SD Loyal SC and Las Vegas Lights FC draw 1-1
ESPN
The San Diego Loyal and Las Vegas Lights FC tie 1-1 as Vegas scored a late second-half goal to evade the loss. Midfielder Collin Martin scored the goal for San Diego, off the assist from forward Miguel Berry.
The Loyal earned one point (13 overall) and remain fourth in the Group B standings of the USL Championship. They have an overall record of 3-4-4.
The Loyal traveled to Las Vegas for the second time this season, after the first initial meeting was postponed due to members of LV having COVID-19.
The lineup for Manager Landon Donovan looked a bit different this time out as two of the three new signees suited up in orange for the first time.
Miguel Berry started as the lone striker with Jon Kempin in goal. Midfielder Carlos Alvarez represented San Diego as the team captain.
Doubling down in Sin City 🎲🎲
Tonight’s Starting 1️⃣1️⃣#LVvSD | #ForSanDiego pic.twitter.com/hRujhMvieM
— San Diego Loyal (@SanDiegoLoyal) September 3, 2020
The match started hot as the Lights were on the attack, trying to get the scoring started early.
Back-and-forth passing would give the possession edge to Las Vegas, but San Diego would not let them get into a rhythm.
The middle of the field seemed crowded, as both teams had over a combined ten midfielders to disrupt the flow of the offense.
The result of that led to a scoreless first half.
Just 10 minutes after the start of the second half, Berry tracked down the loose ball at the left corner and kept possession alive. Berry slithered through the defense and set up an assist for the Martin goal. Martin snuck the ball past the Lights’ goalkeeper Thomas Olsen, and the Loyal had the 1-0 advantage.
Stick-to-itiveness! Berry keeps the play alive for his first assist and Collin Martin deposits it in for his first goal of the season. #LVvSD | #ForSanDiego pic.twitter.com/s1MIIHL3EQ
— San Diego Loyal (@SanDiegoLoyal) September 3, 2020
It was an exciting play as the Loyal scored just their second goal in their last six matches.
Las Vegas would respond 15 minutes later with a goal of their own. There was a bit of controversy, though, as it seemed as if substitute Blake Frischknecht was offsides before his goal. The head official never blew the whistle, and the goal stood. The match was tied 1-1 in the 73rd minute.
Blake Frischknecht is averaging a goal every 34.7 minutes.
Yeah, you read that right 😮#LVvSD | @lvlightsfc pic.twitter.com/4qukrTUhDk
— USL Championship (@USLChampionship) September 3, 2020
Frischknecht has been the big spark for Las Vegas this season.
After late substitutions by both squads late in the game, it was clear a draw was not in either of the team’s sights. But that would be all the scoring in this one, as fatigue was a significant factor in the Vegas heat.
The match ended in a 1-1 draw, and the Loyal will return to San Diego with another chip on their shoulder.
The Loyal take on LA Galaxy II next Wednesday, Sept. 9, in Torero Stadium. The match starts at 7 p.m. and will be streamed on ESPN+ and The CW San Diego.
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.