With three new signings this past week the Loyal took to Las Vegas in hopes of a win and three points to keep their playoff push alive. New defender
With three new signings this past week the Loyal took to Las Vegas in hopes of a win and three points to keep their playoff push alive. New defender Tarek Morad got the start and Alejandro Guido came off the bench at halftime to bolster the attack. After a first half that did not see any clear cut chances for either side the second half provided two goals. The Loyal scored first but could not hold that lead and were forced to settle for the one point.
Recently rostered striker Miguel Berry created the lone Loyal goal in the 57th minute when he ran down a ball in the corner to keep it in play. He then impressively dribbled two Las Vegas Lights defenders and played Collin Martin at the top of the box. Collin effectively finished with a low hard shot to the keepers right. As Miguel missed a golden opportunity just minutes before his effort and skill in this play made of for the shot he put over the bar from close range.
Both teams brought on attacking substitutions in the second half. There was an urgency to get all three points from both teams. The Loyal and Las Vegas Lights both currently sit at the bottom of Group B. Second half sub Blake Frischknecht scored with what appeared to be his first touch of the game and it looked like a potentially offside position. A high cross from the left was allowed to drop near the Loyal penalty spot. The Lights attackers were then able to connect a short pass that found Frischknecht alone in front of Loyal Goalkeeper Jon Kempin. There was little that Kempin could do as it was slotted past him from close range.
With the playoff picture looking out of reach at this point there is still much to be gained with the remainder of the season. The Loyal play table toppers Phoenix Rising twice over the final stretch. Hopefully, new signing Rubio Rubin can support the attack as the Loyal are finding it difficult to score regularly. Next up for the Loyal is another away match vs the LA Galaxy II in Carson on Sunday. The game can be seen on the The CW Network San Diego.
