September 4, 2022 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – Monterey Bay FC News Release
SEASIDE, California – Monterey Bay F.C. (10-14-2, 32 points) toppled Western Conference foe San Diego Loyal SC (16-7-4, 52 points) 3-1 in come-from-behind fashion at Cardinale Stadium. A brace from Sam Gleadle sandwiched a go-ahead, second-half goal from Christian Volesky to secure the Crisp and Kelp the full three points at home.
The Union earned themselves a chance early in the match in the 9th minute. Gleadle looped a ball over the Loyal SC defense and toward Chase Boone floating toward the back post. Boone then headed it back across the frame toward Simon Dawkins, but he was unable to get a touch on it and the ball continued over the endline for a goal kick. In the 17th minute, San Diego broke out on the counter and found Kyle Vassel making a run behind the Union backline, but his shot was saved by Antony Siaha with an outstretched hand after coming out to the top of the box. A minute later, San Diego found themselves with possession inside the box once again. This time, Nick Moon managed to curl a shot around the defender and Siaha on its way inside the far post. Union midfielder James Murphy fired a shot on frame from outside the box in the 33rd minute, but his shot was saved at the right post by a diving effort from the San Diego goalkeeper. Two minutes later, Murphy collected a turnover deep inside the opponents’ half and found himself one on one with the goalkeeper, but his shot missed wide of the post. In the dying moments of the half, Kai Greene fired a long ball aimed over the top of the San Diego back line that was flicked on unsuccessfully and out in front of a darting Gleadle who managed to get onto the end of it. After a touch to collect his poise, Gleadle smashed a left-footed shot into the top-left corner of the net to bring the match level at the halftime break.
San Diego earned an opportunity seven minutes into the second half, but their shot from inside the box missed wide of the post. In the 60th minute, Gleadle played Morey Doner down the right sideline. Doner then whipped a ball into the box and Volesky rose up and buried the ball into the back of the net with a header to put the Crisp and Kelp in front 2-1. Six minutes later Volesky got beyond the San Diego back line but was pulled down from behind by Kyle Adams who was shown a straight red card for the denial of a goalscoring opportunity and Loyal SC finished the match down a man….