Complete U.S. Open Cup Coverage

Monterey Bay FC

2025 US Open Cup Round 2: Burrito Boys of El Farolito stun Monterey Bay with chaotic game-winner

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Photo: US Soccer

A sparse but loyal crowd welcomed Monterey Bay FC (USL League One) and visitors El Farolito (NPSL) for the opening night of the Second Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. El Farolito entered the round as the sole-remaining club representing the National Premier Soccer League, as the other six were all eliminated in Round 1 by professional opposition.

They would keep their latest Cinderella run alive with a 2-1 win over Monterey Bay. The game was decided in dramatic fashion with an chaotic 84th minute goal by Edgard Kreye. With the win, the 1993 US Open Cup champions claimed their fourth upset of a pro team in the last two years.

“I am very proud of the team’s character throughout the game,” said El Farolito head coach Santiago Lopez. “We knew we were up against one of the best USL teams in the country but they showed no fear.”

The “Burrito Boys” entered the round having bested MLS NEXT Pro side Real Monachs 3-1 after extra time in Round 1 on the road.

Monterey Bay FC entered the night on a 4-game win streak, including their 4-0 opening round victory over International San Francisco (SFSFL).

El Farolito, unlike many amateur sides, has a much older group of players, with an average squad age of 28.5, The pros in the 18 for MBFC averaged just 25.5 years of age.

MBFC would start the match generally on the front foot, with El Farolito attempting long clearances and fast break attempts from early on in the contest.

In the 8th minute, El Farolito keeper Johan Lizarralde would attempt to spring his side on the attack with a quick punt that he harshly sliced into his team’s bench. This brought a round of ovation and several laughs from his teammates on the bench who were about to put on their raincoats just a few minutes later.

Lizarralde would make another mistake in the 18th minute when attempting to send the ball upfield from within his own 6 as pressure mounted on. The ball would travel just 30 yards and land at the feet of MDFC’s Xavi Gnaulati who dribbled forward and delivered a through ball into fellow midfielder Mobi Fehr who had his attempted cross snuffed out.

The next near miss would go through Gnaulati as well, who would pop the ball over El Farolito captain Johnatan Mosquera and deliver a volley from 8 yards into the glove of Lizarralde. The ball would trickle it’s way towards the goal line before being hacked away by Andres Zuluaga, only to be volleyed at goal again from the top of the 18, with a deflection up and off the crossbar, and down safely into the keeper’s hands.

Looking the more composed of the two sides through the first quarter of match, MBFC would win a penalty kick in the 27th minute of the match after a headed corner hit Dembor Benson’s arm on a bang-bang play at the near post.

Xavi Gnaulati would convert the kick for his third goal of the tournament, moving him temporarily into a tie at the top of the goalscoring list for the competition.

This is when the momemntum would change, however.

El Farolito started to command possession, and would dictate several attacks before the break, missing chances in the 35th minute but winning corner kicks.

Play would slow going into the break as Mosquera would have to exit the match in the 39th minute with an injury, being replaced by Omar Quiroga.

Rain would let up in the second half, but the field would remain slick, and El Farolito would show the few hundred in attendance that they knew how to manage a game going forward.

In the 54th minute, Johnatan Perez would deliver a cross into Benson who would show his special athleticisim with a leaping headed effort that would force a equally spectacular save MBFC’s GK Samuel Gomez.

In the 57th minute, Gabriel Arias would deliver a free kick deep to the back right post that would find Zuluaga ready to hack the ball again, this time into his team’s scoring goal.

With the game now level, El Farolito would not let their foot off the gas and nearly scored again two minutes later with Benson sliding into a Perez cross that would hit the wrong side of the post.

Winger Herlbert Soto would be the next to connect with with Benson in the 83rd minute, chipping a ball from the endline to the back right post. Benson would fail to convert with his head, forcing a brilliant reaction save from Gomez who would deflect the ball up and off the underside of crossbar. Perez woulld then deliver a left footed shot on the rebound, deflected back by a diving header from MBFC’s Joel Garcia Jr. The ball would then find Edgard Kreye twice: first, blasting the ball into the chest of another MBFC defender on the line, and then sliding the ball calmly past the two almost-hero defenders now in splits on the turf.

The match would end 2-1 giving the Burrito Boys another win over a professional opponent, and yet another upset on the road. MBFC head coach Jordan Stewart immediately went to shake hands with the El Farolito staff and players, and El Farolito players ended the night either dancing on the field, lying in star-pose, crying tears of joy, or carrying babies.

 

2025 US Open Cup Round 1: Xavi Gnaulati’s brace helps Monterey Bay beat Inter San Francisco, 4-0

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Players from Monterey Bay FC celebrate after scoring a goal against Inter San Francisco in the First Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: Kiera Winslow | Monterey Bay FC
Players from Monterey Bay FC celebrate after scoring a goal against Inter San Francisco in the First Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: Kiera Winslow | Monterey Bay FC

Monterey Bay FC hosted Inter San Francisco for the First Round of the 2025 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, on a chilly night at Cardinale Stadium. The home squad were the heavy favorites in the match, despite starting four players who had not made a USL Championship appearance this year. 

In a game in which Monterey Bay FC had 12 more shots, and eight more on goal (9-1), the hosts showed total pitch domination, knocking out Inter San Francisco, in their 4-0 clean sheet victory. MBFC’s possession advantage of 65% to ISF’s 35% further expressed how in control Jordan Stewart’s club was.

The night’s featured Xavi Gnaulati recording a brace within the first half of action, the San Diego native’s first points of the early season. Gnaulati did his damage on a pair of lovely one touch finishes, off crossing passes from both Luke Ivanovic and Alex Dixon. Monterey Bay FC tallied twice more, with both goals coming off centering passes from the left and right wing. Mobi Fehr scored for the first time in 2025, and Ilijah Paul converted his second goal of the year to account for the other two net-finding shots. 

The match was underway at 7:04 p.m Pacific, and by 7:06 p.m., Fehr had already put the ball in the back of Inter San Francisco’s net. The 2’ goal was set up after MBFC had an attack down the left sidelines, all before a touchy crossing pass by Dixon. This ignited the home crowd, and the Bay Area visitors were feeling the Union’s roar.

Inter San Francisco had attacking moments as well in the early minutes, but the defense in front of MBFC’s keeper Sam Gomez did enough to keep the attacks out of the net.

Just over halfway through the opening half, Monterey Bay FC made another charge down the right side. After a good clearance up the center by MBFC’s defense and midfielders, Ivanovic found himself with a head of steam coming the other way. Due to ISF’s aggression, they left their side of the field outnumbered, and Gnaulati made no mistake of the open box, scoring a classy one timer off his right boot in the 25’.

After an injury scare to one of MBFC’s players at midfield nearing the end of the half, the fourth official signaled for four minutes of stoppage time. Monterey Bay capitalized quickly with the scoreboard clock stopped, as Gnaulati once again sent a powerful strike past Inter SF’s goalie Jesus Rangel Medina. Gnaulati’s second goal came off a feed by the 35-year-old Dixon, who was given high words of praise from his coach post-game, with Jordan Stewart stating “he’s a veteran… an experienced guy so he knows how to play. He’s one of the leaders in our group… he still looks 21.”  

The goal capped off a dominant first 45 minutes, with MBFC heading to the locker rooms on top 3-0. 

The second half featured more possession time domination by MBFC, as they seemed focussed on preserving the lead. Despite keeping ISF off the scoresheet, Jordan Stewart felt the team “got a bit sloppy in the second half, especially with the scoreline, it’s natural to kind of ease off the pedal.” 

While the scoring came down in the final 45 minutes, Ilijah Paul took home the lone goal of the entire second half in the 84’, finishing off a cross from the left wing by Adrian Rebollar. 

Monterey Bay FC held strong for the final 11 minutes of regulation, gaining its first shutout victory of the season. Despite the wind, and temperatures dropping into the 40s, the home crowd cheered and sang all throughout the night. 

Monterey Bay FC now awaits Second Round competition, but will have a road USL Championship game on Saturday, March 22, making for a quick recovery period before a date versus Orange County SC. 

Inter San Francisco will look to regroup before its next SFSFL Premier match versus SF Young Boys on Sunday, March 23.

 

2024 US Open Cup Round 4: Danny Vitiello leads Sacramento Republic to shutout win over Monterey Bay

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Kieran Phillips of the Sacramento Republic celebrates after scoring a goal against Monterey Bay FC in the Fourth Round of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Sacramento Republic FC
Kieran Phillips of the Sacramento Republic celebrates after scoring a goal against Monterey Bay FC in the Fourth Round of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Sacramento Republic FC

Behind two first half goals spanning across just four minutes, Sacramento Republic FC advanced to the Round of 16 of the 2024 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Tuesday night with a 2-0 win over USL Championship rival Monterey Bay FC. Republic FC Manager Mark Briggs pushed his career winning percentage to .714 in the Open Cup, which is the third highest in the Modern Era (1995-present).

With the win, Republic FC move their all-time home record in the competition to 19-2-1 (1-1 in penalty shootouts) and will next host MLS side San Jose Earthquakes, who they knocked out of the tournament in 2022 as part of their historic run to the Open Cup Final.

The Quails broke through in the 27th minute when left back Dami Viader crossed in a ball from just outside the box on the left side, which was inadvertently deflected by Monterey Bay FC defender Kai Greene straight into the back of the net to make it 1-0.

Four minutes later (31st minute), Huddersfield Town loanee Kieran Phillips notched his third goal in four matches across all competitions on a lovely through ball from Rafa Jauregui, who earned his first career assist.

From that point on, Republic FC goalkeeper Danny Vitiello made a number of clearances and big saves (four total on the night), including right before halftime and in the 88th minute, denying Monterey Bay forward Tristan Trager from breaking up Vitiello’s clean sheet.

Listening to Briggs following the match, it’s clear Republic FC are once again prioritizing the Open Cup as much as USL play, and in turn, honoring the history of the tournament.

“I think I’m fortunate that I have a squad that allows us to compete on both fronts,” said Briggs.. But the Open Cup – look, we’ve got a special history with the Open Cup. Not just in 2022 but even before I was the coach. The club’s done extremely well in the Open Cup, so it’s competition that we respect and we want to do well in, and this year is no different. Now obviously we’re coming up against a San Jose team that we’ve faced many times in the past and it’ll be a really difficult night and a difficult game, but a great opportunity for our community, our city to show what Sacramento is all about.”

The match featured a number of new faces to the tournament, but none more exciting than 16 year-old Republic FC defender and academy standout Chibi Ukaegbu, who played in his first professional match after signing a contract last November. He learned last Friday that he was going to be in the XI on Tuesday. He was nervous, but absolutely ready.

“It felt great,” said Ukaegbu. “It’s something I’ve been training for for a long time, and to get this the opportunity felt great in front of all the fans.”

2024 US Open Cup Round 3: Monterey Bay FC’s Jerry Ayon debuts with brace in win vs. Irvine Zeta

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Jerry Ayon of Monterey Bay FC dribbles the ball against Irvine Zeta in the Third Round of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Kiera Winslow - Monterey Bay FC
Jerry Ayon of Monterey Bay FC dribbles the ball against Irvine Zeta in the Third Round of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Kiera Winslow – Monterey Bay FC

Monterey Bay FC fielded a brand new lineup, scored early and then drained Irvine Zeta FC with a 2-1 win in the Third Round of the 2024 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

The newest signing for MBFC, Jerry Ayon, scored the first of two goals for the “Union” in the 32nd minute in front of family and friends from nearby Salinas, Calif., where he grew up. His brace came in the 65th minute.

Ayon was very aware of their significance. “Being able to get a brace … it means a lot to me, because I’m able to share it with the fans and my friends and family here.” 

“He’s ready,” said Monterey Bay FC head coach Frank Yallop, reflecting on his decision Monday to officially sign Ayon to a one-year contract and debut him tonight. “He was training with us. He’s over his wrist injury. He was ready to go.”

Irvine Zeta didn’t have an answer for the inspired display of possession and ball control from Monterey Bay, especially in the first half between veteran Rafael Baca and newcomer Miguel Guerrero, who got his first professional start in Cardinale Stadium where he was playing college ball last fall for California State University, Monterey Bay.

Yallop, both a member of the San Jose Earthquakes and Canadian Soccer hall of fame, had a huge advantage with the availability of his regular starting forward Walmer Martinez. He is currently serving a four-game suspension in the USL Championship for an altercation after last week’s 1-0 win in Hayward, Calif. over the Oakland Roots. Tonight, the forward dropped back to play left fullback, allowing for eight changes from the team Yallop sent out in the 3-1 home win last Saturday vs Las Vegas Lights.

But it was the signing on Monday of Ayon that continued the narrative of Yallop’s unique ability to create team chemistry and winning attitudes in his squads. Ayon left Alisal High School (Salinas, Calif.) before his junior year to join the Liga MX side Morelia at age 15; he eventually got his degree while in the San Jose Earthquakes academy. For the last two years, he has been playing in MLS NEXT Pro for Earthquakes-affiliate The Town FC.

Longtime Alisal High School coach Mark Cisneros, remembers Ayon as a freshman. “In my 20 years as a coach , Jerry is one of only three freshmen I’ve ever brought up to the varsity level. He was a standout at a young age. He was fast, technical, and willing to work hard and learn.”

The match began with Irvine Zeta taking advantage of sloppy play from Monterey Bay but never really getting close to converting a shot on frame. Monterey Bay then dropped into a rhythm with the midfield dictating control and establishing an early 60-40 split in possession. 

Luther Archimede missed several chances in the 18 yard box to put MBFC ahead early, but Chuy Enriquez sent a number of balls in on the left wing that frustrated Irvine Zeta keeper Mitchell North, who remarkably only recorded one save on the night. 

The first goal came after MBFC had already taken six shots to Irvine Zeta’s two; one of MBFC’s shots hit the post in the 21st minute during the first corner of the night. In the 32nd minute Ayon was on the receiving end of a build-up play that started with a steal by Rafael Baca and ended with Baca putting a ball across the face of goal for Ayon’s point-blank header.

Super Fan Dan is fired up before Monterey Bay FC's match against Irvine Zeta in the Third Round of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Greg Pool
Super Fan Dan is fired up before Monterey Bay FC’s match against Irvine Zeta in the Third Round of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Greg Pool

Irvine Zeta’s only real answer was in the 34th minute when Edson Alvarado sailed a powerful shot well over the head of MBFC keeper Carlos Hererra.

The second half wasn’t as clean and simple for Monterey Bay, however. By the 59th minute the Union was struggling to find the rhythm they enjoyed in the first half, and that kept Irvine Zeta in the game. By the 62nd minute George Almeida was able to take advantage of the sloppy defending and equalize on a cross from Alvarado.

Yallop countered with three subs of regular-season starters: Mobi Fehr, Adrian Rebollar and Kai Green.

Less than three minutes later, Ayon danced into the 18 yard box untouched and laced a shot past North to seal the match for good.

Gregory Stratton had to save a shot off the line in the 77th minute for Irvine Zeta, and by the time Tristian Trager entered the match in the 78th for MBFC, it was clear Irvine Zeta had run out of answers. Their last attempt in the 93rd minute never really challenged Hererra.

The third round of the U.S. Open Cup has so far favored Monterey Bay, especially at home. Last year, the USL Championship side took advantage of an uncharacteristic defensive mistake to eliminate the San Jose Earthquakes 1-0 in Seaside and advance to the Round of 32. 

This was Monterey Bay’s first entrance into the 2024 U.S. Open Cup. Last year, the Union were eliminated at home 5-4 in penalties in the Round of 32 against Los Angeles FC.

MBFC did have a day-advantage in preparation and recovery, having played last Saturday. Irvine Zeta got a 1-1 draw at home against Capo FC last Sunday.

Irvine Zeta, who plays in the third-division of US Soccer in the National Independent Soccer Association, earned the visit to Seaside with a decisive Second Round 3-0 win on April 4 over MLS NEXT Pro team Ventura County FC in Carson, Calif., at Dignity Health Sports Park Track & Field Stadium on the campus of California State University, Dominguez Hills.

In 2022, Monterey Bay faced another NISA squad in the U.S. Open Cup. It was the Union’s very first appearance in the tournament but it resulted in a second-round 2-1 loss to Bay Cities FC at PayPal Park in San Jose, Calif.

Irvine Zeta began their U.S. Open Cup run with a first-round 1-0 win over MesoAmerica FC at home in Championship Soccer Stadium on March 20. They only began their regular season on April 6, with a 2-2 draw away against LA Force, just two days after their second-round cup win against Ventura County.

Irvine Zeta’s Almeida, who scored one of the goals against Ventura County, actually played against MBFC’s Martinez and Rebollar back in college. Almeida played for CSU Dominguez Hills, and Martinez/Rebollar for CSUMB, where tonight’s match took place. Their last meeting was 10/29/19 here in Seaside, Calif. on the old grass NCAA field before the new stadium was renovated in 2022; Almeida’s Toros lost 3-1 to the Otters; Rebollar had an assist, and Martinez had a goal and assist.

2023 US Open Cup Round 4: LAFC reserves hold off Monterey Bay FC, advance 5-4 in PK shootout

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Eldin Jakupovic of Los Angeles FC scores a PK in the shootout in a 5-4 win over Monterey Bay FC (after a 2-2 draw) in the 2023 US Open Cup. Photo: Jose Rocha | @Rochamultimedia
Eldin Jakupovic of Los Angeles FC scores a PK in the shootout in a 5-4 win over Monterey Bay FC (after a 2-2 draw) in the 2023 US Open Cup. Photo: Jose Rocha | @Rochamultimedia

In a riveting showdown in the US Open Cup Round of 32, the stage was set for an underdog story as Los Angeles FC clashed with Monterey Bay FC. Against all odds, Monterey Bay entered the match as the favorites, buoyed by their recent victory over the San Jose Earthquakes in the previous round. Meanwhile, LAFC found themselves fielding an inexperienced squad, causing fans online to dub their potential triumph as the miraculous “Cupset.”

Support TheCup.us and its coverage of the US Open Cup by purchasing a "We Want The Cup" shirt in your team's colors. Visit THECUP.US SHOP
Support TheCup.us and its coverage of the US Open Cup by purchasing a “We Want The Cup” shirt in your team’s colors. Visit THECUP.US SHOP


Amidst speculations about the talent disparity between the two teams, with USL being considered a superior league to MLS Next Pro, LAFC would have to defy expectations and rise above to secure a memorable victory. After Monterey Bay scored a late equalizer to force extra time and took the lead in the extra frame, LAFC’s Matheus Maia would tie the game back up in the 105th minute. The MLS side would survive the shootout 5-4 to advance to the Round of 16 for the fourth time in as many entries. 

The action kicked off with Monterey Bay FC riding the wave of energy from their passionate sell-out crowd at Cardinale Stadium. The first 15 minutes saw them earning multiple corner kicks, making their intentions clear.

For LAFC, Erik Dueñas stood out as the only player on the squad who regularly saw minutes in Major League Soccer, albeit as a substitute. But it was the favorites, Monterey Bay, who came closest to breaking the deadlock. A tantalizing indirect free kick found its way to their player, only for the shot to narrowly miss the target, leaving Jakupovic, the LAFC goalkeeper, relieved.

However, it was Los Angeles who struck first, stunning their opponents with a magnificent through ball that sliced through the Monterey defense. In the 24th minute, Cristian Torres displayed the composure of a seasoned MLS veteran, coolly slotting the ball past the goalkeeper. The assist came from Christian Jaime, a Chris to Chris connection that put LAFC ahead.

Taking charge of set pieces for LAFC was Crisostomo, who orchestrated their dead ball situations. Jakupovic, the guardian between the posts, made two crucial saves in the 46th and 63rd minutes, denying Monterey Bay FC the equalizer. The Monterey goalkeeper, Gerold Siaha Ngnepi, also stepped up, pulling off a monumental save to prevent LAFC from extending their lead to 2-0, much to the dismay of the away supporters.

Controversy struck in the 69th minute, when a potential handball incident led to heated chants of “Ref, you suck” echoing through the stadium. The Monterey Bay FC faithful felt aggrieved by the refereeing decisions throughout the match. Momentum swung in their favor when Volesky squandered a glorious opportunity to level the game in the 70th minute, leaving the fans on the edge of their seats.

With the entire stadium pulsating with anticipation, Simon Dawkins orchestrated a sublime attacking move, culminating in a beautifully placed shot finding the back of the net in the 90th minute. Bedlam ensued as the crowd erupted, Cardinale Stadium reverberating with unbridled excitement as the night was not over.

Riding the wave of emotion, Monterey Bay FC delivered a sucker punch at the beginning of extra time, taking a 2-1 lead over LAFC as Maldonado showcased his finishing prowess, converting a one-on-one opportunity against the valiant Jakupovic.

However, LAFC refused to succumb to defeat, sneaking in a goal by Matheus Vinícius Maia Costa de Almeida to equalize and silence the exultant crowd. Penalties would decide the game, and the tension was palpable.

Emulating the bravado of Emi Martinez from the Qatar World Cup, Jakupovic employed all his time-wasting tactics to unnerve the home team and their supporters. The LAFC fan base, who had traveled to support their team, rose to the occasion, creating a raucous atmosphere rarely witnessed from an away section.

In the penalty shootout, Jakupovic’s antics paid off as he successfully blocked two of Monterey Bay’s spot-kicks. The LAFC fans erupted in jubilation, while the hosts were left to rue missed opportunities. Jakupovic emerged as the hero, the embodiment of audacity and mind games.

Steve Cherundolo, LAFC’s coach, faced heavy criticism in the lead-up to the match for fielding what many deemed a disrespectful lineup. Detractors questioned the wisdom of not including any of the regular starters. However, in the end, the youngsters, Steve, and Jakupovic defied the odds on a cold night in Seaside, Calif., clinching victory for LAFC.

A fairy-tale narrative unfolded as the team, primarily comprising LAFC2 players, completed the “Cupset”. 

2023 US Open Cup Round 3: Christian Volesky of Monterey Bay FC voted TheCup.us Player of the Round

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Christian Volesky Monterey Bay FC TheCup.us Player of the Round 2023 US Open Cup Round 3
Photo: Kiera Winslow | Monterey Bay FC

Christian Volesky, the talented striker from Monterey Bay FC, has truly made his mark in the world of the USL Championship this calendar year. As a USL journeyman in the past, Volesky has finally found his home in Monterey Bay FC, and his performances have been nothing short of exceptional. And he had another exceptional performance in his team’s Third Round upset of the San Jose Earthquakes (MLS) in the 2023 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. By scoring the lone goal in that 1-0 win, he was voted TheCup.us Player of the Round.

Throughout the season, Volesky has displayed remarkable skills and dedication, earning him two well-deserved USL Player of the Week honors. His consistent performances and influential presence on the field have propelled his team to being a playoff contender.

One of the standout moments of Volesky’s career came in that US Open Cup match against the San Jose Earthquakes. In a thrilling encounter, Volesky’s brilliance shone through as he led his team to victory, scoring the decisive goal that secured the win. His composure and precision in front of goal were key to Monterey Bay earning the club’s first win over a MLS team.

Recognizing his outstanding performance, Volesky narrowly edged Joe Corona (San Diego Loyal) for the award and Jonathan Lewis (Colorado Rapids) finished third. The Player of the Round award is voted on by TheCup.us staff, a select panel from the North American Soccer Reporters and select backers (those that pledge $10 or more) of TheCup.us’ Patreon team. 

In the game against the Earthquakes, Volesky’s defensive pressure disrupted their rhythm and caused the opposing center back, Rodrigues, to lose concentration and make a crucial mistake. Capitalizing on the opportunity, Volesky seized the loose ball and expertly slotted it past the goalkeeper, securing what would prove to be the game-winning goal in the 26th minute.

Monterey Bay FC will need another stellar performance from Volesky as they host the defending MLS Cup champions in LAFC in the Fourth Round. Dennis Bouanga, one of the MLS MVP front-runners up against Volesky, who is a nominee for USL Championship Player of the Month, is the best possible matchup for the neutrals. 

Christian Volesky’s journey from a USL journeyman to a key player for Monterey Bay FC has been remarkable. His exceptional skills, leadership, and ability to perform under pressure have propelled his team to success in the US Open Cup, and has his team on a six-game unbeaten streak in all competitions.

2023 US Open Cup Round 3: Monterey Bay FC takes advantage of San Jose Earthquakes mistake to earn first MLS upset

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Christian Volesky of Monterey Bay FC scored the lone goal against the San Jose Earthquakes in the 2023 US Open Cup. Photo: Kiera Winslow Monterey Bay FC
Christian Volesky of Monterey Bay FC scored the lone goal against the San Jose Earthquakes in the 2023 US Open Cup. Photo: Kiera Winslow Monterey Bay FC

Monterey Bay FC capitalized on some key MLS starters sitting for the San Jose Earthquakes and the USL Championship side nabbed a ‘Cupset’ by downing the visitors, 1-0, off the strength of a goal from Christian Volesky while goalkeeper Antony Siaha stopped four shots for the clean sheet.

Frank Yallop — the Monterey Bay FC coach and a San Jose Earthquakes legend — was delighted with his team’s performance, praising their ability to capitalize on the Earthquakes’ mistakes.
He was also full of praise for Volesky, who scored the crucial goal and was named the USL Championship’s Player of the Week earlier this week and for the second time this season.

”I feel confident. The team feels confident,” Volesky said. “To get a clean sheet, that was our goal tonight.

“(We) got a goal early, and we got the clean sheet. So if we win, prove a point a little bit. And we’re excited for what’s next.”

This result knocked the Earthquakes out of the US Open Cup and gave Monterey Bay FC and fellow USL teams a much-needed confidence boost as one to pull off a Cup upset.

San Jose will be left to ponder what could have been if they had played the entire starting squad the whole match. Luchi González, the San Jose Earthquakes coach, was disappointed with the result, acknowledging that his team had not played their best game. He also lamented the absence of key players, which had affected his team’s performance.

”It’s tough. That’s the beauty of Open Cup is you have nights like these,” González said. “At the end of the day, we didn’t get the draw at home. We would have loved to play at home, but this is close enough. So we felt good. We played here in preseason. We had a really competitive game against them then. I felt our preparation was very good. The players had a great attitude in the week of training, and approach to this game. And I felt we competed really well.”

The game took place at the Cardinale Stadium in Monterey, California, where the attendance was higher than a usual Tuesday night match.

Monterey Bay FC started the game strong, with the high press leading to a recovery of the ball in the 26th minute, which was slotted in the back of the net by Volesky. This goal resulted from some sloppy play from the Earthquakes’ Centerback Rodrigues. San Jose goalkeeper Daniel, who had not been in the best form since being purchased in the off-season, could not prevent the ball from going in.

The Earthquakes had been dominating the possession in the first half. However, they had failed to create any significant chances. They were missing key players, such as Jeremy Ebobisse and Cristian Espinoza, as they sat on the bench, which showed their inability to break through the opposition’s defense. With the lack of options up front, they were taking desperate shots instead of trying to work in a well-placed cross.

The situation changed in the second half when González brought on Cristian Espinoza and Jamiro Monteiro, two of their best offensive options.

Espinoza immediately made an impact, making a brilliant run that left his defender behind and providing the deadliest cross of the game. But no Quake was in the box to finish it.

The second half was more evenly contested, with both teams creating some excellent chances. The game went back and forth, with back-to-back saves from both keepers, keeping out stellar shots from the opposition. Monterey Bay had an opportunity to double the score in the 90th minute. However, Daniel made a crucial save to prevent a late goal.

2023 US Open Cup Round 2: Monterey Bay earn first USOC win after 3 OT goals overcome Central Valley Fuego

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Players from Monterey Bay FC (right) and Central Valley Fuego battle for the ball in their match in the 2023 US Open Cup. Photo: Central Valley Fuego
Players from Monterey Bay FC (right) and Central Valley Fuego battle for the ball in their match in the 2023 US Open Cup. Photo: Central Valley Fuego

Three post 90th-minute goals from Monterey Bay’s Christian Volesky, Hugh Dixon, and Samuel Gleadle secured the club’s victory over their USL League 1 host, Central Valley Fuego FC, to advance Round Three in the 2023 US Open Cup. While Fuego was from the division below Monterey, both clubs played with high energy and passion that kept both teams deadlocked in regular time and did not swing in anyone’s favor until the 97th minute in extra time.

At kickoff, the two sides did not waste any time in demonstrating their aggression when a yellow card was issued in the 2nd to Monterey’s Alejandro Lara, then a Fuego yellow card in the 30th minute to Mouhame Dabo. While the ball never found its way in the back of the net in the first half, a goal attempt made by Fuego’s Diego Casillas almost had the supporter stands erupt with celebration in the opposite end of the pitch in the 30th minute, only to be called back for offsides.

At the start of the second half, both clubs showed aggression; with five yellow cards being shown — three belonging to Fuego. By the 89th minute, both clubs were not budging to concede and it looked like the match would be forced to extra time.

Seven minutes into extra time Volesky — who subbed on in the 78th minute in place of Jason Johnson — was assisted by Dixon. Thirteen minutes later Dixon himself doubled the lead for the Union. While Fuego was down two goals, Zahir Vazquez — who was subbed on in the 90+1st minute to relieve David Diaz — found the back of the net in the 116th minute to assure Monterey that Fuego would not go down without a fight.

The surge from the crowd, though strong, was short lived when Samuel Gleadle banged in the third goal for Monterey in the 120+1st minute to seal the deal for Monterey Bay to advance.

2022 US Open Cup Round 2: Bay Cities FC spoil reunions with late winner vs. Monterery Bay

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Bay Cities FC Monterey Bay FC 2022 US Open Cup
Edson Cardona of Bay Cities FC celebrates his stoppage time goal with his teammates in a match against Monterery Bay FC in the Second Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Lyndsay Radnedge – @el_radical_photos

Bay Cities FC is hoping this is the beginning of a Cinderella story. The club, founded in little over a year ago, has now moved on to the Third Round of the 2022 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. The match was played at the home of the San Jose Earthquakes, but was labeled as a home match for Bay Cities. Bay Cities, who play in the National Independent Soccer Association (NISA, Div. 3 pro) won 2-1 over a big favorite in Monterey FC of the USL Championship in front of a crowd of about 500 fans. Bay Cities ended up spoiling a return to PayPal Park for former San Jose Earthquakes player Simon Dawkins and former coach Frank Yallop. The run continues, as a lot of firsts for the Bay Cities’ history happened today.

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Both teams were making their tournament debut and both scored their first goals in US Open Cup history, and Bay Cities got their first win in US Open Cup in their short history as well. And they did it in dramatic fashion.

The first goal came off the right foot of midfielder Rei Dorwart as the shot is a deflection off the Monterey Bay FC goalie JJ Dallas.

Monterey Bay scored the second goal of the match off a header by midfielder Robbie Crawford, he was assisted by Morey Doner.

The last came off a failed clearance by Monterey Bay defender Hugh Roberts. Edson Cardona took advantage with a beautiful left foot volley that screamed past the goalie to shock the whole stadium.

“They played with heart, they played for their communities,” said head coach and co-founder Anders Perez. “This is a group of guys that should be playing Division 1 or Division 2, nobody gives them much opportunity. This why we started this, this is why I started this. There are a lot of players not being seen, and we are giving them a chance.”

“We were definitely the underdog today, I don’t think a lot of people were expecting us to get the results we have been getting lately,” said Tony Jimenez about his team’s upset. “It was such a beautiful feeling to be out there, this is my first contract.”

On the other side of things, Monterey FC was hampered with the thought of losing in their first US Open Cup match ever. That fate loomed large as Bay Cities celebrated like it was a cup final.

”It was like a cup final for them … credit to them honestly … they capitalized on the mistakes that we made, and they punished us,” said Monterey goalscorer Robbie Crawford.

Monterey head coach Frank Yallop, who was coaching in his 25th US Open Cup match, 10 of them with the San Jose Earthquakes, had a more somber tone after the game.

“It’s not a good feeling losing any game, we didn’t play very well … they had two or three good chances, and they scored two goals, we had five really good chances and scored only one,” said Yallop. “It’s disappointing as it is. It’s not a fair reflection of the game, but you got to finish your chances.”

Despite the result, the fans that were there to see beloved former San Jose Earthquakes player Simon Dawkins return to PayPal Park got to see him play for 84 minutes.

“It was good to see the fans out here, there were a lot of San Jose Earthquakes fans, and they are supporting the local teams out here, it was good to see a good turn out,” said Dawkins. “It was great to play in front of them again.”

“That was my first match in the last three years, it was good to get match fitness in for me,” said Dawkins. “Disappointed with the result, but one personal thing I can take away from this is I got some minutes in”.

The former Tottenham and Jamaican International prepares to make a mark in the USL Championship as he makes his return to soccer.

Bay Cities moves on to the US Open Cup Third Round that has a possible date with an MLS team. The draw for Round 3 will take place on Friday at Noon ET.

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