Pro soccer: Volesky returning to Monterey Bay F.C.
SEASIDE — Looking for a spark to ignite a slumping offense, Monterey Bay F.C. has brought back forward Christian Volesky for the final eight matches of the season.
Volesky, who spent the first half of this season playing in the Canadian Premier League, remains the Union’s all-time leader in goals with 18.
The Union, who are winless in their last seven matches on the pitch and sit in the 10th spot in the Western Conference of the United Soccer League Championship, will host San Antonio FC on Saturday at Cardinale Stadium.
“I’m beyond excited to be back, this place feels like home to me,” Volesky said. “I’m just looking to get on board with what they have been building and contribute in any way possible.”
The forward spent two seasons with Monterey Bay F.C., where he remains the all-time leader in assists with defender Morey Doner with 10. He also holds the club record for game-winning goals (7), having played in 3,986 minutes over 58 appearances.
Ironically, the Union will honor Doner before Saturday’s match for participating in his 100th career match for the Union, who sit at 7-12-7. The top eight teams in each conference advance to the postseason.
Despite its recent struggles, Monterey Bay F.C. remains just two points out of a postseason spot. The franchise is 0-2-2 since the firing of sporting director and head coach Frank Yallop.
“I know the goal is to make the playoffs, so every game is a final for us,” said the 31-year-old Volesky. “Let’s get the fans behind us for the final push, and make a run into the playoffs and beyond.”
Monterey Bay F.C. has not won a match since July 6. It hasn’t produced a goal in its last two matches and has been shutout nine times this season.
“At this point in the season, it’s important that we get guys who can score goals and not just rely on Tristan,” said Monterey Bay F.C. coach Jordan Stewart. “Christian was available, and our squad is light right now. He is going to add some firepower up top.”
The Union are currently 21st among 24 teams in the USL in goals with 24. A bright spot all season has been the play of goalie Antony Siaha, who leads the entire USL in saves between the pipes with 102. He’s fourth in shutouts with six.
Tristan Trager is seventh in the Western Conference in goals with eight, while Soquel native Walmer Martinez and Carlos Guzman are tied for 11th in assists.
