SD Loyal Scores Early, But Not Often As Home Win Streak Snapped in 3-1 Loss

Kyle Vassell was part of SD Loyal’s late push, but it fell short in a 3-1 home loss. Photo credit: @SanDiegoLoyal, via Twitter

San Diego Loyal SC dropped its first home game in six weeks, falling to Oakland Roots SC 3-1 at Torero Stadium despite a first-half goal by Evan Conway.

Conway scored in the 24th minute of Wednesday’s Week 25 USL Championship matchup, but Oakland answered back with two first half goals and a third late.

Conway’s goal came on a Kyle Vassell blocked shot. Oakland goalkeeper Pual Blanchette dove to block Vassel’s close-range shot before Conway charged the rolling ball on the rebound. It Conway’s eighth goal of the season.

But the lead didn’t last long. Juan Carlos Azocar tied the match 1-1 when he brought down a cross by Charlie Dennis and sent it in with his left foot, beating Loyal goalkeeper Koke Vegas in the 28th minute.

Known goal-scorer Evan Conway. #SDvOAK pic.twitter.com/HGzoaBJ0id

— San Diego Loyal (@SanDiegoLoyal) August 25, 2022

Emrah Klimenta scored the game-winner 10 minutes later for the 2-1 lead.

Oakland (7-7-12, 33 points) held off a charging SD Loyal team after the break. Vassell, Conway and Tumi Moshobane each had chances that forced Blanchette to make standout saves.

The team continued to pressure and rallied late, but Oakland withstood the surge and ultimately sealed the win with an Edgardo Rito goal on a counter attack in the 88th minute.

“It’s a good reminder that on any given day, you don’t make all the little plays, then you can lose,” coach Landon Donovan said.

SD Loyal (16-7-4, 52 points) next hits the road for a Sept. 3 match against Monterey Bay FC. The squad remains in second place in the Western Conference as it vies for a top spot in the playoffs.