SD Loyal SC defeat LA Galaxy II 2-1 in thrilling fashion
Credit: Loyal
The San Diego Loyal remain undefeated at home thanks to Miguel Berry’s winning goal late in the match
The Loyal rise to fourth in the tough Pacific Division with eight points with a (2-4-2) record. The last four games have either ended in a win or draw for the Loyal after an (0-4) start.
Improving match after match is what the Loyal aims to do, and so far, they are doing just that. Manager Landon Donovan has been preaching that this is a good soccer club, and the results are starting to show. San Diego has now defeated the second-place team in the division, as well as almost beating the first-place Rising just a few one week ago.
Donovan started the match against LA with a 4-4-2 formation with goalkeeper Trey Muse in goal once again. Defender Callum Montgomery debuted for the Loyal, and Thomas Vancaeyezeele moved up to midfielder.
The match started rather level as both sides were controlling possession evenly. San Diego had some chances in the first 25 minutes, but neither Jack Blake or Corey Hertzog could convert. Muse continued to impress also as he has all season. The loanee saved shot-after-shot and kept the Loyal in the match in the first half with a great save in the 35th minute to keep the match scoreless.
The second half of the match turned into must-watch tv. LA managed to connect with a goal the 60th minute that left Muse frozen. Coming from the right side of the box and going left, Jorge Hernandez snuck one past Loyal defenders and to the left of Muse. That marks six goals for Hernandez on the season.
Right before the 70th minute, Alejandro Guido entered the match, and it changed momentum completely. Just two minutes into the game, Guido almost scored off a laser, but it bounced off the crossbar. Guido wasn’t fazed by the near-miss and would connect with the equalizer in the 75th minute. Guido slipped past the defender and launched a missile past the keeper on the left side.
Our first-ever goal in front of our filled supporter section is absolutely stunning.
Take a bow @aeguido!! 👏#SDvLA pic.twitter.com/eeNcEg9CQS
— San Diego Loyal (@SanDiegoLoyal) June 13, 2021
That is Guido’s second goal of the season.
The last 15-20 minutes of the match ended in thriller fashion. Guido would come up with a loose ball on the sideline and took charge down the line. He noticed Poway native Miguel Berry running toward goal from the left side and placed a perfect cross over the defender that resulted in a goal from the Berry header.
The buildup, the cross, the finish. Everything about this is perfection. 👌#SDvLA pic.twitter.com/FrRC8NPlVt
— San Diego Loyal (@SanDiegoLoyal) June 13, 2021
The Chula Vista native assisted the Poway native in finishing a brilliant comeback victory, 2-1. Does it really get any better than that San Diego fans?
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The next match for the Loyal is Saturday, June 19, at 7:30 p.m. The match will be played at Torero Stadium at the University of San Diego.
All matches can be seen on ESPN+, as well as Fox 5 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.