The San Diego Loyal returned home to Torero Stadium to another sellout crowd. The Loyal supporters certainly wanted to make a statement tonight,t and they did.

With all the rumors and speculations about a potential MLS team, the fans knew this was their moment. The supporters were loud and in the game from the very start. However, the match did not go the way the Loyal had intended it to go.

Torero Stadium witnessed a goal-scoring fest in the first half of the match. RGV managed to score three goals in about 15 minutes to jump out to the huge advantage. That third goal proved to be the winner as the Loyal could not complete the comeback.

This was not a great match for SD. They played a sloppy first half and paid the price for it.

Here is what head coach Nate Miller had to say about the 15-min span.

“We were two yards late to every player in the midfield,” Miller said. “We weren’t winning duels and were very very poor in all the confrontations and we have to start there.”

The lone goal for the Loyal in the first half came from Adrian Perez. Perez stunned Toros’ keeper John Deric with the beautiful touch.

Adrien Perez from downtown San Diego. 🚀 pic.twitter.com/g89O5phAsM

— San Diego Loyal (@SanDiegoLoyal) May 14, 2023

That was Perez’s second goal of the season for the Loyal. After the game, Perez said it was a cross attempt that happened to go in the back of the net.

“It was a cross,” Perez said. “But hey, I will take the goal. I was aiming for the far post and you know, it just floated back there.”

The second half started, and the Loyal came out very aggressive. You could tell they desperately wanted to bring it to within one goal right out of the gate. Some substitutions were made to bring in fresh legs, and it almost paid off right away.

Evan Conway and Perez both attempted a shot in the box that nearly brought the Loyal to within one.

Just when many thought the match was over, San Diego delivered on a penalty kick to give the Loyal a chance for a draw.

When stoppage time started, Joe Corona drilled in the goal as Torero Stadium turned into a frenzy.

It’s not over yet!! The Loyal bring it to within one goal as stoppage time begins thanks to the penalty from Joe Corona #SDvRGV | 2-3 pic.twitter.com/KMyDnuEFPR

— Chris Spiering (@Clutch__Chris) May 14, 2023

This team does not give up.

“Obviously … this is a team that never quits,” Miller said. “There is a zero percent chance that ever happens. We put ourselves in a poor position in the first half to chase the game. I’m extremely disappointed about that.”

Despite the loss, there are some positives to look out for. SD continued to control the pace of the game and possession. The Loyal had a 44.4% shooting accuracy,y and if there were more time out there, I’m certain this team would have completed the comeback.

SD fell to (5-3-2) on the season with 17 points which is good for 4th in the Western Conference. RGV improved to (2-2-5) with 11 points which places them 10th in the conference.

The next match for the Loyal is on the road in Miami a week from tonight.

Match News & Notes

• RGV outshot the Loyal 17-9 while attempting nine from inside the box.
• Corona nailed his 4th goal (2nd in USL) of the season (two in U.S. Open Cup)

Chris Spiering

Chris is a graduate of the University of San Diego. He is the former Sports Editor for the USDVista newspaper. Chris is also an athlete and is huge fan of San Diego sports. Chris has covered the San Diego Loyal, and contributes regularly about the Padres.