SD Loyal goalkeeper recorded consecutive shutout in win against Phoenix Rising FC
SAN DIEGO (March 21, 2023) – San Diego Loyal SC goalkeeper Koke Vegas was named to The USL Championship Team of the Week for his performance in the club’s 3-0 win against Phoenix Rising FC Saturday at Torero Stadium. The Spanish goalkeeper earned a second-consecutive shutout to start the 2023 USL Championship season. He also had a series of standout saves that helped Head Coach Nate Miller’s team close out a two-match undefeated home stand.
Vegas, who finished with three saves against Phoenix, is in his second year with SD Loyal. He came over from Spain and signed with SD Loyal last season and quickly earned a spot as the starter. He began to adjust to the club’s system as he brought a skill the coaching staff was looking for, a goalkeeper who can play from the back with his feet.
The Spaniard has shown vast improvement now starting the season with two shutouts in the club’s first two matches. Against Phoenix, Vegas was voted Palomar Health Man of the Match as he helped keep the opposition’s attack at bay.
Vegas is the second SD Loyal player to be named to The USL Championship’s Team of the Week in 2023. Jackson Simba was named to the list last week after scoring the game-winner against Detroit City FC in SD Loyal’s season opening 1-0 win. Current SD Loyal players named to the Team of the Week in 2022 included Tumi Moshobane, Charlie Adams, Alejandro Guido, Grant Stoneman, Collin Martin and Vegas.
SD Loyal now heads into its next match, a Western Conference road affair against Sacramento Republic FC on Saturday, March 25 (7 p.m.). SD Loyal’s next home match is April 8 against FC Tulsa. Tickets start at just $15 and are available now at sdloyal.com/tickets.
