Pro Soccer: Union pick up a point in a scoreless draw with El Paso
SEASIDE — That elusive first win for head coach Jordan Stewart remains on hold.
Yet, while a winless streak will extend beyond 50 days by the time Monterey Bay F.C. returns to the pitch, the franchise is still in postseason contention.
Earning a point after Saturday’s 0-0 draw with El Paso moved the Union back into a tie for the eighth and final playoff spot in the United Soccer League Championship Western Conference.
However, if the season ended today, the Union — who have nine matches left in the USL season — would be slotted in the ninth spot based on tiebreaker rules.
Stewart, who took the job on August 5 after the franchise fired sporting director and head coach Frank Yallop, earned his first point as the Union’s coach after a pair of one goal losses to begin his reign.
The Union (7-11-7) have struggled to produce goals all season with just 24 in 25 matches, failing to manufacture a goal in nine matches this year.
For the second time this year, Monterey Bay F.C. has gone six or more matches without a win, having not tasted victory since earning a rare road decision in Pittsburgh on July 6.
The Union will look to end the drought next Saturday when they travel to Miami FC, who sports the worst record in the USL with just two wins.
Monterey Bay F.C. was unable to capitalize on its home pitch against the worst team in the Western Conference, as El Paso sits at 5-15-5.
Having made massive changes themselves in personnel, the Locomotives are 2-1-2 in their last five matches, having played Monterey Bay F.C. to a 1-1 draw in both teams’ opener.
While the Union are 4-3-6 at Cardinale Stadium, they have not won at home since beating Oakland back on June 22, having gone 0-3-1.
Monterey Bay F.C. got another outstanding effort between the pipes from 6-foot-6 goalie Antony Siaha, who earned his sixth shutout. The veteran goalie came into the match leading the USL in saves with 90.
Diego Gutierrez, who was acquired earlier in the week from 2023 Eastern Conference finalist Charleston, was inserted into the starting lineup for the Union.
Forward Alex Dixon had a near goal in the first half that would have given him the franchise record for goals. He currently shares the record with former Union forward Christian Volesky with 16 in just two seasons.
Since dropping its first match to El Paso in its inaugural season in 2022, Monterey Bay F.C. is 2-0-3 against their Western Conference rivals.
