Hartford Athletic vs. San Diego Loyal SC

Saturday, July 8 @ 4:30 pm

TV: ESPN+

The time is now for the Loyal to get back in the win column. There is no better opponent to face as the Loyal are now coming on almost two months without a win. Their last win was back on May 20 when they defeated Miami FC 3-2.

Hartford Athletic have just two wins on the season and have lost four in a row. They are (2-11-4) with just 10 points on the season. Athletic sit in last place in the Eastern Conference and have a (-15) goal difference.

As for San Diego Loyal, they have dropped down to 7th in the Western Conference with 24 points and (6-5-6) record. With 27 goals on the season and 25 goals against, the Loyal have just a slim (+2) goal difference.

Last time out, SD and Indy XI finished in a 2-2 tie, as the Loyal have to be sick of draws last this point in the season. Four of their last five matches have resulted in a draw, but of course, that is much better than a loss. Hartford lost to Loudoun United FC 2-1 this past Monday.

Last season, The Loyal hosted Hartford Athletic at Torero Stadium and dominated the match with a 3-0 victory. SD hopes to take advantage of the opportunity in front of them to try and inch closer to the top seed in the West.

The conference is tight. The third seed El Paso Locomotive are just 10 points above the 11th seed RGV Toros. Three straight losses by any team could result in them potentially dropping 7-8 spots. A win for the Loyal Saturday night could move them back up to 5th in the conference if Monterey Bay Union and Phoenix Rising FC don’t win.

Roster News: We’ve signed Mexican international and defender Carlos Guzmán. 🇲🇽

📰 https://t.co/ndFExtgZmm pic.twitter.com/TGVZE4glxQ

— San Diego Loyal (@SanDiegoLoyal) July 5, 2023

Earlier this week, the Loyal signed defender Carlos Guzman. Guzman brings a ton of experience to the Loyal, who are in need of talent in the backline. SD has allowed the 4th most goals on the season in the conference and hopes to turn that around immediately.

Just two more road matches remain until San Diego hosts Borussia Dortmund at Snapdragon Stadium on July 27. After that, SD will host Colorado Switchbacks FC at Torero Stadium on July 30.

Chris Spiering

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.