SD Loyal SC defeat LA Galaxy II 4-2
Credit: SD Loyal
The San Diego Loyal earn three points and move into second place in the Pacific Division.
The sun was shining in San Diego, but the Loyal brought the heat on Sunday. Four goals are their second-highest of the season, and it couldn’t have come at a better time.
Remember when the Loyal started the season 0-4? I do. Since then, they have only lost a combined five times in 18 matches. Their record is now (10-9-3) with 33 points and sole possession of second place. LA falls to (6-10-5) with 23 points, and unless they go on a winning streak, will likely miss the playoffs.
Prior to Sunday’s matchup, the Loyal added two new players to the active roster. Midfielder Douglas Martinez Jr started in his Loyal debut, while defender Gianfranco Facchineri spectated with the reserves but did come into the match late.
Manager Landon Donovan switched things up with his starting XI, with an emphasis on scoring. Alejandro Guido, Miguel Ibarra, Douglas Martinez Jr, Augustine Williams, and Corey Hertzog all started up front for the Loyal. They started in a 4-2-3-1 formation with Austin Guerrero in goal.
Williams started the scoring for the Loyal in the 11th minute, off a fantastic cross from Elijah Martin. The two of them made that connection seem routine.
A hot start in sunny San Diego. 🔥#SDvLA | @SanDiegoLoyal pic.twitter.com/wBrgzZozmp
— USL Championship (@USLChampionship) September 5, 2021
Hertzog wanted to join in on the fun and connected with a goal in the 42nd minute. Williams assisted to Hertzog as he scored with his left foot.
The Loyal are charged up again with Cory Hertzog. âš¡#SDvLA | @SanDiegoLoyal pic.twitter.com/4s8DBOUZjs
— USL Championship (@USLChampionship) September 5, 2021
The Loyal dominated the first half, maintaining possession as usual and finding the gaps in the defense. That was as well of a half as a team can play.
The second half started with LA playing very aggressive. It turned out to be a good thing, but only for about two minutes. Galaxy II connected with a goal in the 63rd minute, but the Loyal responded immediately as Hertzog found the net again.
Hertzog continues to play well as he has all season and now has five goals on the year. Tumi Moshobane has seven, and he came into the match around the 60th minute as a substitute.
That goal puts Hertzog in a tie for the second most USL Championship career goals with 72.
Hertzog was asked about what it meant to score that goal.
“It means a lot,” Hertzog said. “I do this for my family and everyone back home where I started. I want to get to that number one spot but as long as we get three points every week I’ll be happy.”
Moshobane didn’t want Hertzog to pass him on goals, so he decided to score for himself in the 79th minute. Moshobane weaved past every defender and found himself open in the box, easily putting it past LA’s keeper.
Straight into the match and on the scoresheet!@Tumi_Scara10 making it look too easy. 👌#SDvLA pic.twitter.com/eFu3dlliBz
— San Diego Loyal (@SanDiegoLoyal) September 5, 2021
The Loyal is playing as well as they have all season. Their chemistry is so good that it’s noticeable.
“It’s making plays and we talk about that a lot,” Donovan said. “Once players start getting confident and being more comfortable around the goal, then it becomes a domino effect.”
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LA found the net again in the 87th minute, but it wasn’t enough as the Loyal held on for the much-needed win.
The next match for SD is Saturday, September 11, on the road in Oakland at 7:00 p.m.
The next home match for the Loyal is two weeks from today, Sunday, September 19th, at 3:00 p.m. They will host the Tacoma Defiance, who have beaten the Loyal all three times so far this season. San Diego will look to end that streak.
Additional NewsÂ
- Midfielder Collin Martin returned to the active roster but didn’t start. He missed a couple of weeks with a lower-body injury. He appeared late in the match and received a yellow card shortly after.
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.