Pro Soccer: Union record season's first win

SEASIDE – That enormous weight that each player likely felt on their shoulders to end the longest winless drought in the franchise’s five-year existence – has been lifted off.

Never has one win meant more to a franchise in transition, to a team that hadn’t tasted victory in its previous 11 matches – which dated back to 2025.

That’s in the rearview mirror as Monterey Bay FC gave new coach Alex Covelo his first win Saturday, blanking Birmingham Legion FC 2-0 at Cardinale Stadium.

After 0-7-2 start in the United Soccer League Championship, the Union have a win under their belt as they attempt to climb out from the bottom of the Western Conference.

Covelo, who took over the program four weeks ago when Jordan Stewart was relieved of his duties, was winless in his first two USL regular-season games and 0-1 in the USL Cup.

Having been an assistant coach for the United States Olympic Team in 2024 and having served as an interim coach of the San Jose Earthquakes in 2022, the Union have scored at least one goal in each match since Covelo’s arrival.

Prior to Covelo agreeing to take the team, Monterey Bay FC was blanked in four of its first five matches and was the lowest scoring team in the USL seven weeks into the season.

Scoreless in the first half, Riley Bidois produced the game’s first goal in the 72nd minute, with Eduardo Blancas adding insurance seven minutes later with a goal for the Union.

Monterey Bay FC controlled possession of the match 56 percent of the time, while distributing 501 passes, nearly 100 more than Birmingham. It is still struggling with its discipline, being called for 24 fouls compared to 15 for the opponent.

With the aid of former Alisal High defender Joel Garcia, goalie Fernando Delgado was sensational between the pipes for Monterey Bay FC, recording his second shutout of the season with eight saves.

The Union, who are in a stretch of three straight USL home matches, will entertain Loudoun United FC – which is unbeaten in its last five matches with four ties – next Saturday at 7 p.m.

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This story was originally published May 24, 2026 at 12:45 AM.