SD Loyal SC match preview vs Orange County SC
Credit: SD Loyal
San Diego Loyal SC vs. Orange County SC
Torero Stadium – University of San Diego
The kickoff is Saturday, August 21, at 7:30 p.m.
TV: ESPN+, Azteca 33 in Spanish
The San Diego Loyal host rival Orange County in the final match of four-straight at home
Fresh off a club-record five-goal performance, the Loyal look to earn another three points and work their way back to second place in the Pacific Division.
The Loyal (8-8-3) are currently third with 27 points and a (+1) goal difference. They worked their way up to a positive goal difference for the first time this season. Both SD and OC are getting ready for their 20th match of the season, the most in the division.
OC (7-7-5) is now fourth in the division with 26 points after starting Wednesday night in second. The Tacoma Defiance (7-4-6) defeated OC 3-0 to jump into second place.
Last Time Out
The second half of Wednesday night’s match couldn’t have played out any better for the Loyal. The score was tied at one entering the 70th minute and, from there, turned into a goal-scoring showcase for the Loyal.
Miguel Ibarra worked his way into the box and assisted Jack Blake for the easy goal to take a 2-1 lead. Tumi Moshobane scored two straight goals just minutes later, and the fans at Torero Stadium were as loud as they have been all season.
17-year-old CJ Fodrey, who is on the Loyal Academy team, subbed in late and scored his first professional goal.
San Diego had yet to score more than three in any match ever and scored four in one half to win 5-1.
FULL TIME:@SanDiegoLoyal – 5@lvlightsfc – 1#SDvLV | https://t.co/61GD9wrXLG pic.twitter.com/49FvjP9X1N
— USL Championship (@USLChampionship) August 19, 2021
What To Expect In Saturday’s Matchup
It is going to be interesting to see how the Loyal plays after a five-goal match. The team is aware of how good OC can be, despite the fact that they only have one win in their past eight matches.
San Diego defeated OC 2-1 in their last matchup. The Loyal came from behind and shocked OC with two late goals to finish off the comeback.
Playing three games in seven days isn’t easy for any team. The Loyal will be doing so on Saturday night. Donovan has been making sure his key players are well rested during this run while allowing the younger players to earn minutes as well.
Collin Martin and Callum Montgomery both missed the last two matches with injuries, and it is unclear if they will suit up against OC.
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With that being said, expect Donovan to put out the starting XI he believes will win the match. That seems obvious and something every manager does, but lately, he’s been trying out new lineups. The two academy players Mai and Fodrey, are likely to suit up again, but who knows if they get the start.
Moshobane and Ibarra are playing extremely well lately and should definitely earn more minutes going forward. Alejandro Guido has been quiet lately but steps up when the moments get big. Saturday is a big moment.
Additional News
- Orange County SC has parted ways with head coach Braeden Cloutier. A very surprising move as he had a (49-31-23) career coaching record.
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.