SD Loyal SC match preview against Tacoma Defiance

San Diego Loyal SC vs. Tacoma Defiance

Torero Stadium – University of San Diego

Kickoff is Saturday, August 14 at 7:30

TV – ESPN+ – Fox 5 San Diego

After losing three of the last four matches, the Loyal look to regroup and earn three points against a tough Tacoma squad.

The San Diego Loyal are going through some midseason struggles. They still sit in playoff contention but haven’t quite found the rhythm that they are seeking.

Through 17 matches, the Loyal are in third place in the Pacific Division with 24 points on the year. Their record is (7-7-3), but they are 7-3-3 since their 0-4 start to the season.

Tacoma is right behind them. Through 15 games, the Defiance earned 21 points and are in fourth place with a (5-4-6) record.

Last Time Out

It was nothing more than a poor performance from the Loyal last Saturday night. They lost 1-0 to the last-place Real Monarchs SLC of the Mountain Division.

The Loyal didn’t have some of their usual starters but nonetheless couldn’t get the job done against an obviously weaker opponent. Defenders Jack Metcalf, Elijah Martin, Callum Montgomery, and midfielder Collin Martin missed the match due to an injury.

SLC scored in the first minute of the entire match, and from there, held on for 89 straight minutes for the victory. SLC entered the match with a (-13) goal difference, and the Loyal couldn’t score once.

What to expect in the third match between SD and Tacoma

Tacoma has dominated San Diego in both of their matches this season. The Defiance won 3-1 in the first match and 2-1 in the second. Both matches were in Washington, but the next two will be in San Diego, where the Loyal usually play a lot better.

Manager Landon Donovan has a lot on his plate right now. His team is dealing with injuries and is struggling to score. The defensive side of the ball is playing great, despite the injuries to almost all the starters. The team added a few loanees to the active roster and, with more training and experience, should fit right into Donovan’s plans.

This season, Tacoma has the Loyal’s number. Although last year, San Diego didn’t have any trouble scoring against them. If the Loyal can get back to their roots and play their style of soccer, then this team will start trending in the right direction.

𝙇𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙣 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙞𝙩 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙜𝙧𝙤𝙬. 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙪𝙡𝙩𝙨 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚.

Landon Donovan has told us to trust the process before, and it’s paid off. Now we recover, improve and progress. #SDLoyal pic.twitter.com/Ax9zTDTous

— San Diego Loyal (@SanDiegoLoyal) August 8, 2021

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The Loyal will play two straight home matches after this one, and so this homestand is very important. If the Loyal can get back on their unbeaten streak, then this team will make a strong case for competing for the USL Championship.

Additional News

• Defender Jack Metcalf underwent successful shoulder surgery and is expected to miss the rest of the season.

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.