Pro Soccer: Union equal franchise record after draw in Lexington
LEXINGTON, KY — Extending their unbeaten streak by equaling a franchise record for consecutive matches without a loss will keep Monterey Bay FC on top in the Western Conference.
The Union stretched their unbeaten streak on the pitch to six Saturday, turning to their defense to play Lexington to a scoreless draw in Kentucky.
Since dropping their United Soccer League Championship season opener in San Antonio, Monterey Bay FC has gone 4-0-2 since to maintain a two-point lead in the Western Conference over San Antonio and New Mexico United.
The Union (4-1-2) will visit defending conference champion New Mexico United (4-1-0) – owners of four straight wins since a season opening loss to Sacramento – on Wednesday at 6 p.m.
The two teams split their season series last year with Monterey Bay FC shutting New Mexico 1-0, before falling 3-2 later in the year on the road.
Monterey Bay FC, who has never made the postseason, has been in first place for eight consecutive days, the longest in the team’s four-year existence.
With 14 points, the Union have the second best record in the USL behind Eastern Conference leader Loudoun United FC, who has 18 points, and shares the second most wins in the league with four.
For the fifth time in their last six matches, the Union held an opponent scoreless in the second half, posting their third shutout in the first seven weeks of the USL season.
Goalie Nico Campuzano was sensational when called upon between the pipes to earn his third shutout of the season against the expansion Lexington team.
Despite failing to score in three USL matches this year, Monterey Bay FC has outscored opponents 10-5, knocking off defending USL champion Colorado Springs FC last week at Cardinale Stadium.
While Lexington has managed just one win in its inaugural season, it has played to four ties, the most in the USL through the first third of the season.
Despite Monterey Bay FC holding an advantage in time of possession, Lexington — who has failed to score in their last two matches — outshoot them 15-9, while blocking seven shots.
