With the squad San Antonio FC features, the returns the side had delivered in attack for much of this season had been somewhat disappointing.

Through 22 games, SAFC recorded only 26 goals, a key reason for the up-and-down form the side had experienced over the campaign overall. In a muddled Western Conference where only FC Tulsa and Sacramento Republic FC had risen above, it wasn’t yet threatening the side’s postseason chances, but it didn’t seem to be maximizing the ceiling the side’s talent said it possesses.

With eight goals in the past two games after Saturday’s convincing 3-1 victory against Orange County SC at Toyota Field, though, San Antonio looks like it might have turned a corner.

“I think for 90 minutes there were ups and downs, but I think overall, we played a really good game, really compact defensively and going forward,” said Pacheco. “Especially in the first half, I think we did really well. Playing in their half, we created really good chances, and I think the score could have been even more, but I think getting three goals at home was really positive, because obviously we've been struggling at home.

“Coming from this last game with a win, and now at home, I think it was really good, especially for the fans too.”

Leading the way was Jorge Hernández, who notched his second consecutive performance with a goal and an assist. The former Golden Playmaker is now only one off his single-season best with 11 goals in the regular season, and when he’s been on song, SAFC has tended to follow along.

What was also notable about Saturday’s display, though, was the manner in which San Antonio managed the game to see it out. While Orange County had the majority of the possession overall, over the final 15 minutes they didn’t get much of a sniff of goal. That was due to SAFC holding 59.5 percent of possession, allowing only 20.5 percent of the action to occur in its defensive third.

OCSC had some late pressure in stoppage time, but nothing that was going to overcome the two-goal lead San Antonio had built.

“I believe the group is getting in a good rhythm these last three matches,” said Head Coach Carlos Llamosa. “We played more together, with the ball and without the ball. Now we defended, especially at the end – it happened in Loudoun, happened tonight – we defended a lot with possession, with the ball.”

There are some intriguing contests to come next month, including a trip to current conference leader Tulsa on October 11 and the conclusion of Copa Tejas against El Paso Locomotive FC on October 25. We’re looking forward to seeing if SAFC can put its best foot forward from here.

Here are this week’s rankings.