SAN DIEGO — The San Diego Loyal SC faced off against Phoenix Rising FC Sunday night in what could be the final home game for the Loyal.
This could be the final home game as their season is coming to a close in the USL Championship Western Conference Quarter Final.
The Loyal announced in August that it would fold following the conclusion of this season after they determined there is no viable way to keep operating after a Major League Soccer team is set to play in San Diego in 2025…
But that didn’t stop fans from staying loyal and showing support. Sunday night's game is sold out and many fans are emotional about it.
"This team means a lot to me. This club means a lot to many people. It brings joy and now sadness. We have gratitude," Tom Blick, a Loyal fan at the Locals club.
"I've never been to an event where I can really say it's the last thing of anything I've been to. I don't think it has 100% dawned on me that this could be the last Loyal game," said Robert Pearson, Loyal fan.
"We are overwhelmed with the stakes at hand. We have to do the same thing we do every week. We bring passion with the drums, the band and the songs. We got to bring the energy we always bring," said Steven Brockoff, President of The Locals, supportive group for San Diego Loyal.
If they lose, this will be the final home game. The winner of Sunday night's game will advance to the semifinal against Orange County SC.