SD Loyal SC earn first inaugural win 2-1 against Tacoma
SD Loyal
Tacoma, Washington-
The San Diego Loyal traveled to Tacoma, Washington, for their first away match of the season, defeating the Defiance 2-1.
The game was played without any fans in attendance as the state of Washington wanted to take the necessary precautions due to COVID-19.
Manager Landon Donovan put out a 4-4-2 formation with Tumi Moshobane and Francis Atuahene as the two forwards. Eric Avila started as one of the four midfielders and was named captain for the Loyal. Jon Kempin started at goal for his first match this season.
Atuahene got the scoring started in the 31st minute off the beautiful cross by defender Collin Martin. Martin placed the ball perfectly as Atuahene tipped the ball in the goal with his foot. San Diego had their first lead of the season, 1-0.
31 | Gooooooooooal Francis Atuahene!! Perfect cross from Collin Martin
SD 1 | 0 TAC#TACvSD | #HereToPlay pic.twitter.com/waoYGXsmwl
— San Diego Loyal (@SanDiegoLoyal) March 12, 2020
Tacoma responded in the second half with a goal of their own in the 56th minute, evening the score 1-1 and Loyal defender Grant Stoneman picked up a yellow card less than a minute later.
Jack Metcalf replaced Jermome Ngom in the 60th minute, and Qudus Lawal came in for Yair Jean in the 65th minute.
Atuahene was the Man of the Match as he scored the winning goal in the 85th minute to retake the lead 2-1. Metcalf set up Atuahene with an assist from the right side. The forward had an easy touch for the goal.
85′ | ATUAHENE!!!!!! With his second goal of the night gives #SDLoyal the lead late in the 2nd half. Metcalf with the beautiful connection
SD 2 | 1 TAC#TACvSD | #HereToPlay pic.twitter.com/dZi2dfCE8F
— San Diego Loyal (@SanDiegoLoyal) March 12, 2020
The second goal from Atuahene proved to be enough as San Diego earned their first-ever victory in the regular season of the USL Championship. They currently sit atop the Western Conference with four points.
The team announced today that the match this Saturday, Mar. 14 against Rio Grande Valley FC has been postponed to July 29.
As of now, the next match for the Loyal will be Saturday, Mar. 21, when they travel up north to take on Orange County FC.
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.