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USL San Diego Loyal

SD Loyal Continues Set of Home Matches with Affair vs. Las Vegas Lights FC

August 17, 2021 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
San Diego Loyal News Release


San Diego Loyal (SD Loyal) begins a two-match week on Wednesday, Aug. 18 vs. Las Vegas Lights FC. Coach Landon Donovan's squad has another opportunity to earn points at home as part of two home matches this week and the third of a four-game homestand this month.

WHO:

SD Loyal

Las Vegas Lights FC

WHEN:

Wednesday, Aug. 18

7:30 p.m. PT

WHERE:

Torero Stadium at USD

5998 Alcala Park

San Diego, CA 92110

MATCH PREVIEW:

Landon Donovan talked about how his team was nearly perfect at all aspects of the game before it allowed a couple of goals on defensive miscues. A pair of errors that led to a loss to Tacoma Defiance last week overshadowed the overall performance of the Loyal and ultimately led to the team's second consecutive loss and third in-a-row at home. But Donovan said he believes his team has the chance to turn things around and come away with points in what remains of this homestand, starting with Wednesday's match against Las Vegas.

"I try to separate the performance from the result and the points but the problem is that the pain is coming right now because the little moments that matter we are not doing and that's costing us points," Donovan said. "That hurts. Everyone wants to win and that makes it challenging. But we will make it right. We just go back to work. We have only a couple of days until Vegas comes here and then another game on the weekend, a big one against Orange County."

SD Loyal is also hurting with a handful of starters out to injury. Donovan has opted to use players who recently joined the squad while also giving some of the young academy contract players critical minutes. Oliver Larraz, who was brought on loan two weeks ago, started against Tacoma Defiance and played as a rightback, a position he normally doesn't play. Donovan also gave youngster Ian Mai some playing time in the second half.

SD Loyal could take advantage of its success against Las Vegas. It has never lost to the Lights. The Loyal leads the series 3-0-2, including two wins this season. Corey Hertzog, SD Loyal forward has a chance to make history after scoring his 71st USL career goal against Tacoma. Hertzog can tie and possibly surpass Jorge Herrera (72) with a goal or two against Las Vegas.

Las Vegas Lights comes into the match as the seventh-place team in the eight team Pacific Division. The Lights are coming off a 2-1 loss to Sacramento Republic. It has one victory in its last six games, with also a draw against Phoenix Rising. Las Vegas last won July 10 with a 2-1 outing against expansion side Oakland Roots.

Last week in its loss to Sacramento Republic, Las Vegas allowed a pair of second half goals by Cameron Iwasa. Las Vegas had taken a 1-0 lead in the 21st minute when Sacramento's Luis Fernandes sent in an own goal.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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