San Diego Loyal match preview against FC Tulsa
Credit: Josh Jimenez/ EVT Sports
FC Tulsa vs. San Diego Loyal SC
Wednesday, March 23 @ 5:30 P.M.
ONEOK Field – Tulsa, Oklahoma
TV: ESPN+
The San Diego Loyal travel to Oklahoma for the very first time to take on FC Tulsa. It’s been a great start to the season for the Loyal as they won their first two matches at Torero Stadium.
FC Tulsa is 1-1-0 on the season with three points and a +1 goal difference. FC Tulsa defeated Birmingham Legion FC 3-1 last match.
This is the first undefeated start in San Diego’s three-year existence. Remember that, last season, they started out losing their first four matches. They stormed back to earn the 3-seed in the Pacific Division to make the playoffs. Now, the Loyal lead the Western Conference with six points and a +3 goal difference after two matches. New Mexico United also is 2-0 with a +3 goal difference.
Loyal goalkeeper Koke Vegas is second in the USL in saves with nine. He’s three behind New York Red Bulls II keeper Anthony Marcucci. Vegas also has one clean sheet on the season. It’s been his dominant defense that has helped propel the Loyal to this great start to 2022.
Because of Vegas’ play, he was named to the USL Championship Team of the Week.
“The game plan was the same regardless of who is back there,” Vegas said. “Our identity remains the same. We proved it last week and then again this week. Those who come off the bench provide a lot. It doesn’t change much. That is what we are here for.”
As a team, San Diego is fourth in the USL in goals with four. Only Phoenix Rising FC and Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC have five goals so far this season. However, the Loyal are tied for 11th with only 21 shot attempts.
In the last match against Sacramento Republic FC, Charlie Adams scored his first goal in two years and his second goal as the captain of the team.
Laced it. pic.twitter.com/DgrHDjN88i
— San Diego Loyal (@SanDiegoLoyal) March 21, 2022
Adams is the leader of this team and is a huge reason for their success. The Captain is known for his defense, but if he gets more chances like that to showcase his brilliant left leg, watch out for more goals like that in the future.
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The defensive efforts have been solid to start the season and if that continues, expect the Loyal to keep winning matches.
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.