Sacramento Republic FC shut out San Diego Loyal SC 1-0
Credit: SD Loyal
Two Western Conference squads met in northern California for an important early season contest that resulted in the home team securing the win.
The San Diego Loyal fell to the Sacramento Republic 1-0 in a close fight that saw a lot of frustration from both sides. Both sides expected a high scoring affair but instead saw just one goal right before halftime.
The Loyal dropped to 3rd in the conference with six points and a (2-1-0) record. Sacramento is now second with seven points and a (2-0-1) record.
The Loyal couldn’t find their rhythm offensively tonight. They failed to score for the first time this season, ending with just one shot on target on eight attempted. Their counterpart finished with four on target coming from 12 attempts.
Once again, Loyal keeper Koke Vegas showed up to play and kept his squad in the match the entire way.
This @KokeVegas save deserves a rewind! ⏪
What a spectacular stop! #SACvSD | @SanDiegoLoyal pic.twitter.com/Z4Hzxmw562
— USL Championship (@USLChampionship) March 26, 2023
Vegas is proving to be a game changer for San Diego early on in the campaign, and if he continues to defend as he is, then the Loyal will be winning more matches than not.
Joe Corona was awarded Man of the Match for the Loyal as the finished with two created chances and two successful crosses. This is a new roster for SD, and they are slowing building the chemistry. This is a frustrating loss but one they can learn from as they try to bounce back with a win.
Their next match is on the road against a familiar opponent in Phoenix Rising. This will be another tough test early on in the season as the Loyal look to gain momentum in the conference.
The second road match is Saturday, April 1, at 7:30 pm.
Chris is a graduate of the University of San Diego. He is the former Sports Editor for the USDVista newspaper. Chris is also an athlete and is huge fan of San Diego sports. Chris has covered the San Diego Loyal, and contributes regularly about the Padres.