San Diego Loyal advanced to the third round of Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on Wednesday, April 5, after a 2-0 victory over Albion San Diego at the SDSU Sports Deck.

The Loyal took the lead in the 25th minute after Albion defender Ernest Mitchell was called for a foul inside the box on midfielder Xavi Gnaulati with teammate and SD Loyal captain Charlie Adams converting the ensuing penalty kick.

“I should have shot it but I got taken out for a penalty, so that was good, I was able to help the team,” said Gnaulati.

Albion San Diego goalkeeper Ben Roach kept his team within striking distance throughout giving the 2022 NISA championship finalist a realistic chance to tie the game by halftime.

It was San Diego Loyal that would score the next goal however courtesy of forward Evan Conway’s shot-range shot that began with a quick counter-attack from the midfield and a perfect pass from teammate Adrien Perez.

Albion was unable to capitalize on their scoring opportunities in the remaining minutes of the match with SD Loyal goalkeeper Duran Ferree also having a good showing playing his first professional soccer game as a starter. Ferree also helped lead the United States to the CONCACAF U-17 championship final in February.

San Diego Loyal now waits to see who the opponent will be for the third round of the U.S. Open Cup – it will either be Portland Timbers or Seattle Sounder – while preparing for its upcoming USL Championship match this Saturday versus FC Tulsa at Torero Stadium.

Albion San Diego will next face Chattanooga FC on April 16 at Canyon Crest Academy to open the 2023 NISA regular season.

Photo courtesy: San Diego Loyal SC