A big contest awaits the Indomitable Club this week – their first NorCal Derby of the season with new regional foe Monterey Bay FC. Although Sacramento faced off with the club in their final preseason tune-up, a lot can change in three weeks, so now that the season is underway take a look at the Seaside club ahead of their first regular season visit to Sacramento.
Last Week’s Drama
In Week 2, the club achieved a major milestone. Taking on fellow Northern California side 
Oakland Roots SC, an eventful match went their way for the first win in club history. A brace from Chase Boone set the stage for a thrilling 90th minute dagger from Hugh Roberts, who was awarded Team of the Week honors for his heroics. The two squads combined for 23 shots and 14 close-range opportunities. Despite being dominated in possession, Monterey took advantage of every opportunity they got, generating 60% of their chances in the final 45 minutes.
Through Three Weeks
Despite a pair of tough losses to open the season, Monterey Bay has performed well – their surface numbers reveal a club second in all of USL in conversion rate at 26%, and in the top half in scoring. However, they’ve been easy to break down defensively and in the midfield, conceding the third most goals. Against Oakland last week, they had trouble maintaining possession – especially in the second half, where their opponents held a 66%-34% advantage.
The club has seen a few players stand out to open the season. Alongside Roberts, forward Chase Boone was also named to the Team of the Week for Week 3 for his two scores, four shots, and three chances created. Contributions have also come in from defender Kai Greene and former Sacramento keeper Rafa Diaz, who took home Save of the Week honors in Week 2 against Colorado Springs.
Head to Head
Saturday will mark the first official contest between Sacramento and Monterey Bay. The two sides do share some history, having faced off just three weeks ago in a preseason friendly at Heart Health Park. Republic FC claimed victory in the contest, a 3-2 result that saw Rodrigo Lopez, Douglas Martinez, and Emil Cuello all find the net.
