The San Diego Loyal played the second game of a four-game road trip against Indy Eleven at Michael A. Carroll Stadium this Saturday, July 1.

The Loyal were heading into the match with a five-game winless streak and unfortunately extended that streak to six games with a disappointing 2-2 draw.

The Southern California team did not take advantage of a 2-0 lead that was gained by the 54th minute of play and of a man advantage that was gained by the 58th minute. The first goal of the night for the Loyal came from the penalty spot in the 32nd minute, as team captain Charlie Adams converted the penalty perfectly for the 1-0 lead.

San Diego displayed much more offensive prowess than the home team in the first half, with three shots on target to Indy Eleven’s zero. Indy goalkeeper Yannik Ottl was a factor in the first 45 minutes of play with a couple of saves that impeded the Loyal from extending their lead.

San Diego extended its lead in the 54th minute with a strike from inside of the box by Evan Conway. Tumi Moshobane provided a fantastic assist on the scoring play, setting up Conway perfectly with a well-timed pass, weaving his way around the opponent’s backline.

In the 58th minute, Indy Eleven’s Gustavo Rissi received a red card after a very rough tackle on Adrien Perez when he was through on net. With the 2-0 advantage and the man advantage, it seemed like it was nearly impossible for the Loyal not to win this match.

However, the unexpected did happen, and Indy Eleven scored two goals from penalties by Aodhan Quinn. The first was awarded in the 63rd minute when Kyle Adams knocked down Solomon Asante in the box. Solomon Asante also gained the second penalty as he was knocked down by Elijah Martin inside of the penalty area. Aodhan Quinn converted both penalties perfectly, as Indy Eleven had tied the game by the 82nd minute of play.

Indy Eleven seemed to have played better with ten men on the pitch, as the Loyal fell to pieces after gaining their 2-0 lead. Koke Vegas even had to make an important save in the 71st minute of the match on a one vs. one against Douglas Martinez.

This was a highly disappointing result for the Loyal, given how the lead was lost against a team with a man down and against a team that had really struggled in its home games. San Diego will play the third game of its four-game road trip against Hartford Athletic on Saturday, July 8, as they will look to snap this dismal winless streak.

Francisco Velasco

Francisco, 26, Chula Vista/Tijuana. I have been a Padres fan all my life, did most of the series previews and recaps in the Padres’ 2016 season for EVT. Now I focus more on the local soccer scene. Tijuana Xolos, San Diego Loyal, San Diego Wave.