Xavi Gnaulati stole the show as San Diego Loyal defeated Monterey Bay Union 3-2
Credit: SD Loyal
The San Diego Loyal have done it again.
They stormed back down 2-0 to beat Monterey Bay Union 3-2. 18-year-old Xavi Gnaulati put on a showcase in stoppage time to carry the Loyal to a huge win. He scored the equalizer and the match winner in less than three minutes.
The Loyal improve to (13-9-7) with 46 points and (+11) goal difference, which places them into 4th place in the Western Conference. Phoenix Rising FC also have 46 points, but the Loyal have the tiebreaker with their 3-0 win over Phoenix way back in March.
San Diego started this match well but dominating possession and giving them chances to score. That worked out for them at the end as they adjusted and were able to continuing pressuring the Union defenders. Their aggression paid off, as they were the much better team in the second half.
Monterey Bay scored the first two goals. Just when you thought that this match would fold, Adrian Perez did not let that happen. He scored the first goal of the match for SD, which was a rebound goal from the right side.
The Loyal dominated possession 72% to 28%. There was nothing that Monterey could do to control take control after scoring those early goals.
Entering stoppage time, San Diego trailed 2-1, and then Gnaulati scored the two goals to win it. The matched looked over as stoppage time started, but the Loyal did not give up.
The next match for San Diego is at home against Las Vegas Lights this Sunday at Torero Stadium. The match starts at 3 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.