Goalkeeper Jon Kempin returns to San Diego Loyal on loan
Credit: DC United
The San Diego Loyal announced the acquisition of goalkeeper Jon Kempin Friday morning. Kempin will be on loan in San Diego until the end of the month.
The 29-year-old joins the club for a second stint after playing for Landon Donovan’s side in 2020. Kempin joined the Loyal during their inaugural season and ended up finishing that season before heading back to MLS’s Columbus Crew.
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During the 2020 SD Loyal season, Kempin played in 11 matches and recorded five shutouts. He started all 11 matches for the Loyal. According to the Loyal, Kempin is tied for the highest goals-against average in USL Championship history with his 0.5 average.
The keeper rejoins a SD Loyal squad that is off to their best start in franchise history. The Loyal are currently fourth in the Western Conference with 22 points and a (+4) goal difference. The team, however, is desperately in need of a win as they have not won in their last four matches. Kempin should bring some much-needed help with starting goalkeeper Koke Vegas out for an unknown amount of time with a lower leg injury.
Kempin is coming from DC United, where he has played in two matches this MLS season. He has been around the MLS playing for teams like Sporting Kansas City and LA Galaxy. His time with the Crew was short-lived by he got to play with former University of San Diego standout and current Crew forward Miguel Berry.
Berry was drafted by the Crew in the 2019 MLS SuperDraft but returned to SD on loan to get some much-needed experience. Berry will likely stay in the MLS as he has found his groove there. However, having Kempin back in a Loyal kit will really make the Locals happy.
Who’s ready to 𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮 see @JonKempin21 do his thing in person?
🎟 https://t.co/KbSaP1Iy7j pic.twitter.com/bwG8zQzQmN
— San Diego Loyal (@SanDiegoLoyal) June 10, 2022
The halfway point of the season is just around the corner, and the Loyal are in a great spot to contend for another postseason appearance. Kempin’s experience will benefit this roster as they have some tough opponents ahead.
With this deal, expect keeper Koke Vegas to remain out at least until the end of June.
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.