It’ll be a regional derby at Heart Health Park Saturday, as Monterey Bay F.C. visits Sacramento for the first time this season. The Seaside club enters the match on a three-match unbeaten run with eyes on continuing to climb in the Western Conference table.
Week 14 Rewind: #LVvMB
Monterey Bay tallied a second straight win in Week 14 in dramatic fashion. After playing Las Vegas Lights FC 1-1 into the final moments, the club put in a winner in the 89th minute. Sam Gleadle scored the winner, adding a goal to his assist from earlier in the match on the club’s opening score. As a result, the club secured it’s second road win on the year.
Monterey Bay This Season
Union has been strong on the attack all year long. A cohesive unit bolstered in the offseason has accomplished just what manager Frank Yallop and his staff have wanted – through 14 matches, the club has netted the third-most goals league wide. The club’s attack compliments a physical backline that has let in fewer than a goal per game dating to May 20.
They have been one of the league’s most resilient teams, tallying seven come from behind points – the top mark in the Western Conference. Only Birmingham Legion’s nine points from losing positions ranks higher – a nod to their continuous effort and quality keeping them in every game.
Players to Watch
Through the opening third of the 2023 season, forwards Sam Gleadle and Christian Volesky have combined with new acquisition Alex Dixon to form a potent attacking trio. Dixon enters Saturday’s match second in scoring league wide, one goal behind Russell Cicerone and Pittsburgh’s Albert Dikwa. thirteen of the club’s 24 goals this season have come from one of the three. Gleadle has helped his club get back on track the past three weeks after returning from injury, scoring two goals and recording two assists since June 1.
Head to Head
Republic FC and Monterey Bay have faced off three times, each coming last season. Sacramento has claimed two victories, winning once home and away. Monterey Bay took all three points in the pair’s most recent meeting last August 13. The lone contest at Heart Health Park ended 2-1 as Sacramento found the net twice from the penalty spot.
