San Diego Loyal vs. Rio Grande Valley Toros

Saturday, May 13 at 7:00 pm

Torero Stadium – University of San Diego

TV: ESPN+

The San Diego Loyal are back home for a pit stop before heading out to Miami for their next match. The Loyal host Rio Grande Valley for the 4th time as the Loyal are hoping to make it back-to-back wins.

Head coach Nate Miller and his squad are coming off a huge win over Orange County SC 2-1 last weekend. The Loyal jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead as Tumi Moshobane and Joe Corona nailed in goals for the advantage. Corona’s penalty kick in the 19th minute proved to be the winner as Orange County stunned the Loyal with a 90+6 minute goal from Oluwakorede Osundina.

Dale unas Coronas a @JoeCorona15. 😏 pic.twitter.com/dd7KdFEEK3

— San Diego Loyal (@SanDiegoLoyal) May 8, 2023

With the win, the Loyal improved to (5-2-2) on the season, which is good for 2nd place in the Western Conference. Their 17 points are one behind Sacramento Republic FC, who the Loyal host in early June. The next three matches are on the road for the Loyal, so getting three points at home Saturday night is crucial if they want to fight their way to the top of the standings.

RGV is off to a rough start in 2023. They have won just one match this season with a record of (1-2-5). On the bright side, they have only lost twice, which is the same as SD. Their five draws are the reason they are not in last place. However, Las Vegas Lights have yet to win a match at (0-3-5).

The reason for the lack of success from RGV comes from the attack … or lack thereof. The Toros have scored just six times in eight matches. That is a horrendous amount, and it puts them second to last in front of Detroit FC, who have scored just four goals since playing in San Diego Opening Night.

Taylor Davila is the only player on the Toros with multiple goals with two. The Loyal must take advantage of their poor offense and try and earn another clean sheet on the season.

For the Loyal, the squad has three players with multiple goals on the season. Evan Conway leads the team with three goals which does not come as a shock. Ronaldo Damus and Tumo Moshobane both have two goals on the campaign. The Loyal’s 13 goals puts them 6th in the USL. Monterey Bay leads with 17 on the season. If SD can score multiple goals Saturday night, then they have a chance to enter to top five.

On the defensive side of the pitch, the Loyal have three clean sheets on the season and would like it to be more. The Sacramento Republic has a massive amount of six shutouts in just eight games. On another bright note, the Loyal are tied for 3rd in goals conceded with eight, along with Miami FC. The Republic have allowed just two goals this season as they are playing very well in all facets of the game.

The Loyal have another chance to make a statement this weekend.

Chris Spiering

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.