SD Loyal name Nate Miller head coach; Donovan to EVP
Credit: The Athletic
The San Diego Loyal have made the biggest change since becoming a club in 2019. Three-time manager and former USNMT star will switch roles and become the new executive vice president of soccer operations.
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With this move, associate head coach Nate Miller will take a word out and become the official head coach of the San Diego Loyal Soccer Club.
This move isn’t shocking, as Donovan has expressed his desire for Miller becoming a head coach multiple times. Now, Miller takes over Donovan’s role a few months after a heartbreaking playoff defeat to the Oakland Roots.
Miller has been a huge part of this team’s success over the last few seasons. Coming off a COVID-inflicted inaugural 2020 season and another shortened 2021 season, the Loyal saw record highs in 2022, including points (60), home wins (12), and goals scored (68).
“It’s a tremendous honor to represent this club on the field and in the community,” SD Loyal Head Coach Nate Miller said. “I am extremely proud of the identity we have formed, the culture we have created, and the success we have achieved up to this point. We are building something very special in San Diego and I am excited to lead this team to achieve our ambitious goals.”
The Loyal have been to back-to-back playoff appearances but have lost both matches without scoring a single goal. This team is on the come-up, and Miller steps into a locker room that already has a lot of chemistry and desire to win soccer games.
“There isn’t a better coach suited to take the lead managing our club than Nate Miller,” SD Loyal Executive Vice President of Soccer Operations Landon Donovan said. “We’ve built a club here in San Diego that this community has embraced and come to expect a lot from, and Nate’s tireless work ethic has been a big part of that. We owe it to our fans to maintain the highest level of play on the field and promoting Nate Miller to Head Coach continues that commitment.”
Winter is here, and the offseason will be a long one! Be sure to stay tuned as the Loyal form their roster and get ready to compete for the 2023 USL Championship season. Year number four is on the way!
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.