This week, San Diego Loyal SC makes its only scheduled visit to Heart Health Park this season. The SoCal club has enjoyed a hot start to the 2023 campaign, entering week three as one of only two squads perfect through their first two matches. Ahead of this week’s match, get to know Sacramento’s opponent.
2023 Outlook
Despite an early exit in last year’s postseason, San Diego remains one of the league’s best entering the year. Expectations remain high with a squad largely the same as last season, supplemented by some high-value additions. Another season atop the Western Conference standings appears in the wings in the eyes of both pundits and opponents.
Last Week’s Drama
San Diego recorded a 3-0 win over Phoenix Rising FC in Week 2 – their second straight shutout to open 2023. The club took the lead in the 44th minute and never looked back, netting two more in the second half. Phoenix did well to generate opportunities, but a strong backline performance for the hosts allowed just three shots on target.
Offseason Moves
On the club’s coaching staff, Landon Donovan ceded his role as Head Coach and moved to the front office as the VP of Soccer Operations. In his stead, assistant Nate Miller was promoted to lead the club on the pitch.
The club returned the bulk of their core from each of the last two seasons. Returning to the club during the offseason on new contracts were captain Charlie Adams, forwards Thomas Amang, Evan Conway, and Collin Martin, defender Elijah Martin, and Spanish goalkeeper Koke Vegas, among a plethora of others.
Loyal SC’s on-field additions were headlined by former USMNT midfielder Joe Corona. Alongside the SoCal native, the club brought in 2022 USL Champion Elliot Collier from San Antonio FC and former loanee in 2021 Blake Bodily.
Head to Head
Sacramento and San Diego have faced off seven times previously, all in league play. Sacramento has taken one all-time victory. The club has had better luck at home than away, posting a 1-1-1 record in three matches at Heart Health Park.
The two clubs last faced off in the 2022 regular season finale, with the Indomitable Club scoring three times in the opening 15 minutes on their way to a 4-0 win.
