SD Loyal SC match preview against Las Vegas Lights FC
Credit: SD Loyal
Las Vegas Lights FC vs. San Diego Loyal SC
Cashman Field downtown Las Vegas
The kickoff is Friday, June 25, at 7:30 p.m.
TV- ESPN+ as well as Fox 5 San Diego
The San Diego Loyal travel to Las Vegas for the first time this season as they look to keep their five-match unbeaten streak alive.
The Loyal continue to move up in the Pacific Division standings.
After starting the season (0-4), San Diego has yet to lose since and now sits in fourth place. With a total of 11 points, the Loyal will get the opportunity to move into third place with a win against Vegas.
It’s worth noting that the Loyal have a chance to move into second place, but with their (-4) goal difference, they would have two defeat Vegas by eight or more points.
Orange County SC is currently in second place with 14 points and a (+4) goal difference. It’s not an impossible feat, but the most San Diego has scored in one match is just three goals.
Last Time Out
The Loyal defeated the first-place Phoenix Rising (2-1) last Saturday night in dramatic fashion. That was their third matchup of the 2021 season already, and it’s safe to say the Loyal know Phoenix pretty well. Midfielder Jack Blake scored both goals for San Diego and placed himself on the USL Championship Team of the Week.
We warned you. Don’t let Blakey get hot! He’s on a new level now. 🔥pic.twitter.com/hsNva4Cmtt
— San Diego Loyal (@SanDiegoLoyal) June 22, 2021
Blake now leads the team with four goals this season.
Previous Matchup Between Las Vegas and San Diego
The Loyal earned their first win of the 2021 season a few weeks ago when they defeated Vegas 2-1. Vegas jumped out to an early lead, but San Diego responded with two goals and came out on top. Midfielder Alejandro Guido and forward Corey Hertzog put on in the back of the net for the Loyal, both in the second half.
San Diego has yet to lose to Vegas in two years and will look to keep that streak alive as well.
Manager Landon Donovan understands that his team is a different team than they were just a few weeks ago, the last time these two squads faced off.
“We’ve grown a lot,” Donovan said. “But we have to make sure we continue growing. We have to pick up points on the road since we lost points on the road early on (this season).”
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Additional News and Notes
- Defender Jack Maher was recalled by Nashville SC and ended his stint with the Loyal after five straight unbeaten starts and one assist.
- Defender Thomas Vancaeyezeele will not travel with the club as he was called up to the French Guiana National Team. He will try to earn a spot on the roster as they prepare for the CONCACAF Gold Cup.
- San Diego will play four straight home matches after the match against the Lights. (Oakland Roots (6/29), Sacramento Republic FC (7/3), Orange County SC (7/14), Phoenix Rising (7/24)).
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.