SD Loyal SC lose to Oakland Roots SC 4-3
Credit: SD Loyal
The Loyal even the score late, but a penalty kick wins it for Oakland in stoppage time.
This match came down to the final seconds. It was entertaining from start to finish. San Diego scored first, followed by three straight goals from Oakland. The Loyal responded with two late goals to even the game, but a penalty kick allowed the Roots to escape with a win.
The San Diego Loyal now sit in third place in the Pacific Division with 47 points. With just one match left, the Loyal will need to win and will need Orange County SC to lose to clinch a home playoff match.
Sunday was a special day for San Diego. The first signee in club history, Sal Zizzo, played his final match of his career. He announced he will retire after the match after an incredible 15 years.
“It’s been a thrill.” 💚🧡@SalZizzo, our first-ever signing and captain in club history, announces he will retire at the close of the season.
A dream end to a 15-year professional career for the San Diego native. 🙌#ForeverLoyal pic.twitter.com/m8L1zMz7ph
— San Diego Loyal (@SanDiegoLoyal) October 24, 2021
The Loyal did everything they could to end his career on a good note.
The match started out great for the Loyal, as Augustine Williams scored his first of two goals in the 17th minute.
The next hour was all Oakland. Three straight goals turned this game upside down for quite some time. Oakland took a 3-1 lead to the 76th minute, where Williams scored again, putting the Loyal right back in it.
Corey Hertzog connected with his 73rd career goal in the 85th minute.
.@Hertzog_Corey scoring goals.
Something the @USLChampionship is very used to! pic.twitter.com/1ryxj9KBTo
— San Diego Loyal (@SanDiegoLoyal) October 25, 2021
That goal puts Hertzog into sole possession of second place in USL Championship history.
The celebrations didn’t last long, however, as Oakland seized control once again. Loyal keeper Austin Guerrero ran into the Oakland attacker which forced a penalty kick. In the 93rd minute, Jeremy Bokila nailed the shot, and that pretty much wrapped up the game.
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San Diego came back to make things interesting but couldn’t finish the job. They will look to bounce back in the final regular-season match against Sacramento Republic FC.
The match will be on the road in Sacramento on Saturday, October 30, at 7:30 p.m.
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.