Austin Guerrero returns to Loyal for 2021
SD Loyal
Chula Vista native Austin Guerrero returns to the San Diego Loyal and will compete for the starting role.
The 31-year-old goalkeeper started two matches for San Diego during their inaugural season. One of the starts came during a crucial playoff run against LA Galaxy II.
Guerrero contributed by saving 11 shots and logged a total of 180 minutes on the season. Former keeper Jon Kempin started most of the team’s matches in goal.
Growing up and playing for Surf Soccer Club in San Diego, Guerrero earned recognition as one of the top goalkeepers in the U.S. coming out of high school.
“Austin is one of the most liked and respected people in our club,” Landon Donovan said. “In addition to being an elite goalkeeper, his leadership and love for SD Loyal make him an invaluable member of our team. We are thrilled to have him back in Torrey Green for our second season!”
Before the Loyal, Guerrero appeared in 51 professional matches for a variety of clubs throughout the U.S., Mexico, and South America. Although, according to Guerrero, nothing comes close to playing in front of his hometown city.
“The opportunity to play in my hometown is an incredible blessing,” Guerrero said. “I’ve spent the last decade of my life playing in different cities and countries and my family always had to scramble to find a way to view matches. Having the chance to play in my own backyard, and being able to look up into the stands to see the people who have supported me my entire life, is a dream scenario that I will never take for granted. I’ve never been more motivated or focused as I step into the 2021 season. I look forward to competing every day and continuing to fight with the boys towards our goal of bringing a championship to San Diego.”
The roster is almost set but not yet complete. Guerrero marks the second goalkeeper on the roster as Team 1 begins preparation for the start of the season in May.
His leadership and love for this city makes him invaluable to our club.
“It makes my life a dream to have gone away, come back and play at home.”@AustinGuerrero0 is signed for 2021.#SDLoyal | https://t.co/1I400NYJaM pic.twitter.com/kLwgNaTqUR
— San Diego Loyal (@SanDiegoLoyal) February 19, 2021
The Loyal will conduct their second open tryout on February 20, 2021. Guerrero happened to be the lone player who signed a contract after the open tryout in 2019.
Chris is a graduate of the University of San Diego. He is the former Sports Editor for the USDVista newspaper. Chris has covered the San Diego Loyal, and now covers San Diego State Men’s Basketball. He also contributes regularly about the Padres. Chris is an athlete and is a huge fan of San Diego sports.