SD Loyal SC announce seven returning players for 2021
SD Loyal
The San Diego Loyal have confirmed that seven players from their first inaugural season in 2020 are returning for the 2021 season.
The Loyal played their best soccer toward the end of the 2020 season, where they were just a few points shy of making the playoffs.
Manager Landon Donovan and Team 1 will look to improve from last season, and it starts with bringing back the ones that got them to where they are today.
“When we started Team 1, we were looking for players who were not only talented on the soccer field, but also represented San Diego in a genuine and authentic way,” Donovan said. “We are thrilled to bring back a core group of players who will help us be successful for many years to come.”
The seven players retuning include: Charlie Adams, Collin Martin, Elijah Martin, Jack Metcalf, Tumi Moshobane, Grant Stoneman, and Captain Sal Zizzo.
All signed on the dotted line. ✍️
Returning to SD Loyal in 2021!Details » https://t.co/ZD5NrZXkFr pic.twitter.com/nBTaX80JfN
— San Diego Loyal (@SanDiegoLoyal) December 9, 2020
Midfielder Charlie Adams – Made 15 appearances last season and scored the first goal in Loyal history against the Las Vegas Lights FC in the team’s debut.
.@The_Charlie10 on the impression the club made during their inaugural @USLChampionship season.
“When teams see [us], it’s a massive game for them. You’re not coming to Timbuktu… you’re coming to a proper football club.” pic.twitter.com/1w0daqcm9K
— San Diego Loyal (@SanDiegoLoyal) December 10, 2020
Midfielder Collin Martin – Made 14 appearances last season and logged over 1,000 minutes. Martin became nationally recognized when he and the team walked off the pitch in protest after an opponent threatened him with a homophobic slur.
We told @martcw12 his teammates call him the 𝙗𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙮𝙚𝙧 on the squad.
“That’s all kind of crazy… they’ve made me better. I’ve gotten the joy back.” 💪 pic.twitter.com/TWxMenOh09
— San Diego Loyal (@SanDiegoLoyal) December 9, 2020
Defender Elijah Martin – Led the team in interceptions (24) and tackles (25). Martin also made headlines when he was threatened with a racial remark, just one game before the homophobic slur toward Collin Martin.
𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙙𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙛𝙖𝙣𝙨 𝙢𝙚𝙖𝙣 𝙩𝙤 𝙮𝙤𝙪?
“They’ve made me feel like I’m at home.”
– @Martin_elijah3 pic.twitter.com/0Un1RI6Z4D
— San Diego Loyal (@SanDiegoLoyal) December 9, 2020
Defender Jack Metcalf – Logged a team-high 1,269 minutes and led the club in key categories such as assists (4), key passes (20), and crosses (47).
There’s a British flavor to SD Loyal.@JackPezMet on the unique passion @The_Charlie10 and him bring to San Diego from across the pond. 🏴 | 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/ybWQQ25AmM
— San Diego Loyal (@SanDiegoLoyal) December 9, 2020
Midfielder Tumi Moshobane – Versatile striker who helped with attacking. Improved his offense by creating 14 chances and putting 12 on frame.
𝙒𝙝𝙤 𝙙𝙤𝙚𝙨 𝙏𝙪𝙢𝙞 𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙮 𝙛𝙤𝙧?
His answer is humbling. 🙏 🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/I8MIZ2hej7
— San Diego Loyal (@SanDiegoLoyal) December 10, 2020
Defender Grant Stoneman – Stoneman anchored the backline by leading the team in clearances (53) and blocks (17). He also led the club in total passes with 880.
In 1️⃣ short year, @Grant_the_Stone went from @USLLeagueOne to starting center back in the USL Championship. He reflects on that journey. 📈 pic.twitter.com/iBexwTJKYl
— San Diego Loyal (@SanDiegoLoyal) December 9, 2020
Defender Sal Zizzo – Zizzo is the most experienced of the players returning. The San Diego native is a 15-year veteran who was captain for 10 matches in 2020. He is known as a leader and a respected veteran.
“We’ve been battle tested.”@SalZizzo on how the returning core will continue building on the culture established in Year 1. #SDLoyal pic.twitter.com/IznfNL7p47
— San Diego Loyal (@SanDiegoLoyal) December 9, 2020
Donovan has made it clear that he is building a team to win. Expect many more player-signings before the start of the season, which is due to start in May 2021.
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.