San Diego Loyal SC finished its lengthy road stretch with a 5-0 win at Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC Friday night from Weidner Stadium. Head Coach Nate Miller’s team returns home after an explosive performance in the Rocky Mountain State. 

SD Loyal’s attack detonated just 35 seconds into the Western Conference affair that had a delayed start due to lightning storms in the area. There was no delay in the scoring of goals for the visitors, however, as Adrien Perez’s thunderous strike was followed by Blake Bodily (9th and 30th minute) and Tumi Moshobane (45+3) before Elliot Collier sealed the scoring (70th).

San Diego moves up to fourth in the West! 🟠🟢#COSvSD pic.twitter.com/eepSRq80QN

— USL Championship (@USLChampionship) July 15, 2023

Capping off a four-match road series, the win gave SD Loyal three more points in the standings and replicated the best result in club history (5-0 win vs Indy Eleven in 2022). SD Loyal will now return home for six-straight home matches including an international friendly against German powerhouse Borussia Dortmund on Thursday, July 27 at Snapdragon Stadium.

Perez opened the scoring early when he took a ball from Collin Martin after the opening kickoff and dribbled upfield between a pair of defenders. The speedy forward fired a left-footed shot from just outside the penalty area. Colorado Springs goalkeeper Christian Herrera bent down to get his hands on the ball but couldn’t hold on. Perez’ shot crossed the line for his fifth goal of the season. 

Perez continued to have a hand in the next four goals for what would be a well-deserving Palomar Health Man of the Match performance.

Blake Bodily extended the SD Loyal lead to 2-0 when he headed in a cross by Joe Corona eight minutes later. Bodily sent his shot at Herrera, who couldn’t control it. The play began with a run by Perez up the left flank and quick pass to Corona.

SD Loyal continued to pressure using space and speed up the flanks after recovering the ball. The visitors eventually found the net again with another header by an unmarked Bodily from near the six-yard box for a 3-0 lead. Perez sent a cross to set up the score to finish a counter attack.

Perez continued to be a lethal weapon. The Ontario, Calif. native sent a blast off the left post that bounced back to a wide open Tumi Moshobane, who jumped to head the ball into an open net for a 4-0 lead just before the first half whistle. Elliot Collier finalized the scoring barrage with his second goal of the season off another ball by Perez in the 70th minute. 

+3 on the road! 💪

A one-goal, two-assist performance from Adrien Perez helped @SanDiegoLoyal defeat @SwitchbacksFC 5-0!#COSvSD | https://t.co/SJ5hYn9kyM pic.twitter.com/SuQYl5D4fa

— USL Championship (@USLChampionship) July 15, 2023

Colorado Springs, a team that was unbeaten at home in its previous four matches, worked to try and find a score in the second half but SD Loyal held off the hosts with a stifling defense to help goalkeeper Koke Vegas earn his fourth shutout of 2023. 

Come for Coach Nate Miller's reaction to tonight's big win, stay for the locker room singing. 🎶#COSvSD pic.twitter.com/VmOjwjhlmw

— San Diego Loyal (@SanDiegoLoyal) July 15, 2023

SD Loyal returns to USL Championship action on Sunday, July 30 (3 p.m. PT) to face Colorado Springs again.