Orange County SC Fall Late to SD Loyal SC
San Diego Loyal SC continues to draw attention as one of the most in-form clubs of the USL following an impressive home victory against Orange County SC. San Diego has gone unbeaten in the previous nine regular-season matches and now sits tied with OCSC at second place in the division.
USL News: San Diego Loyal SC recorded a 2-1 comeback victory over Orange County SC on Wednesday night to keep pace with the top clubs of the Pacific Division. On Wednesday night, the United Soccer League (USL) club hosted 5,462 supporters at Torero Stadium.
Callum Montgomery and Tumi Moshobane were the goalscorers for the hosts, while Eero Markkanen put OCSC on the board. The tally was Montgomery’s first goal of the 2021 campaign. Moshobane’s goal was his second versus OCSC this season.
For the first hour of the match, both teams knocked on each other’s door looking for the opener.
In the 60th minute, SD Loyal defender Grant Stoneman was sent off with two yellow cards in the match. Markkanen opened the scoring for the visitors seven minutes later as OCSC pushed to take control of the contest.
Despite the disadvantage and deficit, San Diego continued with its game plan and threw numbers high during transition. Support from the Locals echoed throughout the stadium, which provided extra energy for a final push.
“When we play going to that side, we actually have an advantage,” said Moshobane. “We have 12 men. When Stoneman got the red card it was then 11v11. The Locals do a great job of cheering us on and chanting. They put pressure on the opposition. It gives us an extra boost.”
The hosts leveled the score in the 74th minute off a free-kick. Jack Blake sent in a ball from the left flank for Montgomery to flick to the back post and into the net. Two minutes later, Blake dribbled into the penalty area from the left sideline and attempted a pass that was deflected into the air. Moshobane reacted quickly and headed the ball to the far post for the game-winner.
Moshobane quickly acknowledged his teammates watching from the sideline and ran over to celebrate the team win. Although these individuals were not called up for the match, Moshobane’s behavior fits this San Diego side that emphasizes support of one another.
“I celebrated with some of the guys that didn’t dress and were supporting us,” said Moshobane. “It’s always fun to celebrate with the team. It lets everyone know that they are also part of the team even if they are not selected.”
San Diego Loyal SC will host Phoenix Rising FC in its next match at Torero Stadium on Saturday, July 24. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. Phoenix currently sits in first place of the Pacific Division. Orange County SC will return home to take on RGV FC Toros on Saturday, July 17, at Championship Soccer Stadium in Irvine, CA. Kickoff is at 5:00 p.m.
Photo Credit: Chris Rael
