SD Loyal SC lose 1-0 against RGV Toros
Credit: SD Loyal
A last-minute stunner hands the Loyal their second loss of the season as they fall to (0-2).
The San Diego Loyal arrived in Rio Grande Valley, Texas, just six days after their 4-1 defeat to the Phoenix Rising.
The Toros defeated New Mexico United 1-0 this past Saturday to earn their first win of the season. The Toros improve to (2-0) on the year after defeating the Loyal dramatically Thursday night. It turned out to be another struggle for the Loyal offense as they couldn’t find many opportunities to score.
Manager Landon Donovan and the Loyal started in a 4-5-1 formation with Trey Muse as the keeper and Corey Hertzog at striker. Alejandro Guido started at midfielder for his first start of the season.
The first half provided just nine shots combined with three on target. Neither squad could get a rhythm going or much of an opportunity to score. Donovan’s game plan was to use the whole pitch and take it slow, something San Diego was unable to do last match. Muse once again kept the Loyal in the game with his play in goal. His 6-foot-4 frame forces opponents to be perfect on the attempt, and that didn’t happen in the first half.
In the 42nd minute, Muse saved what would have been the first goal of the match right before the intermission.
Petition to replace the State Farm safe hands guy with @trey_muse. #RGVvSD pic.twitter.com/x7gZKBq8mW
— San Diego Loyal (@SanDiegoLoyal) May 7, 2021
The second half showed many signs of the first half. Back and forth action that didn’t result in many opportunities. It took all the way to the 87th minute to get the first goal of the match, and it turned out to be the winning one for the Toros. Substitute Vicente Sanchez put one in the back of the net for RGV behind a great cross from Christian Sorto. Muse guessed the wrong way on the attempt, and that score is the fifth given up by the Loyal in the first two games. It was another disappointing loss for San Diego, but they must stay grounded as they have another tough opponent next week.
The Loyal will travel to Tacoma, Washington, to take on the Defiance next Thursday, May 13, at 7:00 p.m.
It will be their third of four straight away matches to start the season. The Loyal earned their first victory as a club last season in Tacoma when they defeated the Defiance 2-1.
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Additional News and Notes
- The Loyal finished with seven shots and only three on target.
- Possession was as close to even as it can get. 50.6% to 49.4% in favor of San Diego.
- The head official issued three yellow cards to the Loyal.
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.