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USL San Diego Loyal

Loud, Proud Supporters Lift SD Loyal to 3-0 Win Over Birmingham Legion FC

September 3, 2023 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
San Diego Loyal News Release


SAN DIEGO - San Diego Loyal SC was back in front of its faithful fans as it blanked Birmingham Legion FC 3-0 Sunday afternoon at Torero Stadium.

The lively crowd erupted behind standout saves from goalkeeper Koke Vegas and after Blake Bodily, Tumi Moshobane and Collin Martin each scored in the USL Championship interconference match up. Head Coach Nate Miller's team earned three more points in the Western Conference standings with its shutout win against the Eastern Conference team from Alabama. SD Loyal now heads into a three-match road trip, starting at Charleston Battery next weekend.

Sunday against Birmingham (11W-13L-3D, 36 points), it was Bodily who opened up the scoring in the 18th minute when he sent a curling right-footed shot into the left wall of the net, beating goalkeeper Matt Vanoekel. Bodily sent in his fifth goal of the season on a cross by Adrien Perez that was deflected by Birmingham's Alex Crognale to the heart of the penalty box where Bodily was charging in.

The team's commitment to attack and pressure Birmingham was once again rewarded in the 39th minute when Moshobane doubled the homeside's lead. The striker sped towards the six-yard box after taking an Alejandro Guido quick pass and fired a left-footed shot between Vanoekel and the left post. It was the South African's seventh goal of 2023 and 24th overall with SD Loyal, adding to his All-Time club scoring lead.

SD Loyal (12W-7L-7D, 43 points) continued to enforce its style of play on Birmingham in the second half while also remaining orderly on defense, even after making substitutions. One of those subs included Ronaldo Damus, who helped set up the third goal of the match.

The homeside sealed the victory in the 84th minute when Martin tapped in a shot by Damus that bounced off the left post. Martin was near the goal line and pushed in the ball that Damus had tried to flick over a defender. The midfielder fed Damus in the build up to set up the scoring play that would result in Martin's first goal of the season.

SD Loyal now heads back on the road to face Charleston Battery on Saturday, Sept. 9 (4:30 p.m., The CW San Diego). After two additional road stops in Louisville (Sept. 16) and Monterey Bay (Sept. 20), the club will be back in front of its home crowd on Sunday, Sept. 24 (3 p.m.) against Las Vegas Lights FC. Tickets to the next home match are available now at sdloyal.com/tickets.

GOAL SCORING RUNDOWN

SD - Blake Bodily, 18th minute: Bodily curled in a right-footed shot from near the heart of the penalty box. SD 1, BHM 0

SD - Tumi Moshobane (Alejandro Guido), 39th minute: Moshobane scored the second goal of the day with a left-footed shot just inside the left post. SD 2, BHM 0

SD - Collin Martin, 84th minute: Martin tapped in a Ronaldo Damus shot that bounced off the left post. SD 3, BHM 0

ADDITIONAL NOTES

Blake Bodily scored his fifth goal of the season.

Tumi Moshobane scored his seventh goal of the season.

Collin Martin scored his first goal of the season.

Alejandro Guido recorded his third assist of the season.

Palomar Health Man of the Match: Koke Vegas

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United Soccer League Championship Stories from September 3, 2023


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