Photo: Vlad Frenkel

SAN FRANCISCO — The San Francisco Glens capped their first season in the USL PDL with a 1-1 draw against the visiting Fresno FC U23 on Saturday at Boxer Stadium.

Ranier Plantinos opened the scoring in the 22nd minute with his third goal in as many games; in a highlight-reel worthy play, the Glens forward beat two defenders and the goalkeeper with some fancy footwork and a clinical finish to earn Carlsberg Play of the Game honors. 

However, Diego Casillas would answer for the visitors in the 74th minute with an effort that bounced off the far post and into the net.

Though the Fresno net was under siege the last ten minutes of the game, the Glens were unable to had to settle for sharing the points. Rei Dorwart, named Man of the Match presented by Renewable Rascals, was a force on both ends, creating scoring chances and effectively protecting goalkeeper Kevin Peach on the back line.

Despite being held to a draw, the Glens kept their unbeaten streak intact to close the season on a four-game stretch without a loss. While they missed the playoffs, among the bright spots were a road win in the SF Derby on Thursday and earning a draw against FC Golden State Force—one of only two games all season where the eventual Southwest Division champion dropped points.

After the final whistle, the Glens named their end-of-season award winners:

• Most Improved Player: Diego Lopez

• Most Inspirational Player: Johnny McBeth

• Team MVP: Andrew Paoli

About the San Francisco Glens

Founded in 1961, the San Francisco Glens have been a mainstay of the San Francisco soccer landscape for decades, winning numerous titles in the historic San Francisco Soccer Football League and competing for national titles throughout the 70s, 80s, and 90s.

The addition of the San Francisco Glens’ PDL team is the latest evidence of the club’s growth. Along with the Glens’ youth club, SF Glens Evolution—a U.S. Soccer Development Academy member and official North American partner of Celtic FC’s Academy—the Glens are the largest soccer club in San Francisco, providing all levels of competition to nearly 1,300 youth and adult soccer players.

To learn more about the San Francisco Glens, visit SFGlens.com and follow the club on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat—all using the handle @SFGlensSC.

About the USL Premier Development League

A part of the United Soccer Leagues, which also operates the Division II USL, the newly-announced USL Division III, and Super Y League, the USL Premier Development League (PDL) has served as the proven stepping-stone for aspiring professionals.

Over 70 percent of all MLS SuperDraft selections since 2010 have PDL experience, including a total of 66 alums chosen in 2018. Among the many players to have played in the PDL before making their professional debuts include Newcastle United FC defender DeAndre Yedlin, 2017 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year Tim Melia, 2017 MLS Defender of the Year Ike Opara, and U.S. Men’s National Team members such as Darlington Nagbe, Brad Guzan, Geoff Cameron, and the Bay Area’s own Nick Lima.