February 24, 2024 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – Monterey Bay FC News Release
SEASIDE, California – Monterey Bay F.C. drew level at 1-1 with MLS NEXT Pro side San Jose Earthquakes II in a preseason match at Cardinale Stadium. Union trialist and MBFC2 alum Anthony Orendain scored the equalizing goal in the 87th minute of the match.
Monterey Bay’s first real chance of the night came in the 12th minute of the match when Rafa Baca intercepted a pass from a Quakes II defender and fired it on frame, but his shot was saved by the goalkeeper. Adrian Rebollar intercepted another Quakes II pass in the 22nd minute that gave the Union possession deep in the opponent’s half, but the chance was quelled by the defense. A minute later, the visitors got out on a counter of their own, but a quick, reactionary kick-save from Antony Siaha as he was onrushing the attacker denied the opportunity. Siaha then thwarted another good look at goal for Quakes II in the 40th minute. Two minutes later, Grant Robinson drove into the box on the left side and whipped a ball towards Walmer Martínez, but it was headed clear by a defender. Chase Boone had a chance a few moments later, but his shot was deflected out for an ultimately fruitless corner and the first half ended scoreless.
A midfielder for Quakes II fired a rocket from outside the box in the 59th minute of the match, but his shot missed just high and wide of the right post. Quakes II took advantage of a Union turnover to take the lead in the 63rd minute. A low cross across the face of goal led to a wide-open tap in to give the visitors the 1-0 lead. Monterey Bay F.C. turned around a minute later with a shot of their own from Mobi Fehr, but it was blocked by a defender. In the 69th, a pass from Baca led Alex Dixon ahead for a one-on-one with the keeper above the 18-yard box, but the onrushing goalkeeper denied the chance once again. Baca came close to securing the equalizer for the Union in the 78th minute, but his first time shot from just inside the box was caught by the goalkeeper. The Crisp-and-Kelp finally found the equalizer in the 87th minute when trialist Michael Gonzalez rocketed a shot off the crossbar. The ball bounced back into play and Orendain was there to smash it into the back of the net to bring the match to its final score of 1-1.
Information
Date: February 24, 2024
Venue: Cardinale Stadium; Seaside, California
Weather: Clear and 57 degrees
Scoring Summary:
MB: Anthony Orendain 87′
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