Match Recap: Monterey Bay FC Falls 5-2 to New Mexico United
SEASIDE, California (Saturday, August 8, 2026) — Monterey Bay FC fell 5-2 to New Mexico United at Cardinale Stadium after the visitors scored four unanswered goals over the final 16 minutes to complete a late comeback. New Mexico’s victory extended its league winning streak to five matches.
New Mexico opened the scoring early through Valentin Noël in the sixth minute, but Monterey Bay responded and found an equalizer in the 31st minute when Ryuga Nakamura found the back of the net. The Crisp-and-Kelp continued to push forward and took the lead shortly after halftime, with Sebastián Lletget scoring in the 55th minute to make it 2-1.
Monterey Bay held the advantage deep into the second half, but the match shifted dramatically in the closing stages. Greg Hurst equalized for New Mexico in the 74th minute before Noël scored his second of the night four minutes later to restore the visitors’ lead.
New Mexico added two more goals late, with Dayonn Harris scoring in the 87th minute before Niall Reid-Stephen found the net in second-half stoppage time, to seal the 5-2 result.
Despite the defeat, Monterey Bay produced a strong attacking performance for large stretches of the match and carried a 2-1 lead into the final 20 minutes. The Crisp-and-Kelp will now turn their attention to their next USL Championship contest as they look to respond on the road.
