SD Loyal SC sign midfielder and former USL Champion Jack Blake
Credit: SD Loyal
The San Diego Loyal confirmed early Monday morning that they signed midfielder Jack Blake to a contract through the 2021 season.
Blake departs from Real Monarchs Salt Lake City, where he played a large role in their success the past three seasons.
“Jack is one of the best midfielders in all of the USL,” EVP of Soccer Operations and First Team Manager, Landon Donovan said. “He is a proven winner and has lifted a trophy in this league. Furthermore, he’s a great young man and a terrific leader and we are thrilled to have him join our club.”
Real Monarchs SLC defeated Louisville City FC in the 2019 USL Championship Title Match and are currently the reigning champions due to the 2020 USL Championship Title Match being canceled.
San Diego is wasting no time in this #USL offseason: Corey Hertzog, Thomas Vancaeyezeele, now Jack Blake. On paper, those are additions made with title aspirations in mind. https://t.co/1HSy4FLKzr
— Jeff Rueter (@jeffrueter) December 14, 2020
Blake’s USL Championship campaign is only getting started but has seen great success in his short career. Blake scored 10 goals with the Jacksonville Armada in the North American Soccer League (NASL) before transferring to the USL Championship.
The English Native has appeared in 61 matches while logging over 4,500 total minutes in the USL. He scored 11 goals and assisted on six with SLC. Blake also has stints with the Tampa Bay Rowdies (USL) and Minnesota United (NASL).
A majority of Blake’s success came from his time on the Real Monarchs. In 2019, he captained the team for 23 starts and 25 appearances. When the playoffs came, he rose to the occasion and contributed to help the team win the title. He started all four playoff matches and scored three goals with one assist.
Blake has some sweet goals in his career, proving to be a goal-scoring threat.
Half Volley’s 101: Taught by Professor Jack Blake 🎯⚽️🔥
[📹: @USL] pic.twitter.com/SpLTIccy5W
— COPA90 US (@Copa90US) August 13, 2018
No one:
Jack Blake: 😳🎯🥅 pic.twitter.com/hr4C6xbrNB— Real Monarchs (@RealMonarchs) October 30, 2019
Blake will bring his leadership and winning DNA to San Diego, where the Loyal are looking to make a tremendous leap from the 2020 season.
“I am delighted to be a part of this ambitious organization that has built a strong culture and identity in such a short period of time,” Blake said. “I can’t wait to meet everyone at the club, all the fans and play in front of the supporters group, The Locals. I’m also looking forward to playing some entertaining football with this talented group of players and staff. Let’s bring a championship home to this incredible city.”
The former champion will look to play a crucial role for the Loyal in 2021.
All the way from Nottingham, Jack Blake is all smiles to be SD Loyal.
“Let’s bring a championship to America’s Finest City!” 😍 pic.twitter.com/4bbdIFBkCg
— San Diego Loyal (@SanDiegoLoyal) December 14, 2020
Blake marks the third new addition signed through the 2021 season for the Loyal.
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.