SD Loyal SC defeat Sacramento Republic FC 2-1
Credit: SD Loyal
The San Diego Loyal earn three huge points with four games remaining until the playoffs.
It turned out to be a comeback win for the Loyal Saturday night, as they continue to play their best when it counts.
The Loyal improves to (14-10-4) with 46 points on the season. The Loyal control their destiny, as they should finish the season in second place of the Pacific Division.
A home playoff game would mean a lot to this team, who are dominant at home this season.
The Loyal came into tonight’s match ninth in the USL Championship with 44 goals. This is a team making all the right plays at the right time late in the season.
Manager Landon Donovan played a few new faces with some of the normal starters out due to an injury. Austin Guerrero started in goal and midfielder Blake Bodily started his first match in a Loyal kit. Midfielder Charlie Adams started the match as a substitute, giving defender Grant Stoneman captain duties.
Sacramento scored first in the 30th minute as Dariusz Formella ran the length of the field to put one past Guerrero. Guerrero had a chance on the ball but miss-timed the attempt.
Gone in a flash⚡️
A great individual effort from @DarekFormella10 breaks the deadlock for @SacRepublicFC.#SDvSAC pic.twitter.com/UMCASZ3tIK
— USL Championship (@USLChampionship) October 10, 2021
Halfway through the first half, Sacramento had the early advantage.
San Diego controlled the possession like usual but couldn’t get a shot to connect. The Loyal wingers did a great job of creating chances with perfect crosses, though none led to goals.
The first half didn’t go as planned for SD, but the aggression was there.
The Loyal completely turned the tide in the second half. Guido scored in the 54th minute to level the game, and less than three minutes later, he assisted to Douglas Martinez Jr for the lead.
Do your dance @AEGuido! 🕺#SDvSAC pic.twitter.com/hVTR2YIvvP
— San Diego Loyal (@SanDiegoLoyal) October 10, 2021
That was a much-needed goal from Guido, who is starting to find his rhythm again.
This is pure Fútbol. 👌#SDLoyal | @Douglas_M19 pic.twitter.com/dj8QVdP5Zk
— San Diego Loyal (@SanDiegoLoyal) October 10, 2021
Martinez proves to be a crucial addition to the club.
The Loyal needed those three points to assure their playoff aspirations. The Loyal would have to lose out, and other stuff would need to happen in order to miss the postseason.
The victory tonight marks nine wins at home this year, with two more home matches remaining.
The next match for the Loyal is at home Sunday, October 17 at 3 p.m. They will host New Mexico United from the Mountain Division for the final match against non-divisional opponents. New Mexico is currently fourth in their division.
Additional News
- Augustine Williams missed tonight’s match as he was called up to the Sierra Leone national team.
- Jack Metcalf, Jack Blake, Oliver Larraz, and Trey Muse all remain unavailable with injuries.
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.