On a play that began on a corner kick, L.A.’s Jesus Vazquez (falling, in white) scored in the 71st minute on a header after SD Loyal goalkeeper Joe Kempin kept several balls out. Photo by Chris Stone
San Diego Loyal SCallowed a 71st-minute goal to Jesus Vasquez in a 1-0 loss to LA Galaxy II Sunday evening in their first game at Torero Stadium at the University of San Diego in more than four months.
Jorge Hernandez sent a cross to Augustine Williams, who headed the ball to Vasquez, who put a header from 4 yards out past SD Loyal goalkeeper Jon Kempin for his first goal in two appearances this season.
In its first loss of the season, SD Loyal was outshot 18-8 and trailed 8-1 in shots on goal against the team nicknamed “Los Dos” (2-1-0), the reserves squad of the Los Angeles Galaxy of Major League Soccer.
Francis Atuahene appeared to score for SD Loyal (2-1-1) on a rebound in the fourth minute but was ruled to be offside. But nobody booed, since the stands were empty amid COVID constraints.
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On a play that began on a corner kick, L.A.’s Jesus Vazquez scored in the 71st minute on a header after SD Loyal goalkeeper Joe Kempin kept several balls out. Photo by Chris Stone
San Diego goalie Jon Kempin made key saves and was credited by Loyal coach Landon Donovan with keeping San Diego in the game. Photo by Chris Stone
Loyal Tumi Moshobani (right) takes control of the ball against LA Galaxy II at Torero Stadium at the University of San Diego. Photo by Chris Stone
A large team flag rests on the bleacher section where the Locals usually cheer. Photo by Chris Stone
San Diego Loyal player Francis Atuahene kneels for 15 seconds for racial equality before the start of the match. Photo by Chris Stone
San Diego Loyal player Francis Atuahene (center) nearly scores a goal in the first half of the match but the ball hit the goal post. Photo by Chris Stone
LA Galaxy II’s Jesus Vazquez does a header during a match with San Diego Loyal at USD. Photo by Chris Stone
Galaxy player Jorge Hernandez received a yellow card in the second half of the match with San Diego Legion. Photo by Chris Stone
Head coach Landon Donovan (bottom center) and other coaches talk to the Loyal team during a hydration break in the second half. Photo by Chris Stone
Loyal’s Tumi Moshobani takes a ball of his chest as Galaxy’s Mauricio Cuevas watches. Photo by Chris Stone
Loyal’s Charlie Adams takes control of the ball in a match against the LA Galaxy II. Photo by Chris Stone
Loyal’s Grant Stoneman (center) does a header near the goal in the match at Torero Stadium. Photo by Chris Stone
L.A. Galaxy II’s Jesus Vazquez (second from the left) celebrates after scoring the match’s only goal. Photo by Chris Stone
San Diego goalie Jon Kempin made key saves and was credited by Loyal coach Landon Donovan of keeping San Diego in the game. Photo by Chris Stone
Tumi Moshobani of the San Diego Loyal (left) keeps control of the ball as Jalen Neal of the L.A. Galaxy II pursues. Photo by Chris Stone
L.A. Galaxy II’s Jesus Vazquez (left) does a header while Jalen Neal watches during a match with San Diego Loyal at USD. Photo by Chris Stone
L.A Galaxy II’s Jesus Vazquez does a header during a match with San Diego Loyal at USD. Photo by Chris Stone
L.A. Galaxy II’s Jesus Vazquez (No. 62) prevented the Loyal from scoring a goal. Photo by Chris Stone
San Diego Loyal head coach Landon Donovan watches his team warm up before the start of he match. Photo by Chris Stone
The San Diego Loyal returned to Torero Stadium at the University of San Diego for its first game since March. Photo by Chris Stone
LA Galaxy II’s Omar Ontiveros (front) and Loyal’s Tumi Moshobani reach for the ball in unison. Photo by Chris Stone
Kempin made seven saves, including stopping two left-footed shots by Hernandez early in the first half and a header by Vasquez in the second half.
“We were fortunately, honestly, that Jon Kempin played so well,” Loyal coach Landon Donovan said of the goalkeeper who shut out Real Monarchs SLC July 11.
“He kept us in the match, but sometimes you have a bad night and you find a way to score. That would have helped us a lot. We did create some good chances but not enough to impact the game.”
Like most sporting events around the world, fans were barred from attending the USL Championship Division II men’s soccer game under public health directives prohibiting public events and gatherings because of the coronavirus pandemic.
In their other regular-season game at Torero Stadium, SD Loyal drew a capacity crowd announced at 6,100 for their 1-1 tie with the Las Vegas Lights March 7.
SD Loyal again hosts Las Vegas this coming Saturday.
As a ball bounces off the head of Galaxy’s Ivan Gutierrez, sweat is sprayed into the air. Photo by Chris Stone
