USL Championship side San Diego Loyal SC bested ALBION San Diego 2-0 in the Second Round of the 2023 edition of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Wednesday night. It was a rematch of last year’s “Stay Classico” that took place in Round 2.
The packed “Loyal” crowd at San Diego State University’s Sports Deck (located on top of a parking garage) witnessed a match seemingly controlled by the home side from the opening kickoff.
After several close opportunities, San Diego Loyal’s midfielder and captain Charles Adams converted a penalty kick in the 25th minute with a beautifully placed shot into the bottom right corner. The USL side’s lead was doubled in the second half through forward Evan Conway after he slotted in a fast-paced run from the left flank in the 52nd minute.
The @The_Charlie10 with the PK. 1-0 @SanDiegoLoyal. pic.twitter.com/zbH6bdKkDM
— Darren Smith (@DSmithShow) April 6, 2023
San Diego Loyal nearly added a third, however was denied by ALBION San Diego’s Benjamin Roach onto the crossbar. The match also marked San Diego Loyal goalkeeper Duran Ferree’s first professional clean sheet.
This win gives San Diego Loyal a second consecutive Third Round appearance, and the second consecutive year that they knocked out ALBION San Diego in Round 2. Loyal was eliminated in the Third Round last year at the hands of the Los Angeles Galaxy.
Walking it in. ????#USOC2023 | @opencup pic.twitter.com/24hDlIxtWA
— San Diego Loyal (@SanDiegoLoyal) April 6, 2023
“Guys that stepped in and did amazing,” said San Diego’s Morgan Hackworth. “It just shows that this team has great depth and a lot of guys gave some amazing performances. We’ve got a great team and this tournament is really special so it means a lot to get the win and keep moving on. Survive and advance, baby. Come on!”
With their victory, San Diego Loyal will have a long trip north to take on another MLS team, this time it’s the four-time Open Cup champion Seattle Sounders FC. The game will be played on April 26.