SAN ANTONIO – San Antonio FC announced on Friday that defender and Texas native Stephen McCarthy will return to the club for the 2017 USL season, pending USL and federation approval. Per club policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed.

McCarthy started in each of his 19 USL appearances for San Antonio FC last season, compiling 1,571 total minutes while scoring two goals and recording an assist. The defender played at least 80 minutes in 16 of his 19 starts in 2016 while also playing every minute in both of his U.S. Open Cup appearances. McCarthy missed the final eight league matches for San Antonio FC due to an arm injury the defender suffered during a match vs. Arizona United on August 17.

McCarthy was also named to the USL Team of the Week following his performance on June 18 against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, where he scored what proved to be the winning goal in a 2-1 victory.

“Stephen had a solid year for us last season and we hope to see him continue to improve on the field and as a leader,” said SAFC Head Coach Darren Powell. “His season-ending injury last year was unfortunate since he was in good form, so we look forward to him being healthy for preseason.”

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McCarthy joined San Antonio prior to the 2016 season after spending the 2015 campaign with Finnish first division side Kuopion Palloseura (KuPS). McCarthy was originally drafted by the New England Revolution (MLS) in the second round (24th overall) of the 2011 MLS SuperDraft. McCarthy went on to make 69 appearances from 2011-14 with the Revs, scoring two goals during that time.

The 6-foot-4 defender attended and played soccer for both Santa Clara University and the University of North Carolina. McCarthy was also a member of PDL clubs DFW Tornados in 2009 and Carolina Dynamo in 2010. The Texas native was a member of the United States U-18 squad that traveled to Brazil for the 2007 Pan-American Games. McCarthy made three appearances and scored one goal in the tournament.

“I’m excited to continue my career with San Antonio FC in my home state of Texas,” said McCarthy. “As a team, we are looking to improve on last year and work hard on bringing a championship to San Antonio.”

McCarthy marks the second defensive signing that SAFC has made in the last week after the club previously announced the arrival of Cyprian Hedrick on November 29.