Three SD Loyal Players Named to USL Championship Team of the Week

August 23, 2022 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – San Diego Loyal News Release

SAN DIEGO – For the second time this season, San Diego Loyal SC had three players named to the USL Championship Team of the Week. Kyle Vassell, Charlie Adams and Jack Blake were each recognized for their performances in the club’s 3-1 win against El Paso Locomotive Saturday night.

Vassell scored a goal, Jack Blake notched one assist and Adams recorded two assists as all three players were instrumental in the SD Loyal ball distribution and attack in the Western Conference matchup.

Vassell opened the scoring with his 12th goal of the season after he received a long ball, beat his defender and sprinted up field before slotting in a left-footed shot. He also had four shots overall, and completed 23 of 27 passes and five of six dribbles to prove a consistent threat in the attacking half of the field. Vassell’s goal topped his personal best for goals in a single season for his professional career. The striker scored 11 for English side Blackpool in 2016-17 and again in 2017-18.

It was Blake who assisted on Vassell’s goal at Southwest University Park. The Englishman has been playing a different role at midfield for SD Loyal this season and it has been paying off. Blake has been a key to the fluid brand of soccer exposing opponent weaknesses. It was noticeable against El Paso as he also had five chances created as part of an impressive all-around performance that saw him complete 18 of 20 passes, win four of four tackles and five of seven duels. He also had 10 recoveries in the match.

The other two goals by SD Loyal Saturday came from Thomas Amang and Evan Conway, who were each set up by Adams. The team captain assisted both scores with pin-point passing. Adams fed Amang a floating left-footed cross for his first assist while the other came on a set piece that Conway headed in for the final score of the match. The midfielder also had five chances created, completing 18 of 20 passes. He won four of four tackles and five of seven duels and made 10 recoveries.

Vassell, Blake and Adams mark the 10th, 11th and 12th instances where SD Loyal players have been named to the league’s Team of the Week. Tumi Moshobane and Alejandro Guido made their first appearances early in the season, Vassell was first named in April and Moshobane and Guido received their second honors in July. Grant Stoneman, Collin Martin and Koke Vegas were recognized on Aug. 9 before Adams was named to his first…