It was like going through the five stages of grief on Sunday at Torero Stadium as San Diego Loyal fell 4-3 in extra-time to Phoenix Rising in its quarterfinal playoff match and final game in the USL Championship.

The team, led by head coach Nate Miller, got all of its goals from forward Ronaldo “The Haitian Sensation” Damus including the penalty kick conversion in the 97th minute, which tied the game 3-3 forcing an additional 30 minutes to decide the winner.

Just when it looked like it would be decided by penalty kicks, Phoenix ended up getting the game-winner in the 119th minute courtesy of forward Dariusz Formella who lobbed the ball over the head of goalkeeper Koke Vegas on a breakaway opportunity for the visitors.

SD Loyal finished its four years playing in the USL Championship with three-straight postseason appearances under Miller and his predecessor, Landon Donovan, with its most memorable season likely being its rookie year when it took a stand for social justice by forfeiting the final regular season game despite leading at halftime and knowing it would cost the team any chance at the playoffs.

SD Loyal ended its final season finishing third in the western conference with the opponent on Sunday finishing in sixth place as the two rivals ended their 12 head-to-head meetings with five wins, five losses and two draws for each.

The impact that San Diego Loyal had on the community can not be done justice in one single article, so I’m not even going to try. As someone who followed the team from its inception up until the final whistle, I can only say thank you from the bottom of my heart and hope that this is not a goodbye but more of a “till we meet again.”

There are many professional leagues that would embrace San Diego Loyal with open arms and I will hold out hope that something can be worked out so that the fans can still root for this beloved team in person or from the comfort of their home.

Photos by San Diego Loyal