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Saturday
When: 8 p.m.
Where: Cardinale Stadium, Seaside, California
TV: CBS Sports
Records: New Mexico United (8-4-3), Monterey Bay FC (4-12-3)
Series history: United leads 4-2-2.
Three matches on the road followed by one at home. So, naturally, that means traveling again for New Mexico United.
This time? New Mexico gets the cellar-dweller of the Western Conference: Monterey Bay FC.
Here are some things to note:
Free kicks
1. A NEW LOOK: Some things are new. Some things are not.
Let’s get the most obvious one out of the way first. Unlike with other Western Conference opponents, this will be United’s initial matchup with Monterey Bay this season. There’s nothing wrong with some freshness every now and then. But that also means a lack of familiarity — at least on film and paper — with some of an opponent’s players and tendencies. (Although, that certainly hasn't been a problem for most. More on that below.)
Monterey Bay has deployed four types of formations this season — a 4 (defenders)-2 (midfielders)-3 (forwards)- 1 (striker), a 4-4-2, a 3-4-3 and a 4-3-3. It’s used those structures 14, four and four times, and once, respectively.
The not-so-new part — per se — is Monterey Bay coach Alex Covelo, who was installed at the end of April. He replaced former Premier Leaguer Jordan Stewart.
Stewart himself was a mid-season hire when he landed the job in August 2024. But in his two-plus years in charge, Monterey Bay went 11-30-15 across all competitions. The club was 0-5-3 before he was dropped.
This, meanwhile, is Covelo’s first first-team job since being named interim coach of San Jose Earthquakes in MLS in 2022. The Spaniard spent nine seasons at San Jose in different staff positions. It’s been his longest of his stops that have also included stints in Italian and Spanish soccer, as well as an assistant for the United States in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.
Under Cavelo’s care, Monterey Bay is 4-7-1.
2. OPPOSITE ENDS OF THE SPECTRUM: United and Monterey Bay are in quite different positions at the moment.
For statistical purposes, New Mexico has a 10-match unbeaten streak across all matches, nine of which have come against USL competition. Its 27 points place it fourth on the 12-club Western Conference table, two behind FC Tulsa, four behind San Antonio FC and seven fewer than Orange County SC.
Monterey Bay has lost five straight and has picked up two wins over its last 10 matches. The club’s 15 points has it sitting last n the West, 10 points from eighth place, the final playoff spot.
It should also be noted that only two clubs have fewer points than Monterey Bay — Brooklyn FC (13) and Sporting Jax (8), both of which are from the Eastern Conference. You can probably guess where those two rank in the 13-club East. If the bottom two spots were where you ended up, good job.
It hasn’t helped Monterey Bay has a negative-12-goal differential — 31 against (tied for the third most) to 19 for (tied for 21st most) — in the regular season.
3. GOLD GLOVE AWARD? Well, it’s really called the Golden Glove. It goes to the top goalkeeper.
It’s one of three notable awards the USL Championship gives out at the end of the regular season along with the Golden Boot for top scorer and Golden Playmaker for whoever tallies the most assists.
United’s Kris Shakes currently finds himself fourth in the Golden Glove race, which is ranked on regular-season goals against average. Shakes’ GAA is 1. He recorded his fifth regular-season clean sheet — and seventh overall — in last Saturday’s 1-0 win over Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC.
Detroit City FC’s Carlos Herrera (0.93), Hartford Athletic’s Antony Siaha (0.94) and Sacramento Republic FC’s Danny Vitiello (0.94) are currently ahead of Shakes. San Antonio FC’s Joey Batrouni (1.02) sits fifth.
Here’s how our key award races look after July pic.twitter.com/E889RyYKDd
— USL Championship (@USLChampionship) August 4, 2026
4. IF YOU CAN’T BEAT THEM, BEAT THEM: Monterey Bay certainly hasn’t wowed anyone with its defense, scoring ability or results. The place the club has bragging rights — if you want to call it that — over the league? Fouls conceded.
Monterey Bay leads the Championship with 328, seven more than second-place Miami FC and 49 more than third-place Phoenix Rising FC. The club is also fourth in earning yellow cards with 49.
United by comparison is 22nd in fouls conceded (208) and tied for second in yellows (44).
Key matchup
United forward Cristian Nava vs. Monterey Bay midfielder Jacob Montes
Nava has started each of United’s last five matches — all wins. During that stretch, the Albuquerque native has recorded a goal and an assist, which came in that win over Colorado Springs. Montes is a new addition for Monterey Bay. He made his debut in Wednesday’s 1-0 loss to El Paso Locomotive FC. Montes, a member of the Nicaraguan national team, previously played for RWDM Brussels, which was relegated from Belgium’s second tier.
Player of the match
United forward/defender Jake LaCava
LaCava has played in just one match over the last month — a 2-0 at El Paso on June 11 — dealing with a foot injury. But teammates Ousman Jabang and Niko Hämäläinen believe LaCava is a candidate to score on Saturday. It will also be interesting to see if defender Maliek Howell plays after appearing to injure his left hamstring in last Saturday’s win.
By the numbers
1: United retained its top spot in the Championship’s power rankings — again, for whatever that’s worth. Monterey Bay rose to 22nd.
0-2-2: Unite’s record in Seaside, California.
3: The number of keepers Monterey Bay has deployed this season — Jacob Jackson (9 regular-season appearances), Fernando Delgado (9) and Ciaran Dalton (2).
1,023: The shortest one-way distance in miles from Albuquerque to Seaside.
David Glovach covers New Mexico United and other sports for the Journal. Reach him at [email protected] or via X @DavidGlovach.
More New Mexico United reading
*
Let's try again: NM United has its match at Birmingham Legion FC reset
Initial game between the clubs was postponed twice due to weather
*
Yes, chef: Howell makes sure his NM United teammates get a taste of his native Jamaica
Off the pitch, NMU defender cooks and has plans to open future restaurant
*
After another NM United shutout, Shakes deflects credit to others
Goalkeeper notches 7th clean sheet to help NMU's unbeaten streak continue
*
Match day: Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC at New Mexico United
NMU faces important matchup amid tight Western Conference
*
NM United doesn't mind a full week at home after its Alabama experience
Three-match road swing ended with multiple postponements and 17-day layoff between games
*
Chicharito sees different opportunity in joining Atlético Dallas
Mexico's all-time leading scorer is 1st signee for Championship expansion club
*
Giddy up: NM United plans to honor jockey Mike Smith
New Mexico native, Triple Crown winner will be at Aug. 26 match against Lexington SC
*
Weather again leads to postponement of NM United match
Makeup date to play Birmingham Legion FC still to be determined
*
NM United, Girl Scouts team up for 'girls in the game' event
An old patch helped serve as the catalyst for the partnership
*
NM United match in Alabama postponed
Squad will play Birmingham Legion FC on Saturday
*
Match day: New Mexico United at Birmingham Legion FC
NMU gets to play at unique site to close road swing
*
NM United routs Lexington, extends unbeaten streak to nine
Simplifying a short week paid off as NMU tied its season high in scoring with a dominant road win
*
NM United stadium at Balloon Fiesta Park clears another legal hurdle
Court of Appeals rules in soccer club's favor against neighborhood associations
*
Match day: New Mexico United at Lexington SC
NMU is on an 8-game unbeaten streak and doing better in road matches
*
For NM United, keeping unbeaten streak intact outweighs USL Cup exit
NMU out on tournament tiebreaker, but win over El Paso means 8 straight without a loss
Continue reading...
When: 8 p.m.
Where: Cardinale Stadium, Seaside, California
TV: CBS Sports
Records: New Mexico United (8-4-3), Monterey Bay FC (4-12-3)
Series history: United leads 4-2-2.
Three matches on the road followed by one at home. So, naturally, that means traveling again for New Mexico United.
This time? New Mexico gets the cellar-dweller of the Western Conference: Monterey Bay FC.
Here are some things to note:
Free kicks
1. A NEW LOOK: Some things are new. Some things are not.
Let’s get the most obvious one out of the way first. Unlike with other Western Conference opponents, this will be United’s initial matchup with Monterey Bay this season. There’s nothing wrong with some freshness every now and then. But that also means a lack of familiarity — at least on film and paper — with some of an opponent’s players and tendencies. (Although, that certainly hasn't been a problem for most. More on that below.)
Monterey Bay has deployed four types of formations this season — a 4 (defenders)-2 (midfielders)-3 (forwards)- 1 (striker), a 4-4-2, a 3-4-3 and a 4-3-3. It’s used those structures 14, four and four times, and once, respectively.
The not-so-new part — per se — is Monterey Bay coach Alex Covelo, who was installed at the end of April. He replaced former Premier Leaguer Jordan Stewart.
Stewart himself was a mid-season hire when he landed the job in August 2024. But in his two-plus years in charge, Monterey Bay went 11-30-15 across all competitions. The club was 0-5-3 before he was dropped.
This, meanwhile, is Covelo’s first first-team job since being named interim coach of San Jose Earthquakes in MLS in 2022. The Spaniard spent nine seasons at San Jose in different staff positions. It’s been his longest of his stops that have also included stints in Italian and Spanish soccer, as well as an assistant for the United States in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.
Under Cavelo’s care, Monterey Bay is 4-7-1.
2. OPPOSITE ENDS OF THE SPECTRUM: United and Monterey Bay are in quite different positions at the moment.
For statistical purposes, New Mexico has a 10-match unbeaten streak across all matches, nine of which have come against USL competition. Its 27 points place it fourth on the 12-club Western Conference table, two behind FC Tulsa, four behind San Antonio FC and seven fewer than Orange County SC.
Monterey Bay has lost five straight and has picked up two wins over its last 10 matches. The club’s 15 points has it sitting last n the West, 10 points from eighth place, the final playoff spot.
It should also be noted that only two clubs have fewer points than Monterey Bay — Brooklyn FC (13) and Sporting Jax (8), both of which are from the Eastern Conference. You can probably guess where those two rank in the 13-club East. If the bottom two spots were where you ended up, good job.
It hasn’t helped Monterey Bay has a negative-12-goal differential — 31 against (tied for the third most) to 19 for (tied for 21st most) — in the regular season.
3. GOLD GLOVE AWARD? Well, it’s really called the Golden Glove. It goes to the top goalkeeper.
It’s one of three notable awards the USL Championship gives out at the end of the regular season along with the Golden Boot for top scorer and Golden Playmaker for whoever tallies the most assists.
United’s Kris Shakes currently finds himself fourth in the Golden Glove race, which is ranked on regular-season goals against average. Shakes’ GAA is 1. He recorded his fifth regular-season clean sheet — and seventh overall — in last Saturday’s 1-0 win over Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC.
Detroit City FC’s Carlos Herrera (0.93), Hartford Athletic’s Antony Siaha (0.94) and Sacramento Republic FC’s Danny Vitiello (0.94) are currently ahead of Shakes. San Antonio FC’s Joey Batrouni (1.02) sits fifth.
Here’s how our key award races look after July pic.twitter.com/E889RyYKDd
— USL Championship (@USLChampionship) August 4, 2026
4. IF YOU CAN’T BEAT THEM, BEAT THEM: Monterey Bay certainly hasn’t wowed anyone with its defense, scoring ability or results. The place the club has bragging rights — if you want to call it that — over the league? Fouls conceded.
Monterey Bay leads the Championship with 328, seven more than second-place Miami FC and 49 more than third-place Phoenix Rising FC. The club is also fourth in earning yellow cards with 49.
United by comparison is 22nd in fouls conceded (208) and tied for second in yellows (44).
Key matchup
United forward Cristian Nava vs. Monterey Bay midfielder Jacob Montes
Nava has started each of United’s last five matches — all wins. During that stretch, the Albuquerque native has recorded a goal and an assist, which came in that win over Colorado Springs. Montes is a new addition for Monterey Bay. He made his debut in Wednesday’s 1-0 loss to El Paso Locomotive FC. Montes, a member of the Nicaraguan national team, previously played for RWDM Brussels, which was relegated from Belgium’s second tier.
Player of the match
United forward/defender Jake LaCava
LaCava has played in just one match over the last month — a 2-0 at El Paso on June 11 — dealing with a foot injury. But teammates Ousman Jabang and Niko Hämäläinen believe LaCava is a candidate to score on Saturday. It will also be interesting to see if defender Maliek Howell plays after appearing to injure his left hamstring in last Saturday’s win.
By the numbers
1: United retained its top spot in the Championship’s power rankings — again, for whatever that’s worth. Monterey Bay rose to 22nd.
0-2-2: Unite’s record in Seaside, California.
3: The number of keepers Monterey Bay has deployed this season — Jacob Jackson (9 regular-season appearances), Fernando Delgado (9) and Ciaran Dalton (2).
1,023: The shortest one-way distance in miles from Albuquerque to Seaside.
David Glovach covers New Mexico United and other sports for the Journal. Reach him at [email protected] or via X @DavidGlovach.
More New Mexico United reading
*
Let's try again: NM United has its match at Birmingham Legion FC reset
Initial game between the clubs was postponed twice due to weather
*
Yes, chef: Howell makes sure his NM United teammates get a taste of his native Jamaica
Off the pitch, NMU defender cooks and has plans to open future restaurant
*
After another NM United shutout, Shakes deflects credit to others
Goalkeeper notches 7th clean sheet to help NMU's unbeaten streak continue
*
Match day: Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC at New Mexico United
NMU faces important matchup amid tight Western Conference
*
NM United doesn't mind a full week at home after its Alabama experience
Three-match road swing ended with multiple postponements and 17-day layoff between games
*
Chicharito sees different opportunity in joining Atlético Dallas
Mexico's all-time leading scorer is 1st signee for Championship expansion club
*
Giddy up: NM United plans to honor jockey Mike Smith
New Mexico native, Triple Crown winner will be at Aug. 26 match against Lexington SC
*
Weather again leads to postponement of NM United match
Makeup date to play Birmingham Legion FC still to be determined
*
NM United, Girl Scouts team up for 'girls in the game' event
An old patch helped serve as the catalyst for the partnership
*
NM United match in Alabama postponed
Squad will play Birmingham Legion FC on Saturday
*
Match day: New Mexico United at Birmingham Legion FC
NMU gets to play at unique site to close road swing
*
NM United routs Lexington, extends unbeaten streak to nine
Simplifying a short week paid off as NMU tied its season high in scoring with a dominant road win
*
NM United stadium at Balloon Fiesta Park clears another legal hurdle
Court of Appeals rules in soccer club's favor against neighborhood associations
*
Match day: New Mexico United at Lexington SC
NMU is on an 8-game unbeaten streak and doing better in road matches
*
For NM United, keeping unbeaten streak intact outweighs USL Cup exit
NMU out on tournament tiebreaker, but win over El Paso means 8 straight without a loss
Continue reading...
