February 12, 2022 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – San Diego Loyal News Release
San Diego – Drums, chants, flags waving in the stands and a ball rolling on the pitch were all part of a familiar scene Saturday night. San Diego Loyal SC was back at its home turf as it continues preparing for the upcoming 2022 USL Championship season.
Coach Landon Donovan’s team played to a 1-0 loss against visiting Vancouver Whitecaps FC of Major League Soccer in its first friendly match in front of a crowd during this preseason camp. It was a tune-up match that saw SD Loyal play a tight match against a Whitecaps team also preparing for the start of its MLS season next month.
Both teams sent their Starting XI out to the pitch for the first 60 minutes then subbed the entire line ups for the remainder of the preseason game. Giovanni Aguilar was one of those Vancouver substitutions and he eventually sent in the game-winner in the 84th minute.
SD Loyal will continue its preseason with an international friendly against neighbors Club Tijuana Xolos Saturday Feb. 19 (7 p.m.) at Torero Stadium at USD. The preseason match pairs professional teams from the region in a LIGA MX vs. USL Championship setting. This will be the second time these two clubs meet. SD Loyal hosted Club Tijuana last July in front of a sold-out crowd that saw a high energy match. It will be SD Loyal’s third preseason match this winter, but for soccer fans in the region, this might be more than just an exhibition match. Regional bragging rights might be at stake, for now. Or it might just be a chance for a good soccer match that helps unite fans in this region.
Club Tijuana Xolos is one of Mexico’s youngest teams, founded in 2007 as a second division franchise that played at a local municipality field. It went on to reach promotion to Mexico’s top-flight in 2011 and went on to win its first LIGA MX title in 2012. It has competed and advanced deep into the final rounds of international competitions such as the Copa America and CONCACAF Champions League. It is currently in transition to a new era under new coach Sebastian Mendez.
Tickets to SD Loyal’s next preseason match at Torero Stadium against Club Tijuana Xolos on Saturday, February 19 (7 p.m.) are on sale now. To purchase tickets visit sdloyal.com/singletickets.
2022 Season Ticket Memberships, Half Season Ticket Memberships, Group Tickets and Single Match Tickets including the home opener on Saturday, March 12 are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased by calling (858) 465-GOAL or by visiting sdloyal.com/tickets.
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