Union open home season with win

Monterey Bay tops Phoenix as 4,800 fans cheer shutout

SEASIDE >> Granted, it's a small sample size. Yet, it is more than optimism running through the veins of Monterey Bay F.C.

The Union own a share of first place in the United Soccer League's Western Conference after Saturday's home opening 1-0 win over defending league champion Phoenix Rising.

At 1-0-1, the Union are one of five teams that have four points through the second week of the season in their third year in the USL.

Having missed the postseason in each of its first two seasons, Monterey Bay F.C. has seen positive results in retooling its roster this spring, relying on a tenacious defense that secured its first shutout Saturday.

Having rallied late in its season opener on Wednesday to salvage a tie at El

Paso, Texas, the Union had 4,867 fans on their feet 22 minutes into the match when Rafa Baca produced the game's only goal on an assist from CSUMB alum Adrian Rebollar.

From that point, the Union turned to their defense, where goalie Antony Siaha continued his masterly between the pipes with a handful of stops for his first shutout of the young season.

Siaha, who recorded five clean sheets and 58 saves last season for the Union, is fifth in the Western Conference

in saves with seven.

Phoenix, who earned a postseason spot last year by finishing fifth in the Western Conference enroute to capturing its first USL title, fell to 0-2-0 on the season.

Carmel High graduate Pierce Gallaway, who spent time with MBFC2 last summer, made his professional debut as a second half substitute.

Monterey Bay F.C. will have seven days to prepare for USL newcomer Rhode Island (0-0-1), which it will host for the first time on Sunday at 3 p.m.