Intercity’s preseason run shows a club on the cusp of a big step. With four wins, one draw and one defeat, the team has balanced a grueling friendly schedule before entering league combat next week. The club has reached the third tier after a rapid ascent—four promotions in five years—and now faces the pressure of proving its newfound status can translate into competitive success at higher level football. Management has made it clear that promotion to professional status by 2023 remains a guiding objective, a target the organization has pursued since its 2017 founding. The squad will begin this period under intense scrutiny from Turkish footballing peers, as expectations rise for Intercity to deliver results in their new division.
To carry this weight from the first whistle, leadership and a willingness across the squad to fight for every inch are essential. The Argentine head coach is viewed as a central figure by insiders, while the pool of possible starters has widened as the club mapped out plans with several key players. Jon Etxaniz, a Gipuzkoan striker, was among the first to be trusted with a leadership role. His acquisition has shaped the team’s ambitions for the summer and positioned him as a focal point in attack.
Three goals from Etxaniz helped him become the Basque forward who has created a consistent impact for the squad. His arrival from Linares followed a prolific season there, where he helped push the team to critical moments that could have earned a second-division spot, finishing with 14 goals. The forward, now with Mondragón roots, represents a primary scoring option for a side that learned quickly in a pre-season opener that ended 0-5 against a higher-tier Alavés side. That match underscored the challenge of balancing attacking intent with defensive stability, a theme the team has continued to refine in training and friendlies.
Intercity then played to a draw with Villarreal’s reserve side (1-1), and in midweek secured a 0-1 victory over Al Wehda. The side also defeated Atlético Levante (4-1), Orihuela (0-3), and Madrid’s second team (3-2) at the Pinatar Arena in Oliva, setting a positive tone heading into the campaign. The late win against Atlético Madrid’s B team—hosted in a venue at Los Arcos—was highlighted by Etxaniz’s decisive strike against a disciplined Arab club defense. The Gipuzkoan forward has become a highly sought-after asset in early negotiations, yet Intercity has successfully aligned his development with the club’s long-term plans. Observers have noted that his performances have reflected a team-wide improvement in cohesion and intent as the new season nears. The squad’s focus remains fixed on converting their preseason momentum into league-ready form.
As the league opener approaches, September 28 in Soria looms large, marking the return to official action after a series of test matches. Until that date, Intercity will continue to fine-tune its patterns, strengthen the balance between attack and defense, and build on the confidence gained from their recent results. The club’s broader objective remains clear: establishing itself as a genuine force in the third tier while pursuing a path that could lead to professional status in the near future. The competition will watch closely how this ambitious project translates into consistent performances under pressure, with Etxaniz and a growing cast of contributors at the heart of the plans. [citation: Intercity club communications and match reports]