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Monterey Bay F.C.

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Roberts

Quote Sheet: MBFC 1-2 TBR

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Cardinale Stadium; Seaside, California
Sunday, October 2, 2022

Forward Sam Gleadle
On his goal:
“It was a good ball by Chase [Boone]. Him and I are starting to learn each other now since he’s been in that role. He saw me, played a good ball, and I just took a touch, put my head down and shot it. Luckily it ended up in the right spot, I’m very happy with it.”

On playing at Cardinale Stadium:
“The growing energy in the crowd this season has been great. They have always been good; they’ve always been here to support us. They are kind of learning the game as the season goes on and we’re feeding off their energy. Tonight was a packed house so moving forward this is going to be a great place for us and a tough place for people to come play.”

On the way the match ended:
“Once they got that second goal, they were always going to try to slow it down. For us, it was very emotional obviously. We’re trying to push, get a win, and try to get into the playoffs. Our emotions were high, and they were trying to run out the game. They are fighting for spots in their division as well, so it got a bit chippy, but we’re fighting for something, and we want it really badly.”

On what the result means for the final two matches:
“We need all three in both. We can’t focus on other teams; we just have to focus on us now and try to get three points in both of those games.”

Defender Hugh Roberts
On the match:
“It was a great atmosphere, a great crowd. We heard it starting at warmups. We fed off that for the whole first half. But then there was probably a mental switch off in the first five minutes of the second half. The half just started, it was really just a mentality thing. The second goal, they really had just two chances and had two goals. It’s not like they had 10 chances and scored two. Some growth in there and experience to be had for us there. Another thing we need to grow from.”

On the message at halftime:
“We were coming for two or three. We didn’t want to sit back coming into the second half, we wanted to keep pressing the same way, keep going at them. Maybe the mentality would’ve switched in the 75th minute if we were up 1-0 still, we probably would’ve saved our legs and stayed more compact. We were knocking on the door before the break. So we were coming into the second half hoping to feed off that.”

On the biggest challenge this season:
“Finding out identity. It’s not really about any other teams out there. This whole year has been about us. Whether it’s learning how to hold onto a lead or figuring out how to win ugly. These moments when we have a lead, can we secure it. There hasn’t really been a team that has beaten us this season, it’s been us beating ourselves because we switch off, we might stay too spread out instead of staying compact, really just a lot of youth. We’re kind of a younger team too. Throughout this whole year, we’ve been growing through every game to this point now where we’re a little bit more of a mature team. But it’s really been tough all year trying to find our identity.”

On the message to the team after the match:
“Win the next two. We have been doing well against these good teams. Especially at home, so we came in real confident, and it showed when we got the first goal. But we have to take that confidence into the next two games on the road. We have been in playoff mode honestly for the last month and a half. It’s how we got here to this point, we were fighting and clawing, and we know these last two games are do or die. We are here again, and this is what we’re fighting for. We’ll bring the same mentality; these last two games are playoff games.”

Quote Sheet: MBFC 0-2 LA

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Cardinale Stadium; Seaside, California
Saturday, August 27, 2022

Sporting Director & Head Coach Frank Yallop
On the match:
“It was a frustrating night for everybody involved really. I thought we created some great chances. Obviously, the final ball, the final finish was not there, but there’s no way I’m going to fault the guys for anything they did in that game. I think the two breaks were led by a very good player in this league, Preston Judd. He’s a very good player. He was the difference again tonight. I thought we played very well, and we were definitely very unlucky not to get something out of that game.”

On players returning from injury:
“We got Chase [Boone] back, but we lost JJ [Johnson] before the game. He was probably going to start, and I think he would’ve been a difference maker in this game. I thought the guys played very well. We created enough chances in this game to score at least one if not two goals. It’s hard to take that we lost the game, I thought we did well enough to get something out of it.”

On the community impact of the club:
“This whole thing is about the community and the fans. We want to get this stadium packed; we want everyone to enjoy these games. Maybe the results are not quite there yet, but I’ve been doing this for many years. It’s difficult when you start from scratch, but we will keep growing. I know that the fans are entertained when they come watch us play, and that’s the main thing for us. And our guys are doing a great job in the community, getting themselves out there and getting us recognized. I think this is one of the best things that has happened in Monterey County.”

Defender Hugh Roberts
On the first conceded goal:
“I would say it was literally two moments where guys just switched off. Normally on corner kicks we are pretty good. It’s crazy, this is probably the first time all year that we got scored on twice off of corner kicks on the opposite side in the same game. It was another learning experience because everyone was pushing up, pushing for the goal, and we got bit on the counter. So it’s a learning experience, I feel like guys kind of switched off in general.”

On controlling the majority of the match:
“For most of the game, yeah, we had it under control. Those counterattack moments when they come after me and Kai, we’ve handled those scenarios all year. We’re at the point now defensively where, especially in the run of play, we know unspokenly where we are supposed to be. Chemistry-wise we are not too worried about turnovers in the middle because we know that we can still hold it down defensively. All four of us are hungry and sacrificing ourselves to block shots and block crosses. Even though there might be some mistakes out there, we know as a back four and with Siaha behind us, that we are still going to be tough to beat at the end of the day.”

On Kai Greene’s recent form:
“My guy has been playing phenomenal. He banged his knee a little bit tonight, but still pushed through. When he stepped his game up a month and half to two months ago, we all stepped our games up. He is someone who works hard both off the field and before and after practice. It speaks to his performance on the field. I’m happy for my guy.”

Forward Simon Dawkins
On the team looking likely to score throughout the match:
“It’s unfortunate really. I hit the bar in the first half. If we score that, it might be a different game. They scored on two breakaways. It’s unfortunate. We have to look at the video and see where we went wrong. We had our chances; we just didn’t really take it. It’s a disappointing night, but we’ll dust ourselves off and get at it again.”

On being in control of the match:
“We have to build on it, that was the main positive tonight. For us to have a successful year and make the playoffs, we have to build on a performance like that. We had a lot of the ball in the second half especially. We had a lot of chances. They didn’t have much offensively, but they scored on two breakaways. At the end of the day, they are going home tonight with the points. So, we have to look at that, see where it went wrong, try to build on the positives, and then take it into the next game and try to get three points next week.”

On deserving to win the match:
“The way we performed, definitely. I thought the lads did well. Like I said, two breakaways that were disappointing, but we were at home, so we expect to take away three points. Now we have another two games at home, so hopefully we can change that performance into wins next week.”

Siaha, Murphy, and Roberts Named to USL Championship’s Team of the Week for Week 23

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SEASIDE, Calif. (Tuesday, August 16, 2022) – Monterey Bay F.C. earned its third consecutive home win in the club’s weekend match against Sacramento Republic FC at Cardinale Stadium just three days after being narrowly defeated by Loyal SC in San Diego on Wednesday, August 10. Following a hard-fought midweek performance and the team’s fourth-straight home shutout, goalkeeper Antony Siaha and midfielder James Murphy received USL Championship’s Team of the Week honors for Week 23, while defender Hugh Roberts was named to the bench.

Siaha earned goalkeeper of the week honors for Week 23 behind two solid starts for the Union with only a penalty kick conceded in the two matches. In total, Siaha won all five of his duels and added five saves and three clearances. The goalkeeper has now earned five clean sheets in his first seven professional starts.

Murphy’s performances in the midfield against Loyal SC and Republic FC earned the New Jersey native a top-11 spot in this week’s Team of the Week. In the two matches combined, Murphy created five chances offensively and tallied the game-winning assist in the first half against Sacramento. Defensively, he won seven duels and recorded seven interceptions, six tackles, five clearances, and two fouls won.

Anchoring the Crisp and Kelp’s back line, Roberts is being recognized for leading another 180 minutes of stingy defense in which the Union allowed just one goal against two top Western Conference teams. Statistically, Roberts won 24 of his 27 duels, finished the week with an 88.3% pass accuracy, and added 14 clearances, 4 interceptions, 4 tackles, and one chance created.

Below is USL Championship’s full Team of the Week for Week 23 lined up in a 3-4-3 formation:

Goalkeeper – Antony Siaha (MB)

Defenders – Manny Perez (LOU), Mark Segbers (MIA), Patrick Seagrist (MEM)

Midfielders – James Murphy (MB), Ricardo Zacarias (ELP), Nicky Hernandez (SA), Charlie Adams (SD)

Forwards – Samuel Adeniran (SA), Luis Solignac (ELP), Milan Iloski (OC)

Bench – Hugh Roberts (MB), Trey Muse (MEM), Mikey Lopez (BHM), Prince Saydee (HFD), Dillon Powers (OC), Hadji Barry (COS), Dario Suarez (TUL)

NEXT UP: Monterey Bay F.C. hits the road to Albuquerque to face New Mexico United at Isotopes Park at 6:00 p.m. PT on Saturday, August 20. The match can be streamed live on ESPN+.

Quote Sheet: MBFC 1-0 SAC

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Cardinale Stadium; Seaside, California
Saturday, August 13, 2022

Sporting Director & Head Coach Frank Yallop
On coming off of a loss and winning this match at home:
“I expected us to come out strong because we’re at home. It was a disappointing result in San Diego on Wednesday. I thought we played well enough to get at least a draw in that game, but there was a penalty that went against us. We got the guys back on Thursday and had an easy day on Friday to get ready for this game. This team we played tonight is a very good team, and they showed it. Great performance tonight, good win, I’m very happy.”

On coming out strong in the first half:
“I think eight of those guys played 90 minutes on Wednesday night, so we couldn’t maintain the pressing that we did in the first half, but I thought we did great. We had fresh guys with Christian [Volesky] and Adrian [Rebollar], but quite a few of the guys in the back 4, and the goalkeeper, all played 90 minutes on Wednesday night. We couldn’t maintain our normal pressing and work rate, but we did a nice job of being compact in the second half and making it difficult against a team that’s good. I’m pretty happy and pleased by the way we went through it.”

On the game slowing down in the second half:
“It was a choppy game, but I think Antony [Siaha] made an unbelievable save early on in the game. He’s been incredible with his presence and ability to keep the ball out of the goal. All of us have confidence defensively now, it’s not just Antony. Kai [Greene] and Hugh [Roberts] are massive right now for us in the back four. And our two fullbacks, they are working and doing great on both sides of the ball. Grant [Robinson] is getting himself forward well, and so is Morey [Doner]. Pretty happy with the whole squad and the spirit. We have to keep going. I’m looking forward to the next game against New Mexico away. We’ll see if we can get another good result.”

Defender Hugh Roberts:
On a hard-fought win:
“Our mentality has changed. Last time I talked to you guys, I said we needed that one signature win to get over the hump. I haven’t seen you all in a little bit, and we’ve been on a bit of a streak, but like I said our mentality has changed over this last month and a half. We know we don’t have to win pretty. We’re all committed and dedicated to first, get the shutout, and then second, get that one goal and sacrifice our bodies to keep the shutout.”

On beating a quality side:
“It feels great, especially after Wednesday where we ended up losing 1-0 after that little streak, but you can either keep your head down or keep it going and we got together as a team and as a back four to keep a shutout again and get another streak going. The fact that we beat a quality team was alright, but we owed these guys. They beat us twice already and another time in preseason. We knew we had lost three times in a row and we had a little chip on our shoulder this game. It was more so us fighting, not doing it pretty, but doing it ugly knowing that we were going against our rivals. We were up for the challenge tonight.”

On knowing the opponents and the preparation for the match:
“We knew it was 2-1 in both of the previous games, we took a look at both of those results, and they were decided in the last 15 minutes, both games. We knew we had that goal, and we wanted a couple more, but once it hit the 70th minute, because of those last two games, we held strong. Our overall IQ has gone up as well, we knew they were going to throw attackers forward like the last two games. We learned from those experiences, and you can see this group maturing out there now. They threw on some more attacking weapons, but it didn’t matter to us because we knew at this point in the season, we have to grind it out and do it ugly if we have to.”

Midfielder Adrian Rebollar
On the win:
“We’re in a position right now where we’re just a couple of points behind the other teams in the table and every point counts. Obviously, it was a bit tough to go out on Wednesday and play San Diego, but it’s nice to come back home and get our three points.”

Midfielder James Murphy
On the game feeling disjointed:
“It was a choppy game, I think we started it pretty well, it was pretty fluid. We got our goal which I think we deserved with the way we started the game. Then from that 25-minute mark in the first half the game kind of wasn’t fluid anymore. We probably weren’t good enough on the ball, and I think they [Sacramento] would say the same for themselves. Sometimes, games are like that. At the end of the day, we battled through a tough game and got three points, so we’re happy about that.”

On three games in eight days:
“It’s more mental than physical almost, because your body is really feeling it toward the end of these games. Especially with three games in eight days against playoff teams. You know you’re going to be run down and physically exhausted. It’s about mentally continuing and telling yourself that you can get to the end of the game, especially when we’re winning in a game like this. We know that we have to dig in to get three points, and we did that.”

Hugh Roberts’ Footys Got You Pledges to Raise Money for Local Organization Salinas Soccer 831

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Monterey Bay Football Club (Monterey Bay F.C.) captain and defender Hugh Roberts’ charity foundation, Footys Got You, has partnered with Salinas Soccer 831 as he continues to make a lasting impact in the community.  Since arriving on the Monterey Peninsula, his first move to the West Coast, the Olney, Maryland native has been looking for ways to make a difference. 

In fact, Roberts has already worked with local agricultural companies to help giveaway food and has even held a couple of community soccer clinics in Salinas as well. Now, Roberts has partnered with local organization Salinas Soccer 831 and has pledged to raise money for them for the remainder of the season. 

“I have been to Salinas Soccer 831’s facility a couple of times myself and have been able to interact with the kids and families out there,” explained Roberts. “I see the need here, I see how big soccer is here, and they are doing things right. They really help the families out, it’s not just about soccer over there. It’s deeper than the game for them and that’s what this is for me. My model has always been that kids can’t be what they can’t see. So my mindset is for these kids to see me and other pros firsthand, to see real life examples of how they can impact their communities when they get a chance.” 

At its core, Roberts’ foundation emphasizes that community is bigger and deeper than soccer. It is deeper in that Robert’s believes the opportunity to play professional soccer starts with having the proper food and resources at home, which in turn leads to proper performance on the field. And although Roberts has already begun to impact the community in this way, Footys Got You has now promised to kick it up a notch. For the rest of the season, Roberts will be donating $20 per game, another $20 for every win, $10 for each goal, and $10 for every shutout. Through two games so far, Roberts and those who have pledged alongside him have already donated $525.

“All of the funds throughout this whole year are going straight to Salinas Soccer 831,” he said. “I’ll be tweeting updates on how much I donate and how much others donate because I’m asking others to match me every game. Come to the games live, watch the games on TV, or even if you don’t watch, just follow my social media (@backyardfooty on Twitter, @backyardfootyy on Instagram) and look for my updates on the total that I’ve donated and then either match me or donate any amount that you can. Even if it’s a onetime donation, every dollar goes a long way for these families.”

He continued, “at the end of the day, I don’t do this for the money, I don’t even play this sport for the money. It’s more so about leaving a lasting impact that can affect families positively. I want to help the next generation ball out and live their childhood dreams the way I did.”

With soccer being a pay-to-play sport here in the states, the options are limited for any kids who dream of playing professionally, and while Roberts aims to change that, he wants to provide a cheaper option, at the very least, in the meantime.

“I was very fortunate that my parents were able to provide me with the opportunity to pursue soccer,” Roberts explained. “But there are a lot of kids that can’t even do what I was able to do and won’t be able to do what I am doing now. So, at the end of the day when I am gone, I want these kids to be able to see what I’ve been doing throughout my nine years so far and have a smoother and easier transition to get to where I am right now. It’s all about providing opportunities for these kids and leaving a legacy for them.”

On the pitch, Roberts recognizes that with the club being an expansion team, it is going to be a process to reach the team’s long-term goals. And he appreciates that the fan base understands that as well.

“Just to hear the support, even when we are losing games at home, people are still saying ‘we got you here 100%,’ and that goes a long way. We put a lot of pressure on ourselves to perform for the fans and it’s inevitable to feel like we are letting them down right now. So to have the community behind you saying that they have our backs no matter what, it takes that proverbial monkey off your back and allows you to play more stress-free because you know you have people that love you regardless of the result.”

Roberts continued, “this community shows a lot of love. That’s why I stick around for so long after each game and why I feel it’s so important to make an impact off the field as well. They show us love by even being here and cheering for us through the cold for 90 minutes, so I want to show my love right back.”

Quote Sheet: MBFC 1-2 SAC

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Cardinale Stadium; Seaside, California
Saturday, June 25, 2022

Sporting Director & Head Coach Frank Yallop
On conceding twice in two minutes:
“If you look at the whole picture of the game, for me, we played very well against a good side. These are not heartbreaking moments, but just things that we have done a few times in games we’ve had that just cost us. It was the same thing tonight, the general game we played well. We were energetic, we figured out their system, I thought we played well. Cortez and Walmer were getting into good spots, Christian was really lively up front, and Adrian was driving on. We had some great moments in the game, it’s just individual plays that are costing us right now. We can talk about it and show it on video and work on it and we’ve got to figure that out, but I’ve done this many times – this is first year blues. It’s not easy and one thing I will say is that our guys don’t give up, they keep going and driving to the end and they’re shattered right now and upset that they didn’t win or get at least a draw.”

On losing the positive momentum from the first half:
“Obviously we were one nil up at half time, and their team and their coach are going to change things because we were dominating and playing well. He brings on three subs, and they have quality on the bench, we’re kind of depleted with our players. They bring on three really good players that would normally start, and I wouldn’t say it changed the game, but it probably did. I still think that we can prevent the goals that went in but you have got to hand it to them, they have quality and they have depth. They have many players that can come on and make a difference to the game. It was frustrating because I think that we had a great game plan. We just couldn’t do it for ninety minutes, but that’s football.”

On the team’s close results this season:
“I’m not going to stand here and say I’m frustrated, but I am. The big thing is I know we have quality and I know we’re a good team, and if everybody was healthy in my squad, I think we’re okay. Chase got injured yesterdays, and we got Same Gleadle out, he got injured Tuesday, two very good players in anybody’s team. We don’t want excuses, but the reality right now is that if we had everybody healthy we’re not a bad side. This right now is no one’s fault, we’ve had a few injuries and a few hiccups here and there, and it doesn’t all go together. Sacramento have been known for a few years and they have done a nice job putting a squad together. We’re gonna be fine, I love the energy and I think the crowd feeds off that. I think that we as a group never give up which is a big plus for me as a coach, and I think that the fans enjoy that. Now, do we want to win every game? Yes. Are we ready to win every game? Probably not right now.”

On the result:
“Any time you lose a game, it’s really depressing and not good for you. I never go in there (locker room) after a game because they need to decompress and make sure that they talk amongst themselves and they’re going to say look we’ve had three or four moments where we’ve given the game away. But the rest of the game I’m thinking we’ve played against a really good team, and we did really well, and that’s the story of the season right now. The good thing is we’re still positive, we have a bunch of games left which I’m excited about. It’s about growing this franchise, it’s about growing the brand, it’s about growing our team. I’m not trying to make excuses for myself as a coach, but I’ve done this many times with teams and we’re usually pretty good after year two and three and four and moving on because you can sort through what you want, systems you want to play and certain players that are going to enhance what we’re doing here, and once I can get that in the next end of season window, I think we’re going to be fine.”

Defender Hugh Roberts
On Sacramento’s back-to-back goals:
“Sometimes we try to figure it out on the fly, and I would say it’s definitely more of a repetitive thing going on. When we take the lead, it’s almost like a curse for us, I don’t know if we play differently when things aren’t going our way or if we have a different mindset when we’re comfortable. Especially at home, we should be protecting our home territory where we’ve been having those one to zero leads and letting them slip away. It’s a mentality thing that we’re trying to figure out.”

On the second half momentum shift:
“We absorbed more of their pressure, but of course, when they’re down we can press them a little more but instead of responding offensively we absorbed that pressure and sat back a little bit. It was almost inevitable that they were going to score with that many crosses and shots but on the flip side we have to put that pressure back on them. It’s something that we’re going to grow from and work on.”

On the midfield:
“The chemistry is still getting better between the team. A lot of guys have been out because of covid and almost every single week two starters get hurt whether that’s in practice or the game. This has been happening all season. I’m not trying to say that it’s been unlucky for us but that’s how it’s been going. We’ll have a starter go in one week and then it will be a different starter next week. Within the offensive core there’s no fluidity yet and it’s not a chemistry problem – there’s been such inconsistency with the lineups. Especially within the offensive core there needs to be the same core unit so that the guys can gel together.”

On turning the season around:
“It’s going to take that one victory where we’re scratching and crawling. It’s going to be an ugly win – that’s the one that will get us over our hump. It’s just a confidence and a mental block, when you’re constantly losing and getting defeated it becomes a repetitive action in the back of your mind which becomes a worry in the back of our mind. Once we get on the offensive front and start scoring goals, that becomes the same pattern and routine of winning which creates a domino effect. I really feel like we need to get this one win and a couple goals and we’ll get over the hump and the guys will get their confidence back. We have a good locker room, the guys are still in good spirits so it’s not a matter of that, it’s just a matter of getting that one win that will propel us forward through the rest of the season.

Forward Walmer Martínez
On creating the chance for the goal:
“It’s all about following the play. I knew that the ball was in a dangerous area, and I had to follow through and that’s what I did. That’s my job and i had to do it – I was in the right place at the right time.”

On losing control in the second half:
“The most dangerous part of the game is the last 20 minutes so if we’re not focused or not playing as a unit we’re going to get broken through – as we did. There are things that we have to fix and there are mistakes that happen often, and we need to fix that. It’s no excuse for us to concede two goals in three minutes. It’s something that we definitely have to work on in training. It’s upsetting because in the first half we had that game and parts of the second half up until the 75’ and to lose it in three minutes it’s the worst way to go out of a game.”

On the difficulty of creating chances in the second half:
“It’s definitely tough because they block all access to any channels and space. They were playing very compactly and were doing good defensively. We needed to be a little more patient on the ball and wait for the right moment to attack and it didn’t happen that way.”

On the team’s feelings about Sacramento going into the match:
“To us, it’s any other opponent, we’re the underdogs and we know what we’re capable of. We are a good team, and we can do a lot of great things when things are working for us. This is definitely a team we can beat. Even though they beat Galaxy, that doesn’t mean anything. On the pitch, it’s who you are playing against, 11 guys versus 11 guys, and it’s whoever plays the best, today they had the upper hand.”

Quote Sheet: MBFC 1-2 RGV

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Cardinale Stadium; Seaside, California
Saturday, May 14, 2022

Sporting Director & Head Coach Frank Yallop
On the Rio Grande Valley defense:
“We didn’t start particularly well in the game for whatever reason, but I think the middle spell in the first half, we had some chances we could have at least done a little better on. But again, we didn’t take those chances until the one Hugh [Roberts] put in. I think we should have at least had a draw with the chances we created.”

On the second goal:
“I haven’t seen it yet. It’s difficult when you’re sitting down there to see any kind of angle or what happened very clearly. I think Carlos [Herrera] made a good attempt to save the first one. I couldn’t see it all that well from the angle where I was, so I’ll have to look at it.”

On the match:
“I think it was an entertaining match. I don’t think the fans went away saying it was boring. I don’t think they went away thinking we were not trying our best to win. We kept going to the end and on another night, we could have had a tie. I think a tie would have been a fair result in this game. Obviously going down to 10 men in the middle of the second half gives you a bit of a mountain to climb, but we had good chances after that point. If they had got that third goal and killed the game off, then so be it, but I thought we defended well other than the one or two moments that they scored on. I think Hugh [Roberts] and Kai [Greene] defended well and were strong.”

On being away from home for so long to start the season:
“Mentally, it’s good to be home sleeping in our own beds and getting ready for the games here. The initial stretch of away games now is over, which I was dreading before, but at least we got one win out of it and then we took ourselves into the next game at home and we got a win out of that. It’s disappointing not to get something tonight, especially with a tough game in Louisville next weekend and then Colorado, who is top of the league right now coming back here after that. There’s going to be some tough games here, so we have to learn how to play here, quickly.”

On the first half injuries:
“Carlos [Herrera] just got into the team and made his pro debut last weekend and now halfway through this one he’s injured. I don’t know what the injury is, I haven’t spoken to the trainer yet, so I’m not sure. It’s disappointing for him. He was very unlucky on the goal that he tipped off the post. Then we had Arun [Basuljevic] go out as well, who has been a very good player for us. It’s been a tough few weeks.”

Defender Grant Robinson
On breaking down RGV’s defense:
“A couple of us played there last year, so we know that’s something they pride themselves on. They’ve only given up five or six goals in eight games, so we knew it wasn’t going to be easy to find the net. We were able to get one in the first half, but they really locked us down in the second half and we had trouble breaking through. Defense is something they pride themselves on and they did a good job.”

On the match:
“We’re really disappointed, honestly. After the win last week, we wanted to show everyone that it’s not a onetime thing, so it hurt us a lot not to win this game in front of the fans. Throughout the game we thought we were in it, even with the red card. There were moments where I thought we could easily have scored, but the keeper made some good saves for them. At no point did I think they were running away with the game; it just wasn’t our day today.”

On the team’s resiliency:
“That’s a reflection of the team, the coach, the owner – everyone from the top down. We know we’re going to take our lumps and it’s going to be tough, but everyone is willing to go the whole game. I don’t think anyone on our team had their head down thinking it was over. I think that’s important, and I want to convey that to everyone who’s listening; we are going to give everything for 90 minutes every single game, so if you guys stick with us, we’ll keep going and keep giving our best. I think our energy levels were great, it just wasn’t our day.”

Defender Hugh Roberts
On his goal:
“We’ve been working on set pieces for a while now. We’ve got some good size on this team, so it’s all about putting the ball into hopeful or dangerous areas. We really love the chances we’re creating and we’re going to start taking advantage of them. Honestly, it was a great goal and a great feeling too.”

On the breakdown during the second goal:
“I would say it probably started from a bad clearance. We were stuck in our corner, and it came right back onto us and then from there we were all out of sorts because everyone was trying to get up the field. We were caught in a bad position starting from the clearance and then from there it was like a domino effect.”

On the health of the team:
“We knew we had this quality, especially the back four, because we’ve been playing together all preseason, but injuries have been holding us back. For us to build this confidence, it speaks volumes of us and it’s great to have these guys back from injury too. We had more guys injured again tonight though, so here we go again in this same situation, but it was good to at least have the back four so that we could build some more chemistry.”

On defensive communication:
“It’s hard to hear us with the fans screaming and yelling at us all the time, but we talk a lot on the field. A lot of it is instinctiveness as well, so when a ball goes over the top or a ball is in a tough situation, we have good enough chemistry now to where it’s kind of unspoken. I know Dallas [Jaye] is going to come off the line and clear the ball, and he knows me and my speed, so we’re talking a lot, but a lot of it is instinctiveness and chemistry.”

On the fans:
“We’re so happy to be here at home. We hear the fans the whole game, and it’s not just them cheering for every good moment. They actually know the game of soccer. Every time we get out of a situation or move the ball well, we hear them clapping and cheering. And we appreciate that more than just ‘go so and so,’ because we see that they understand the quality of our game. It’s the little things you have to appreciate, like the one-two touches, the nutmegs, and getting out of tough situations. We hear the oohs and aahs and it makes us want to be even more creative and just play our game. We appreciate all of it.”

Chase Boone and Hugh Roberts Selected to USL Championship’s Team of the Week

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Following the first win in Monterey Bay F.C. history, a 3-2 come-from-behind victory against Oakland Roots SC at Laney College Football Stadium that featured a game-winning goal in the 90th minute, Union forward Chase Boone and defender Hugh Roberts were both named to USL Championship’s Team of the Week for Week 3.

Boone recorded his first professional goal in the 8th minute to give the visitors the opening lead, only to follow it up with a second score in the 68th minute to bring the match level at 2-2. Then in the 90th minute of the match, Roberts rose up and smashed a headed ball into the back of the net off a free kick set piece to give Monterey Bay F.C. the late 3-2 lead. Following an injury to goalkeeper Rafi Díaz in the fifth minute of added time and with the team out of substitution windows, Boone swapped his shooting boots for goalkeeper gloves and finished the final four minutes of the match between the sticks. Despite the chaos, Roberts and the rest of the Union defense stood strong to deny the home side any chance to test the forward-turned-goalkeeper and earned the full three points for Monterey Bay F.C. on the night.

Below is USL Championship’s full Team of the Week for Week 3 lined up in a 3-4-3 formation:

Forwards – Chase Boone (MB), Danny Trejo (LV), Jackson Conway (ATL)

Midfielders – Alejandro Guido (SD), Cam Lindley (COS), Maxi Rodriguez (DET), Taylor Davila (LA)

Defenders – Gabriel Torres (TUL), Sean Totsch (LOU), Matt Mahoney (COS)

Goalkeeper – Elliot Panicco (IND)

Bench – Hugh Roberts (MB), Eric Lopez (LA), Collin Martin (SD), Jeremy Kelly (MEM), Hadji Barry (COS), Jake LaCava (TBR), Douglas Martínez Jr. (SAC)

Monterey Bay F.C. continues its opening road swing with a matchup against Sacramento Republic FC at Heart Health Park on Saturday, April 2 at 7:00 p.m. PT. The match can be viewed live on ESPN+.

Quote Sheet: MBFC 3 – 2 OAK

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Laney College Football Stadium; Oakland, California
Saturday, March 26, 2022

Sporting Director & Head Coach Frank Yallop
On the match:
“What an unbelievable roller coaster for a game, really. I thought we played really well. Oakland is a good side, especially at home. I thought they played well. It’s one of those games where I felt like we were going to get something out of it. We were probably thinking of a draw, but for us to go and win it was amazing.”

On Chase Boone:
“He was great. He has been fantastic since the day he arrived. We got good reports from San Diego and Landon Donovan, so we watched him a lot and we couldn’t be more happy for Chase. He’s a great kid, he works hard, but what two great goals. We’re really happy for him.”

On Hugh Roberts’ late winner:
“It was amazing really. We work on set plays, but we are so young as a club that we’re not really sharp on them yet. But our guys played it on instinct and I think for us to come up with a big win on a night like this is amazing. I’m really happy.”

On the group holding onto the lead in added time:
“If you think about it, it culminates with Chase having to go in goal because we’ve used all our subs. For him to go in there, he didn’t have much to do, but at the end of the day it’s about sticking together as a team and I thought we did that really well tonight.”

Defender Hugh Roberts
On the result:
It’s never easy, you know, but it shows our character. From preseason to the early games, I know we had a couple losses, but we’re here to fight. Even in games down 4-0 we’re coming back with two goals instead of laying down, it all just shows our character and I love it.”

On his game-winning goal:
“Honestly, I wanted to win. We all wanted to win. Me and Kai [Greene] have been working on set pieces a little bit, but we know any opportunity that me and him have to get in there, it’s an advantage for us. We were hungry for goals, and I just love the effort and attitude from these boys. We deserved to win this game too.”

On the character of the team:
“At the end of the day we’re a family. We say it in the huddles, we say it in the locker room, it’s family every time. When Raf [Díaz] went down, I told him we’re going to get this dub for him. And we did, we secured the dub for my boy. Because that’s who we are, we’re a family. If one guy goes down, we’ve got each other’s backs.”

Forward Chase Boone
On the first win in club history:
“It feels great man, it’s long overdue. We’ve been grinding since early February, and it’s just great to do it so close to home. And then to have some of our hometown fans here makes it even better.”

On his two-goal performance:
“It was a great team performance. Everybody stuck together, we stuck to the plan. We didn’t waver when we went down 2-1, and then everything just kind of came to fruition. We had been practicing all week on how to play against them on this field and it worked out perfectly tonight.”

On the fight of the group:
“This team is a bunch of dogs. We’re all going to work for each other, we all have each other’s backs. We’re one big family here and it’s something special. This is the inaugural season for the club and I think that brings us closer. It’s really a family here at Monterey Bay and we’re looking forward to the next couple of games.”

Monterey Bay F.C. Earns First Win in Club History

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Monterey Bay F.C. Chops Down Roots SC Behind Boone’s Brace & Roberts’ Late Goal

OAKLAND, California (Saturday, March 26, 2022) – Monterey Bay F.C. (1-2-0, 3 points) defeated Oakland Roots SC 3-2 at Laney College Football Stadium on Saturday night. The win marks the first victory in club history, and sparks a highly-anticipated rivalry with Roots SC.

A brace from Chase Boone and a late winner from Hugh Roberts earned Monterey Bay F.C. its first three points in club history and its first in the 2022 USL Championship campaign.

Access the postgame quote sheet here

With an early strike in the 8th minute of the match, Monterey Bay F.C. took the opening lead with a goal from Boone. After solid build-up play, Seku Conneh controlled the ball in the box before laying it off to Boone for a left-footed shot that curled around the goalkeeper and into the top-left corner of the net for the 1-0 lead. In the 29th minute, Oakland quickly restarted play following a foul in the visitor’s half. The ensuing ball over the top was brought down by a Roots SC attacker, but Union defender Morey Doner flew in from the opposite side to clear the ball away. 10 minutes later, Oakland found the leveler after being awarded a penalty kick for a handball in the box and the sides entered the halftime break with an even 1-1 scoreline.

Oakland got things started in the second half with a second goal from Óttar Karlsson after Edgardo Rito found him in space with a low cross into the center of the box to take the 2-1 lead. Then in the 67th minute of the match, Arun Basuljevic sent a cross into Christian Volesky, who settled the ball and then found Boone open near the six-yard box, but the space was closed down and cleared out for a corner. On the following corner kick in the 68th minute, Boone made a run toward the near post, flicked the ball across the face of goal and tucked it into the far post to bring the match level at 2-2.

With regular time coming to a close in the 90th minute, Monterey Bay F.C. was awarded a free kick for a foul outside the box. James Murphy looped the ball into the far side toward Kai Greene, who headed it back into the mix to Roberts, who then smashed the headed ball past the goalkeeper to put the Union back on top for good. In the 5th minute of added time and the visitors out of substitutions, Monterey Bay goalkeeper Rafi Díaz left the match with a shoulder injury, leaving Boone to step into goal for the final four minutes of the match. Monterey Bay F.C. stepped up defensively to deny any chances for Oakland the rest of the way, and the match ended 3-2.

Man of the Match: Boone led the way for the Union with a brace in the match. His first professional goal opened the scoring in the 8th minute, his second bringing the visitor’s level in the 68th. In the 8th minute of added time when teammate Díaz left the game with an injury, Boone replaced his shooting boots with goalkeeper gloves and stepped into goal for the final four minutes of the match. To pair with his two goals on the night, Boone created three additional chances for Monterey Bay, and tracked back defensively to record three tackles, two clearances and two blocked shots.

Notes:
– Forward Walmer Martínez earned his first start for Monterey Bay F.C. in the match.
– Forward Chase Boone scored his first professional goal in the 8th minute, and doubled his efforts in the 68th.
– Defender Hugh Roberts recorded his first goal for Monterey Bay, the eventual game-winner in the 90th minute of the match.
– After missing the first two matches with an injury, midfielder Jiro Barriga Toyama made his first appearance for the club as a second half substitute.
– Monterey Bay F.C. midfielder Mobi Fehr missed the match due to suspension after receiving two yellow cards in last weekend’s meeting against Colorado Springs.

Match: Oakland Roots SC vs Monterey Bay F.C.
Date: March 26, 2022
Venue: Laney College Football Stadium; Oakland, California
Weather: Partly cloudy and 58 degrees
Attendance: 5,508

Scoring Summary: 1 2 F 
Oakland Roots SC  1 1 2
Monterey Bay F.C.  1 2 3
MB: Chase Boone (Seku Conneh) 8’
OAK: Óttar Karlsson (Penalty) 39’
OAK: Óttar Karlsson (Edgardo Rito) 49’
MB: Chase Boone (James Murphy) 68’
MB: Hugh Roberts (Kai Greene) 90’

Lineups:
Oakland Roots SC (4-2-3-1): Benny Diaz; Juan Azócar, Daniel Barbir, Tarek Morad (Emrah Klimenta 76’), Edgardo Rito; Matías Fissore (Joseph Nane 75’), José Hernandez; Dariusz Formella, Charlie Dennis, Lindo Mfeka (Jesús Enríquez 81’); Óttar Karlsson
Subs not used: Taylor Bailey, Guillermo Diaz, Max Ornstil, Johnny Rodriguez

Monterey Bay F.C. (4-2-3-1): Rafael Díaz; Grant Robinson (Jiro Barriga Toyama 90+1’), Hugh Roberts, Kai Greene, Morey Doner; James Murphy, Arun Basuljevic; Chase Boone, Sam Gleadle (Simon Dawkins 76’), Walmer Martínez; Seku Conneh (Christian Volesky 63’)
Subs not used: Dallas Jaye, Sam Strong, Adrian Rebollar, Chris Cortez

Stats Summary: OAK / MB
Possession: 65.4% / 34.6%
Shots: 11 / 12
Shots on Goal: 2 / 3
Saves: 0 / 0
Corner Kicks: 5 / 6
Fouls: 6 / 12

Misconduct Summary:
MB: Grant Robinson (caution) 55’
OAK: Daniel Barbir (caution) 66’
MB: Arun Basuljevic (caution) 90+3’
MB: James Murphy (caution) 90+3’

Officials:
Referee: DeShun Beard
Assistant Referees: Peter Hanson, Bhavik Dutt
4th Official: Robert Vincze

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