Monterey Bay FC snatched a 1‑0 victory over El Paso Locomotive FC on Saturday, as Ilijah Paul’s 90th‑minute header sealed three points for the Union.
A Late Heroics
The win extended the Union’s unbeaten run at home to four matches and marked their first triumph over a Western Conference opponent this season, a milestone that underscores their growing confidence on familiar turf.
Backline stalwarts Nico Gordon and Joel Garcia commanded the defensive third, combining for 29 clearances while the midfield limited El Paso to just nine shots.
Head coach Alex Covelo’s tactical tweaks have paid dividends, with the Union finding the net in eight of their last nine outings, a streak that includes Paul’s decisive strike.
Despite the home dominance, the Union continue to wrestle with road form, having gone 16 matches without a win away from California, the last victory occurring in July 2024 in Seaside.
The team now sits two points shy of a playoff berth with 17 fixtures remaining, a tight race that could hinge on upcoming fixtures against San Antonio and other Western rivals.
A 14‑day break before the next league encounter gives the coaching staff time to fine‑tune strategies, especially after a dominant 60 percent possession against El Paso.
Off the pitch, the club’s momentum is reflected in its standing within the United Soccer League Championships, where the Union’s resurgence has been noted.