SD Loyal storm back to finish in 2-2 draw against NY Red Bulls II
Credit: SD Loyal
Big second half from Thomas Amang leads to one point in New York
It’s been a long week for the San Diego Loyal. They failed to win a match during their three-match road trip. The Loyal walk away with just two points as they look forward to playing three straight at home.
What a tale of two halves this match was. The score ended 2-2, but it could have easily ended 5-5. Both teams had chances to score multiple goals as they combined with 30 shots and eight on target. Both squads will feel like they should have won this match.
The Loyal improve to (6-3-4) with 22 points on the season. New York Red Bulls II improve to (1-10-2) on the season and earn just their second draw. This was a tough result for the Loyal, but they are still in third place in the Western Conference. NY stays in last place in the Eastern Conference with five points because of goal difference.
First Half
The first half did not go the way the Loyal had hoped. After scoring first in their previous five matches, the Loyal allowed two first-half goals from New York, which immediately put SD in trouble. The goals came from two very young players, but ones that are quickly making a name for themselves out east.
The Red Bulls started the scoring in the 16th minute from 19-year-old Caden Clark. Clark weaved between the Loyal defenders and drilled a liner with his right foot past the diving Like Vegas.
𝘞𝘌𝘓𝘊𝘖𝘔𝘌 𝘏𝘖𝘔𝘌, @iamcadenclark 🏟️#NYvSD | @NYRBII pic.twitter.com/Zwo8jGtajq
— USL Championship (@USLChampionship) June 2, 2022
Clark is one of the top young stars in the game of soccer. The Minnesota native is currently on loan with the Red Bulls II from RB Leipzig, which is a premier club in Germany. Clark started his professional career with NY Red Bulls II, however, so this match was a reunion for him. There is no better way to return home than scoring the first goal of the match. That goal was almost two years after his last goal with NY.
Just six minutes later, New York adds on to their advantage with a goal by 17-year-old Samuel Williams. Williams is an academy player for NY, and he certainly made his presence known with his first career goal.
The Loyal did everything they could to finish the half strongly. They knew they were struggling to score and seemed to have seriously picked up the pace after those two goals. Alejandro Guido attempted a bicycle kick that almost put the Loyal down just one; however, it was drilled right to the goalkeeper Anthony Marcucci.
The Red Bulls took the 2-0 lead into the break.
Second Half
Forward Thomas Amang subbed on for Tumi Moshobane to begin the second half. This tactic from manager Landon Donovan worked immediately as Amang scored just five minutes into the second half.
The play started because NY forward Jordan Adebayo-Smith committed a foul against Elijah Martin. That led to the beautiful cross from Charlie Adams.
Guido ⏩ Amang
Thomas Amang heads it home to pull one back for @SanDiegoLoyal! #NYvSD pic.twitter.com/Oz2HkaPXO4
— USL Championship (@USLChampionship) June 2, 2022
That was Amang’s third goal of the season.
In the 56th minute, keeper Koke Vegas left the match with what seemed to be a hamstring injury. Austin Guerrero subbed in and made as statement right away. Just 12 minutes later, Guerrero saved what was a great shot from Daniel Edelman. The save was also fantastic as it took away a goal and kept the Loyal in the match.
Amang almost scored his second header of the match in the 77th minute but just missed the net no more than two feet to the right. SD kept pushing to try and even the match. They had seven shots in just over 30 minutes in the second half as they were very close to tying the score at two.
It took almost the entire match, but the Loyal finally did it! Amang found the back of the net once again as he scored his second of the match in the 87th minute. San Diego kept bringing pressure to an inexperienced backline for the Red Bulls, and it eventually paid off.
He’s just different. #NYvSD pic.twitter.com/qy1Eu7h56v
— San Diego Loyal (@SanDiegoLoyal) June 2, 2022
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It was an incredible comeback for the Loyal, who just allowed a two-goal comeback from LA Galaxy II in the previous match. They don’t earn the three points, but they stole a point on the road as they head back to San Diego. Their next three matches are at Torero.
The Loyal will now host Hartford Athletic next Saturday, June 11, at 7 p.m. This home stretch will be crucial for the Loyal to get back in the win column.
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.