Versatile Connor Maloney a central leader for San Antonio FC
Charleston Battery plays San Antonio FC during a USL Championship soccer match on Saturday, July 2, 2022, at Toyota Field in San Antonio. was struggling through a string of injuries, coach Alen Marcina approached Connor Maloney with a challenge Maloney said he had never faced during his six-year professional career.
But the 2022 season required Maloney to flex his versatility, as he was tabbed to start two matches as an attacking midfielder — his first time filling the role as a pro. Defender Mitchell Taintor said Maloney “saved our season,” allowing SAFC to plug holes in the lineup as 14 players missed a total of 56 matches to injuries. Though Marcina highlighted wing back as Maloney’s best role, he said Maloney’s “growth mindset” allows him to thrive in various spots.
The shift forced him to rely more on his nondominant left foot, and each positional switch in San Antonio has brought its own challenges. While the wing backs charge up and down the field, the central defensive role is more focused on reading the game and communicating with the midfielders. “I miss the celebrations,” Maloney said. “That was fun, but I don’t care who scores at this point. If we win, I’m happy.”
Maloney said the mentality of pushing through fatigue runs in his family, instilled by his father, who spent 27 years in the Army. Marcina said Maloney’s ability to hold himself and teammates accountable has been “invaluable,” and Taintor said the players look to Maloney for inspiration when the group begins to tire.
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