San Diego Loyal SC selects Feeding San Diego as partner in virtual World Cup-style tournament

Published On: April 3rd, 2020By Categories: Community Support2.8 min read

San Diego Loyal SC (SD Loyal) will be competing in a first-ever USL eCup: Rocket League Edition, a month-long Rocket League tournament beginning March 31 and featuring 32 teams from USL League One and the USL Championship. Each team will be playing for a charity of their choosing, with SD Loyal representing Feeding San Diego.  
 
Representing SD Loyal (Group 3) is Chairman Andrew Vassiliadis, team captain, and professional soccer players Elijah Martin and Irvin Parra, team alternates. The team’s first match will be Wednesday, April 1 against Phoenix Rising FC.  
 
“I am honored to represent the SD Loyal in this unique way that practices safe and responsible health habits by staying home,” said Vassiliadis. “We’re looking forward to reuniting with our fans and bringing San Diego more victories while benefiting people in need.” 
 
The team chose to partner with Feeding San Diego, the leading hunger-relief charity serving San Diego County, and will match donations raised through this tournament up to $2,500. Every dollar donated to Feeding San Diego helps secure and distribute four meals to people facing hunger. With schools and business closing, wage loss, and economic uncertainty as the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic continues, Feeding San Diego’s services are needed more than ever. SD Loyal asks its fans to support the organization’s efforts during this uncertain time and help the team reach its goal of providing 20,000 meals.  
 
“In the face of this pandemic, our organization needs supporters like SD Loyal to rally and continue to give our people access to food,” said CEO of Feeding San Diego, Vince Hall. “We thank the city’s soccer team and all of those that donate during this difficult time.”  
 
Following the first match against Phoenix Rising FC on April 1 at 11 am PST, SD Loyal will face Philadelphia Union II on April 8 at 11 am PST. The final group stage match will take place on April 10 at 1 pm PST against Toronto FC II. The top finishers will then have the ability to move on to an elimination tournament. All SD Loyal’s eCup matches will be streamed on the club’s Twitch channel. 
 
Fans are encouraged to stay connected in the safety of their own homes by downloading the official team app or signing up for updates and news via SDLoyal.com and #SDLoyal.  
 
Launched on June 19, 2019, San Diego Loyal is the newest member of USL Championship, a USSF-sanctioned Division II league and one of the most competitive pro soccer leagues in the world. The Club will play at Torero Stadium at the University of San Diego. San Diego Loyal is built on four core pillars – independent, authentic, inclusive and optimistic. San Diego Loyal plays for America’s Finest City and is led by some of the best in sport. The Club is led by Chairman Andrew Vassiliadis, who is the youngest principal owner in USL Championship. It was founded and led on the business-side by experienced soccer executive Warren Smith, a co-founder and former president of Sacramento Republic FC. Executive Vice President of Soccer Operations Landon Donovan, one of the most decorated soccer players in the U.S., leads the technical side as both EVP and First Team Manager.