San Diego Loyal bounced back from a loss to Orange County SC with a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over Loudoun United at Torero Stadium on Wednesday thanks to an 86th-minute goal from midfielder Blake Bodily and a 90th-minute goal from forward Evan Conway.

The team, led by head coach Nate Miller, fell behind in the 56th minute after Loudoun midfielder Kalil ElMedkhar beat the Loyal defenders to a loose ball inside the box and got the ball past goalkeeper Koke Vegas.

San Diego Loyal dominated the possession and scoring chances throughout the match and kept up the pressure after going down early in the second half with defender Grant Stoneman having an impact on both scores including a beautiful assist on the goal by Bodily.

SD Loyal also got a noteworthy performance from 18-year-old midfielder Xavi Gnaulati who got his first start of the season after being signed by the club to a pro contract earlier this month. Gnaulati was signed to an academy contract in 2021 from Loyal Select and played in three U.S. Open Cup games in 2022-23, the second pro signing from Loyal Select after U.S. U-17 keeper Duran Ferree.

San Diego sits in fourth place in the USL Championship western conference standings only a point behind third-place Oakland Roots who have played one more match. The Loyal will play its fourth game of a five-game homestand on Saturday, Aug. 12 against Memphis 901 FC before facing New Mexico United on Aug. 19.

Photo courtesy: San Diego Loyal SC