A pair of former U.S. Men’s National Team stars met as head coaches for the first time on Saturday in the USL Championship.
Landon Donovan’s San Diego Loyal earned a 1-1 draw in their USL debut against Eric Wynalda’s Las Vegas Lights. Both teams scored in the opening 15 minutes splitting the points on opening day.
Junior Burgos’ missile from 35-yards out in the fourth minute put the Lights on the board after the playmaker’s shot went in off the crossbar.
Does @juniorburgos10 have everybody’s attention now?
Yes @ESPNAssignDesk, you have our and @USLChampionship‘s permission to include this ? on @SportsCenter #SCTop10. pic.twitter.com/XB9Z9Syhtj
— Las Vegas Lights FC (@lvlightsfc) March 8, 2020
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However, the Loyal would hit back as Charlie Adams’ finish in the 15th minute made it 1-1 from San Diego. The midfielder took possession before hitting a low shot into the bottom-right corner.
Tucked in with a bit of HISTORY ?
cc: @The_Charlie10#SDvLV | #HereToPlay pic.twitter.com/6jsQtyGS9k
— San Diego Loyal (@SanDiegoLoyal) March 8, 2020
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The Loyal held their own against the Lights, out-possessing them 59%-to-41%. Wynalda’s side will be discouraged after outshooting San Diego 21-to-3 and conceding on the Loyal’s only shot on goal.
6,100 fans came out to support both teams in what ended up being a sellout in the Loyal’s home season opener.
The Loyal next travel to Sounders II on Wednesday while Las Vegas hosts Sacramento Republic on March 14th.
As a native San Diegan, it’s about time we got a team. Hadn’t really paid attention to the USL before. The quality was pretty good, better than I expected.