SD Loyal SC match preview against Orange County SC
Credit: San Diego Loyal
The San Diego Loyal SC look to earn a crucial three points against second-place Orange County SC
San Diego Loyal SC vs. Orange County SC
Torero Stadium, University of San Diego
Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 14
TV – ESPN+, Fox 5 San Diego
This will be the second matchup of the season between these two clubs, and it comes with lot of significance.
San Diego is in third place in the Pacific Division with 18 points. OC is second with 21 points and a +10 goal advantage over the Loyal. San Diego aims to get back even with OC and has a good chance to do so tonight. That will put both teams just two points shy of first-place Phoenix Rising, who the Loyal host this Saturday.
Last Time Out
The Loyal had a short break from USL Championship play and hosted an international friendly against Liga MX side Club Tijuana Xolos.
The fans from Mexico and San Diego filled a sold-out Torero Stadium for an exciting matchup that ended in a 1-0 victory for Tijuana.
The first half provided a battle with the Loyal’s usual starting 11 trying to compete against a really good club. The Xolos scored in the 34th minute for the match’s only goal, but the players played aggressively all half.
Manager Landon Donovan subbed in an entire new 11 for the second half, allowing for everyone to get needed appearances.
Regardless of the outcome, the match provided a compelling argument to play every year moving forward.
“It was a great atmosphere,” Xolos’ goalkeeper Benny Diaz said. “I would love to come play here again.”
What to expect in the second matchup between SD and OC
The first time these two met ended in a 1-1 draw on the road in OC. Both are near the top of the division, so all three matchups will be essential.
San Diego jumped out to an early lead in the first matchup, but OC later scored in the 50th minute to finish in a draw.
The Loyal are still on a dominating run, not losing to USL teams in their last eight matches. Expect the Loyal to continue to play their style and control possession for as long as possible.
Trey Muse will most likely return to goal and should be a key factor in the second matchup. Midfielder Miguel Ibarra has been playing well lately, and he’ll likely get a few chances to either score or assist against a good team.
Orange County SC tonight.
Phoenix at home on July 24th.“If we want to be near the top or at the top of the table at the end of the year, these are games we have to win.”
🗣 Landon Donovan #SDLoyal pic.twitter.com/L3ZUgOu2l9
— San Diego Loyal (@SanDiegoLoyal) July 14, 2021
Torero Stadium will be packed once again and the atmosphere should help propel the Loyal to their highest potential.
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.