory against Copa Tejas rival El Paso Locomotive FC.  

“We kept pushing because we knew we were the best team on the pitch,” said Zouhir. “We knew it was going to be a tough game, but we kept believing. At halftime we said in the locker room ‘guys, we’re the best team on the pitch, and let’s keep going.’ That’s what we did, and it paid off.”

The victory marked San Antonio’s first victory on the road when it trailed at halftime since the 2018 season, and Zouhir’s quality was a big reason why it happened. Two superlative strikes from beyond the penalty area pulled San Antonio FC briefly level on points with Sacramento Republic FC at the top of the Western Conference standings.

As with many young players, there’s been a building process for Zouhir in his 10 appearances so far in San Antonio. During the club’s winless run in June, there were still glimpses of what he could bring – see completing 18 of 19 passes and notching two shots as a substitute in SAFC’s defeat to Sacramento Republic FC – but against El Paso he showed another level of drive.

Like his teammates, Zouhir is here to put it all on the line to win.

“Today I saw a real group on the pitch,” said Zouhir. “Everybody was winning for everybody. I saw a family, brothers on the pitch running for each other. That’s the mentality we want here at SAFC. And, yeah, I just can’t be happier at that.”

Here are some other young talents that stood out in the past week of action…

- Matthew Corcoran, Birmingham Legion FC – The 17-year-old wasn’t spectacular against the Tampa Bay Rowdies, but he wasn’t supposed to be. Completing 56 of 60 passes kept the game moving for the hosts in an important win.

- Adam Armour, FC Tulsa – The former United States U-17 international is settling in at new home FC Tulsa, and it’s showing. Over a full 180 minutes of action for the 20-year-old in two wins, Armour won 6 of 7 tackles in solid performances.

- Erik McCue, El Paso Locomotive FC – The 22-year-old is becoming a workhorse for Locomotive FC, and in 180 minutes in the past week he won 6 of 6 tackles, 14 of 17 duels and completed 98 of 115 passes.

- Korede Osundina, Orange County SC – The United States U-20 international has been more miss than hit at times this season with his finishing, but this strike against Orange County SC showed the quality he has. Should be a good confidence boost.

- Nighte Pickering, Memphis 901 FC – A fourth assist of the season for the 18-year-old last Wednesday night means Pickering now leads Young Player of the Year-eligible players in combined goals and assists (4G+4A).