SAN DIEGO – A strong and vocal crowd saw Jack Metcalf’s first-half goal lift San Diego Loyal SC to a 1-0 victory against Panamanian side Costa Del Este FC on Saturday night in the first-year USL Championship side’s first game at its home venue of Torero Stadium.

Metcalf scored late in the first half on a rebound opportunity to give the side another preseason victory, adding to prior wins against FC Dallas and Cal State Fullerton. The biggest story of the night, however, might have been the reception the new club got at its home venue, where it opens the 2020 campaign in two weeks against Las Vegas Lights FC.

“To come out here and see the support like it was tonight, for an exhibition game, it just gets you so excited for March 7th against Vegas,” Metcalf told Cesar Hernandez. “I’m sure it’s going to be sold out.”