SD Loyal SC and Orange County SC finish in 1-1 draw
Goalkeeper Trey Muse shines as San Diego earns one point on the road in Irvine.
The San Diego Loyal started the scoring early as Tumi Moshobane connected with a goal in the 14th minute. Orange County later scored in the 50th minute to even the score and forced the Loyal to give up their lead in the second straight match. San Diego moves up to sixth place in the Pacific Division with five points and (-6) goal difference. Orange County moves into a three-way tie for third place (+1 goal difference) between Tacoma Defiance (+1) and Sacramento Republic (-3) with seven points.
Moshobane started at forward for the first time this season and scored his second goal in a Loyal kit (first of the season).
.@Tumi_Scara10 grabbing the opener and celebrating in front of the traveling supporters.
Give us all this energy!!
#OCvSD | 0-1 pic.twitter.com/wVsA2iSPoy
ā San Diego Loyal (@SanDiegoLoyal) June 10, 2021
The first half displayed many defensive highlights as the Loyal held OC scoreless through the first 45+1. Minutes after the Moshobane goal, OC earned a corner kick in the 17th minute. Defender and Captain, Jack Metcalf saved a shot with a goal-line clearance that would have evened the score. Two minutes later Trey Muse saved what would have also been a goal off a header. OC earned a couple of corner kicks during that span but couldn’t convert.
Muse saved another attempt in the 26th minute that left the stadium in amazement. His size and length didn’t allow for the header to convert and kept Orange County scoreless.
We’re stoked you’re here, @Trey_Muse. #OCvSD | @StoneBrewing pic.twitter.com/qKwFwkSCqG
ā San Diego Loyal (@SanDiegoLoyal) June 10, 2021
The loanee continues to impress in his first season in San Diego.
Orange County leveled the match at one apiece with a goal from the right side of the box just minutes after the start of the second half. There wasn’t anything Muse could do with that shot as the ball was placed perfectly.
After the goal from OC, the match turned into what seemed like a stalemate. Both sides couldn’t get a rhythm going or many shots on target. Muse did save yet another attempt in the 82nd minute that would have given OC the late lead. Orange County could have finished this match with 3+ goals if it wasn’t for the loanee.
It’s another tough break for the Loyal. They once again looked like the more dominant team but couldn’t get the result they wanted. San Diego is playing well in the first half by generating leads and shutting out the opponent, but the second half must improve if they want to earn three points.
The good news is that the Loyal are one win away from moving into third place outright in the division.
That could come as early as this Saturday, June 12 when the Loyal host Los Angeles Galaxy II at Torero Stadium. “Los Dos” is currently second in the division with 11 points and a (+6) goal difference.
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.