The San Diego Loyal continues to stack up milestones in its first three years in existence by adding another mark to its history with a 2-1 win against Albion San Diego in its first-ever Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup appearance on April 6.
A late goal by Taylor Crull at Canyon Crest Academy, the home site of Albion, helped clinch the Loyal’s first win in the single elimination tournament and helped send coach Landon Donovan’s team to the third round of the historic competition.
Crull sent in a header off an Alejandro Guido (Mater Dei Catholic) corner kick in the 89th minute to seal the scoring off a match that had the Loyal trying to break through the Albion defense for most of the night.
Donovan’s squad finally broke the defensive stand by the National Independent Soccer Association team with a goal by Evan Conway to open up the scoring in the 41st minute. Conway scored for the Loyal after he split a pair of defenders as he sprinted into the penalty box, reaching a through-pass after he beat his mark. The forward flicked the ball and Albion goalkeeper Benjamin Roach got a piece of it. But it wasn’t enough. The ball continued to roll into an open net.
It was Conway’s second goal with the Loyal and the club’s first ever goal in the nationwide tournament that pairs professional and amateur clubs from throughout the country.
The Loyal continued to move the ball fluidly in the second half, carrying the momentum over from Conway’s first half goal.
Albion was able to find the net itself to tie the game, 1-1, in the 65th minute with a goal by Mayale Malango. He sent in a cross from left to right past Loyal goalkeeper Austin Guerrero (Otay Ranch), who crashed into one of his defenders as he tried to make the save.
The home side’s tying goal, along with a tight defense led to Donovan bringing on a handful of regular starters late in the second half. The move paid off. It led to the game-winner by Crull off the precise corner kick by Guido.
USL Championship rival L.A. Galaxy II will host the Loyal in third round play April 19 at the Health Dignity Sports Park.
