Pro Soccer: Paul's goal lifts Union past El Paso

SEASIDE — Perhaps Monterey Bay FC can bring a piece of the Cardinale Stadium turf with them, or grab something from its locker room the next time it has a road match.

While the Union’s road record has been a thorn in their side over the last two years, no franchise is playing better soccer on its own turf over the last five weeks.

A fourth straight home win came with dramatics Saturday as Ilijah Paul scored in the 90th minute, lifting the Union to a 1-0 win over El Paso Locomotive FC.

The Union are the hottest team in the United Soccer League Championships Western Conference, having gone 4-1-0 over their last five matches, with the one setback coming on the road last week in Tulsa.

Since starting the season 0-7-2, Monterey Bay FC has the best record in the USL. While it remains at the bottom of the Western Conference, it’s just two points out of a potential playoff spot with 17 matches remaining.

In addition, the win was the Union’s first this season against an opponent from the Western Conference. Since starting the season 4-0-1, El Paso Locomotive is winless in its last eight USL matches.

Paul’s third goal of the season came on a header in which he knocked it through the left corner, sending 3,300-plus fans into a frenzy.

The 23-year-old Paul is one of three players on the roster to have played in all 14 matches this season for the Union (4-8-2), joining Wesley Leggett and Zackery Farnsworth. The veteran also leads the team in assists with three.

The arrival of head coach Alex Covelo following the firing of Jordan Stewart has brought an infusion to the offense for Monterey Bay FC, who has scored at least one goal in eight of its last nine matches.

Now Covelo has to figure out a way to snap a franchise record 16-game winless streak on the road, where the Union have not won a road game outside California since July of 2024.

Having played two matches in its last four days, Monterey Bay FC will have a 14-day layoff before returning to the pitch on July 4, visiting 5-2-6 San Antonio.

The Union, who got a sensational effort between the pipes from Jacob Jackson in goal, are still looking for their first win against an opponent with a winning record this season.

Nico Gordon and Alisal graduate Joel Garcia were dominant on defense for Monterey Bay FC, who had 29 clearances compared to El Paso’s 18.

The Union also outshot El Paso Locomotive 14-9, while they controlled possession nearly 60 percent of the match.

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This story was originally published June 20, 2026 at 10:40 PM.