May 13, 2023 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – San Diego Loyal News Release
San Diego Loyal’s Adrien Perez greets fans
(San Diego Loyal)
SAN DIEGO – San Diego Loyal SC played to a 3-2 loss against visiting Rio Grande Valley FC Toros Saturday night at Torero Stadium. Adrien Perez and Joe Corona scored for SD Loyal but it wasn’t enough against the South Texas team.
SD Loyal (5W-3L-2D, 17 points) will now hit the road for three-straight weeks before its next home match on Friday, June 9 against Sacramento Republic FC (7 p.m.).
Against Rio Grande Valley Saturday, SD Loyal got a first half goal from Perez and a score from Corona in second half stoppage time. But Head Coach Nate Miller’s team fell behind early when the visitors found goals from Roberto Coronado (26th minute) and Christiano Francois (31st minute). Coronado scored with a right-footed shot from near the top of the penalty area, while Francois headed in a ball from inside the six-yard box off a cross by Ricardo Ruiz.
SD Loyal answered the second goal by Rio Grande Valley (2W-2L-5D, 11 points) with a score from Perez (35th minute). The midfielder sped up the left flank and sent in an intended cross that curled into the net. The ball floated over defenders and over Rio Grande Valley goalkeeper John Deric, crashing into the right wall of the goal for Perez’ second goal of the season to cut the deficit in half.
The visitors answered again four minutes later, this time with a left-footed shot by Ruiz from just inside the penalty box for the final goal of the night.
SD Loyal looked to remain on the offensive in the second half, creating a handful of chances. The team eventually landed a penalty kick when Elliot Collier was taken down in the box in stoppage time. Corona converted the penalty kick for his second league goal this season but the visitors held strong in the final moments of the match.
SD Loyal’s long road stretch begins at Miami FC on Saturday, May 20 followed by matches at Oakland Roots SC (May 27th) and San Antonio FC (June 3). The club returns to Torero Stadium on Friday, June 9 to take on Sacramento Republic FC (7 p.m.). Tickets to the upcoming home match are available now at sdloyal.com/tickets.
GOAL SCORING RUNDOWN
RGV – Robert Coronado (Ricardo Ruiz), 26th minute: Coronado sent a shot from just outside the penalty box. SD 0, RGV 1
RGV – Christiano Francois, 31st minute: Francois headed in a deflection to extend the lead for the visitors. SD 0, RGV 2
SD – Adrien Perez (Ronaldo…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at OurSports Central Outdoor Soccer News…