Pro Soccer: Winless streak extends to seven in Union’s loss in Colorado
COLORADO SPRINGS — A season filled with expectations is turning into another disappointment as Monterey Bay FC has dropped to the bottom of the Western Conference.
The Union’s winless run was extended to seven matches on the pitch Saturday as host Colorado Springs took advantage of its high altitude air, erasing a 1-0 deficit to secure a 2-1 decision.
The setback sank Monterey Bay FC into last in the United Soccer League Championship’s Western Conference — pushing them six points out of the final playoff spot with six matches remaining in the season.
The Union, whose only road win this year came on March 22 in Orange County, are now winless in their last 12 games away from Cardinale Stadium at 1-8-4.
Monterey Bay FC, which has never made the playoffs in its four-year existence, closes the season with five of its final six matches at home, where it is 5-3-2.
The Union are going to have to leapfrog four opponents just to jump into playoff contention. Currently, four teams are tied for fifth in the Western Conference in points with 30. Six teams are separated by two points among the eight automatic qualifiers.
Tarik Scott, on loan from FC Dallas of Major League Soccer, produced his first goal as a member of the Union (6-12-6) on a fast break, staking them to a brief 1-0 lead. Since his arrival, the forward has a goal and an assist in three matches.
Colorado Springs, who moved into a tie for fifth with 30 points, answered with a pair of goals to avenge an earlier season loss to the Union by the same 2-1 result.
Since starting the season 5-1-0 in one-goal matches, the Union are 1-8-0 overall.
If the Union are going to have a miraculous close to their season to make a postseason push, four of the six opponents on their schedule are franchises that would be in the playoffs if the season ended today.
