SD Loyal SC and Phoenix Rising finish in a 2-2 draw
Credit: Loyal
Down 2-0 late, the Phoenix Rising score two goals in stoppage time to force a draw against the San Diego Loyal.
The atmosphere in Phoenix caused a thriller between two rivals.
The last seven minutes of the match turned absolutely bonkers. San Diego dominated the entire match for the first 90 minutes, but when stoppage time started, it took a full 180 turn.
Phoenix couldn’t get a shot to fall the entire match. A team that thrives offensively game in and game out was held scoreless by Trey Muse and the defenders. Forward Santi Moar and midfielder Joey Calistri managed to score late and help the Rising finish a brilliant comeback.
Besides the dramatic ending, the Loyal should be proud of their efforts tonight. They played the top team in the division and held a 2-0 lead up until stoppage time. It is almost an impossible feat to contain the Rising offense for an entire match. The Loyal almost did that.
Early in the first half, Miguel Berry took position from the defender and drilled his shot from the right side of the box for his first goal of the season.
Phoenix, welcome to @MiguelBerry92. 🔥 #PHXvSD | 0-1 pic.twitter.com/2xZvPH6PeU
— San Diego Loyal (@SanDiegoLoyal) June 6, 2021
The San Diego native and USD Alum gave the Loyal their first lead on the road this season.
San Diego gave Phoenix a run for their money in the first half. Every loose ball and jump ball seemed to go San Diego’s way as they controlled possession 58% to 42% in the first 45. The Rising did manage to earn eight corner kicks, trying to stay in the game. Corey Hertzog and Berry were all over the place, demanding the ball and creating chances. Nothing seemed to faze them as they continued to put pressure on the Rising defenders.
The second 45 went a similar way as the first 45. San Diego continued to control the match, but Phoenix wouldn’t give up at all.
In the 71st minute, midfielder Jack Blake whipped his shot around the keeper to add on to their lead.
Nobody hits them cleaner than @jackblake94. 🤫#PHXvSD | 0-2 pic.twitter.com/7WTVu2MF6y
— San Diego Loyal (@SanDiegoLoyal) June 6, 2021
San Diego had their biggest lead of the season, 2-0.
Although, the lead and possible upset wouldn’t last as Phoenix wouldn’t go down without a fight. The Rising took control late in the match and kept creating chance after chance. The Loyal did everything in their power to hold on tight and were seconds away from doing so.
The Loyal earn one point and are now tied with the Oakland Roots but remain in seventh place in the Pacific Division due to goal difference.
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Landon Donovan and the Loyal are showing signs of improving each match. They will continue to try and progress up the division as they head up the I-5 freeway to face Orange County SC on Wednesday, June 9. The match starts at 7 p.m.
Additional News and NotesÂ
- Phoenix ended with 31 total shots with only three on target. San Diego finished with ten shots with six on target.
- Phoenix ended with 18 corner kicks to Loyal’s seven.
- Midfielder Alejandro Guido and defender Grant Stoneman were unavailable due to lower-body injuries.
- The July 3rd home match on ESPN2 against Sac Republic FC has been rescheduled to 4 pm.
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.