SD Loyal SC lose 2-0 in first round of playoffs
Credit: SD Loyal
San Antonio FC put on a defensive showcase to keep the Loyal scoreless in the first-ever meeting.
The season will come to an end for the San Diego Loyal. Year two displayed many memories that this club will never forget. One of them was making it to the playoffs, where they did so as the No. 3 seed.
However, the first-ever playoff match for the Loyal did not go their way whatsoever. San Antonio FC quickly gained momentum and never looked back.
San Antonio controlled the entire first half. Nathan Fogaça and Santiago Patino scored the early goals for San Antonio FC that put them up comfortably. Nothing went San Diego’s way in the first 45 minutes. San Antonio played extremely sound and didn’t miss an opportunity given.
Set piece 𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙛𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 from @SanAntonioFC 👌#SAvSD | @TS_Sportsbook pic.twitter.com/LWDJARih4q
— USL Championship (@USLChampionship) November 6, 2021
The Loyal almost scored around the 35th minute, but San Antonio defender Michell Taintor might have had the save of the year to keep the Loyal from pulling one back. Instead, he jumped up and headed the ball up and out of play as it was inches away from crossing the line. Taintor played exceptionally well in the first half to keep SD from creating any real chances.
Manager Landon Donovan issued some substitutions to start the second half to try and get back into the match. They picked up the pace but ultimately couldn’t find a way to score. They dominated the possession 60-40 but only managed to get one shot on target with 15 attempted.
San Antonio kept the Loyal scoreless with some terrific play from the defenders. They stopped many attempts and shut down the Loyal attack. Whether it came from slide tackles or deflections off the goalkeeper’s face, San Antonio showed up and got the job done.
FULL TIME:@SanAntonioFC – 2@SanDiegoLoyal – 0#SAvSD | https://t.co/TYPqzUItu5 pic.twitter.com/8hOajitYIT
— USL Championship (@USLChampionship) November 6, 2021
San Antonio will now wait to face the winner of the (No. 1) Phoenix Rising FC vs. (No. 4) Rio Grande Valley Toros FC match Saturday night.
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The way this season ended is difficult for San Diego. This team started out 0-4 and then went on a nine-match unbeaten streak. They worked their way to second place in the division but then fell to third place late in the season. This will definitely be a season to remember, and the fans should be proud of their effort.
March 2022 can’t come soon enough.
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.