SAN ANTONIO (Fwrd Axis) — San Antonio FC goalkeeper Matt Cardone has announced he is retiring from professional soccer following Saturday’s home match against Charleston Battery.
Cardone has been with SAFC since the club’s inception in 2016 and will begin a new career when he enrolls in law school at Dedman School of Law at Southern Methodist University this fall.
“Matt has been the bearded face of our club since its inception in 2016. His on-field accomplishments speak for themselves, and off the field, there has been no more positive representative for professional soccer in San Antonio,” said San Antonio FC Managing Director Tim Holt. “While we all miss seeing him at the club every day, his legacy will last at SAFC and we eagerly anticipate the impact he will undoubtedly make in this next chapter of his bright, young career.”
Cardone earned All-America honors twice in his four years with Trinity University. While with SAFC, he holds the club records for appearances (108), saves (327), clean sheets (25), penalty saves (five), and minutes played (9,542).
“My sincere appreciation and gratitude goes to Matt for everything he has given to football, to this club and to our city,” said SAFC Goalkeeper Coach Juan Lamadrid.
His best season with the club came in 2017 when he appeared in 33 matches, compiling 2,923 minutes played and seven clean sheets.
“Matt is an incredible ambassador for the club who serves as a great inspiration to all young San Antonio soccer talent who aspire to play for their hometown professional club,” said Head Coach Alen Marcina. “Matt is highly regarded by his peers and has grown into a great leader, on and off the field. We are thankful to work alongside this amazing person, as his locker room presence and day-to-day interaction will be missed.”
Cardone’s final match will be Saturday when SAFC hosts a new opponent, the Charleston Battery, at Toyota Field with a special pre-match ceremony taking place.
