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Mayele Malango Named to USL Championship Team of the Week for Week 2

March 18, 2025 by Steven Vargo

Mayele Malango Named to USL Championship Team of the Week for Week 2

SEASIDE, California (Tuesday, March 18, 2025) – Monterey Bay FC earned all three points in a thrilling home opener against Oakland Roots SC at Cardinale Stadium over the weekend. And for his overall performance in the win, Mayele Malango has been named to the USL Championship Team of the Week for Week 2.

Malango’s physical style of play coupled with his burning speed has frustrated opponents all preseason long, and it has carried over as expected through the first two weeks of league play. With the club down 1-0 In the 56th minute of its home opener, Malango deleted his defender with a cut back to his right before curling a perfect ball inside the top-right corner to not only open his Crisp-and-Kelp account – and the first goal for Monterey Bay FC this season – but to spark a run of three goals in 13 minutes that put the home side ahead for good. In addition to his goal, Malango finished the match with an 83.3 percent passing accuracy, five duels won, a chance created, and an additional shot on goal that forced a save. Defensively, Malango recorded three tackles.

Below is USL Championship’s full Team of the Week for Week 2 lined up in a 3-4-3 formation:

Goalkeeper – Luis Zamudio (CHS)
Defenders – Lamar Batista (TUL), Patrick Hogan (IND), Gabriel Torres (ELP)
Midfielders – Mayele Malango (MB), Hope Avayevu (PHX), Jack Blake (IND), Abdellatif Aboukoura (LDN)
Forwards – Cal Jennings (CHS), Amando Moreno (ELP), Beto Avila (ELP)

Coach – Ben Pirmann (CHS)

Bench – Johan Penaranda (TUL), Jimmy Medranda (SA), Jose Luis Sinisterra (OAK), Jorge Hernandez (SA), Juan David Torres (CHS), Greg Hurst (NM), Florian Valot (LDN)

Monterey Bay FC Introduces Kelpie as Club’s Official Mascot

March 17, 2025 by Steven Vargo

Monterey Bay FC Introduces Kelpie as Club’s Official Mascot

SEASIDE, California (Monday, March 17, 2025) – Monterey Bay Football Club (Monterey Bay FC) debuted its official mascot during its 2025 home opener this past Saturday. Kelpie was introduced just prior to kick off, and spent the rest of the night taking photos with fans around the stadium and participating in halftime activities. The debut was a success, however Kelpie’s journey to joining Monterey Bay FC was no ordinary tale.

For centuries, the Monterey Bay has been home to a vibrant and mysterious ecosystem, with the towering kelp forests standing as its proud protectors. Deep within those emerald waters, a legendary figure watched over the marine life – a curious, playful creature made of living kelp known only as Kelpie.

According to old fishermen’s tales, Kelpie would weave through the forest’s swaying tendrils, guiding lost sea creatures back to safety and shielding the shores from harm. But Kelpie was more than just a guardian — he was a fierce competitor. Whenever dolphins raced through the surf, otters played their high-speed games, or sea lions darted gracefully between the waves, Kelpie couldn’t resist joining in. His powerful movements created waves that rippled far and wide, earning him a reputation as the fastest and most elusive figure in the Monterey Bay.

Years later, as Monterey Bay FC rose to represent the region’s fighting spirit, Kelpie couldn’t help but feel a new and buzzing energy in the distance. He began to notice the rhythmic beat of drums, chants of a lively crowd, and the thunderous roar of fans cheering in unison at Cardinale Stadium. Drawn to the team’s mission and inspired by the Crisp-and-Kelp’s tenacity and heart, Kelpie stepped onto dry land for the first time, eager to join the Union as its newest member.

Now, Kelpie brings his playful energy and competitive spirit to every match, rallying the crowd and sparking excitement with his signature grin and adventurous charm. Whether he is leading chants, entertaining fans, or keeping an eye out for rogue driftwood, Kelpie remains a fearless defender of the region’s coastline, and a pure embodiment of Monterey Bay FC.

Monterey Bay Uses Second Half Surge to Topple Roots SC in 2025 Home Opener at Cardinale Stadium

March 15, 2025 by Steven Vargo

Monterey Bay Uses Second Half Surge to Topple Roots SC in 2025 Home Opener at Cardinale Stadium

SEASIDE, California (Saturday, March 15, 2025) – Monterey Bay FC (1-1-0, 3 points) earned its third consecutive victory over Oakland Roots SC (0-2-0, 0 points) with a 3-2 win at Cardinale Stadium, presented by Cardinale Automotive Group. Mayele Malango, Ilijah Paul, and Anton Søjberg scored for the Crisp-and-Kelp in an electric second half to help Monterey Bay stay perfect in home openers, moving to 4-0-0 all-time since 2022. All three players recorded their debut goals for the club.

Access the postgame quote sheet here

An intense home opener at Cardinale Stadium kicked off to the familiar sound of beating drums in the Monterey Bay supporters section. In the 9th minute of the already chippy match, the hosts sent a long ball over the top towards Paul, but the Oakland defender managed to interrupt the headed attempt. A minute later, Adam Larsson sent a low cross into the six yard box from the right side, but it was cleared behind for a corner, to no avail. Malango turned on the jets to round his defender in the 29th minute of the match, but his ball back across the box went untouched and the chance was missed. Oakland earned its first look at goal in the 40th minute after an interception in the Monterey Bay half of the pitch led to a shot from distance by EJ Johnson that forced a low save at the near post by Nico Campuzano. Four minutes later, Oakland cashed in on the opening score with a header by Camden Riley on the end of a set piece to give the visitors the 1-0 lead going into the halftime break.

A flip switched for Monterey Bay in the second half. In the 56th minute, Larsson played the ball to Malango just above the left corner of the 18-yard box. The powerful forward took a dribble to his left before immediately cutting back to his right and curling the ball past the goalkeeper and inside the far post to level the match for the hosts at one apiece. Nine minutes later, Xavi Gnaulati drew a penalty when he was chopped down inside the box. Paul stepped up to the spot, and buried it down the middle to give Monterey Bay FC the 2-1 lead. In the blink of an eye, Grant Robinson intercepted a pass and drove down the left sideline with a series of impeccable touches before floating a perfect ball into the box towards a wide open Søjberg. The Danish forward connected on the pass with a clinical header to extend the lead to 3-1, closing up a three goal, 13 minute rally to put the Crisp-and-Kelp in front for good. In the 84th minute, Joel Garcia Jr. was shown a straight red for hitting a Roots player with the ball in his attempt to clear, and the home side was left with 10 men for the remainder of the match. Despite seven additional minutes, Monterey Bay FC held on for an exciting 3-2 win over Oakland Roots SC.

Up Next

Monterey Bay begins 2025 U.S. Open Cup play with a midweek match in round one against UPSL side Inter San Francisco at Cardinale Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. PT with live streaming of the match available on the U.S. Soccer YouTube channel.

Additional Notes

Missing the match due to injury were Luther Archimède (lower body) and Diego Gutiérrez (lower body).

Information

Date: March 15, 2025
Venue: Cardinale Stadium; Seaside, California
Weather: Clear and 53°F
Attendance: 5,160

Scoring Summary: 1 2 F

Monterey Bay FC 0 3 3
Oakland Roots SC 1 1 2
OAK: Camden Riley (Jose Sinisterra) 44’
MB: Mayele Malango (Adam Larsson) 56’
MB: Ilijah Paul (penalty) 65’
MB: Anton Søjberg (Grant Robinson) 69’
OAK: Jose Sinisterra (Peter Wilson) 71’

Lineups

Monterey Bay FC (4-1-3-2): Nico Campuzano; Grant Robinson, Jacob Muir, Nico Gordon, Joel Garcia Jr.; Wesley Fonguck (Pierce Gallaway, 63’); Mayele Malango (Carlos Guzmán, 85’), Anton Søjberg, Adrian Rebollar; Adam Larsson (Xavi Gnaulati, 63’), Ilijah Paul (Alex Dixon, 81’)
Subs not used: Sam Gomez, Miles Lyons, Ethan Bryant

Oakland Roots SC (4-4-2): Kendall McIntosh; Justin Rasmussen (Baboucarr Njie, 84’), Kai Greene, Neveal Hackshaw, Camden Riley (Abdirizak Mohamed, 63’); Wolfgang Prentice (Jurgen Damm, 74’), Tyler Gibson, Daniel Gomez, Jose Sinisterra (Ilya Alekseev, 75’); EJ Johnson (Peter Wilson, 63’), Panos Armenakas
Subs not used: Timothy Syrel, Thomas Camier, Gagi Margvelashvili, Ali Elmasnaouy

Stats Summary: MB / OAK

Shots: 10 / 6
Shots on Goal: 5 / 3
Saves: 1 / 2
Corner Kicks: 4 / 1
Fouls: 17 / 16
Possession: 54.1% / 45.9%

Misconduct Summary

MB: Jacob Muir (caution) 43’
MB: Adam Larsson (caution) 45+1’
MB: Joel Garcia Jr. (dismissal) 84’
OAK: Daniel Gomez (caution) 84’
MB: Pierce Gallaway (caution) 85’
OAK: Abdirizak Mohamed (caution) 90+8’

Officials

Referee: Elijio Arreguin
Assistant Referee: Darren Bandy
Assistant Referee: Peter Hanson
Fourth Official: Robert Vincze

Monterey Bay Hosts Oakland Roots SC in 2025 Home Opener

March 14, 2025 by Steven Vargo

Monterey Bay Hosts Oakland Roots SC in 2025 Home Opener

SEASIDE, California (Friday, March 14, 2025) – Monterey Bay FC (0-1-0, 0 points) returns to Seaside on Saturday for a 7 p.m. PT showdown in the club’s home opener at Cardinale Stadium against Oakland Roots SC (0-1-0, 0 points) in Week 2 of the 2025 USL Championship regular season, presented by Cardinale Automotive Group. The match will be broadcast locally on KION (46 & 23 over the air, 46 Dish, 27 DirecTV and 5/705 HD Xfinity), with live streaming available on CBS Sports Golazo Network via Paramount+, the CBS Sports app, CBSSports.com, and Pluto TV.

Monterey Bay FC will aim to rebound from a narrow 1-0 defeat in their season opener against San Antonio FC in a tough environment that has never suffered a home-opening defeat. Monterey Bay faced the typical struggles of a newly-assembled squad in its first time out, but the performance showed a few early flashes of the potential that the group could have once fully gelled. Despite the loss, all focus now shifts to the Crisp-and-Kelp’s highly-anticipated home opener against rival Oakland Roots SC.

Adding to the intensity that this electric matchup never fails to provide is the return of former Monterey Bay FC captain Kai Greene, who re-signed with Oakland this past offseason. Greene departed Seaside as the club’s second all-time leader in overall games played (103), games started (102), and minutes logged (9,192), and leads in nearly every defensive category, including clearances, interceptions, blocks, and tackles. Greene’s first return to Cardinale Stadium as an opponent brings an extra layer of intrigue to this already-fiery rivalry.

Historically, Monterey Bay FC holds the edge over Oakland Roots SC with a 3-2-1 record, including a season series sweep over the East Bay side this past season. Monterey Bay FC earned its first-ever win in the history of the club against Oakland back on March 26, 2022, so it is only fitting that the sides will meet again – this time in Seaside – to officially usher in this new era for the Crisp-and-Kelp.

Monterey Bay FC vs. Oakland Roots SC

Venue: Cardinale Stadium; Seaside, California
Date: Saturday, March 15, 2025; 7:00 p.m. PT
Weather: Clear and 53°F

Access MBvOAK Match Notes

The Adobe PDF version of the 2025 Match Guide in advance of Saturday’s contest between Monterey Bay FC and Oakland Roots SC can be found her e. Media members looking to receive the document as an attachment or have further questions are asked to please contact Steven Vargo in MBFC Communications via email at steven@montereybayfc.com.

2025 Records

Monterey Bay FC (0-1-0, 0 pts, 11th West); Oakland Roots SC (0-1-0, 0 pts, 12th West)

Monterey Bay Falls to San Antonio FC in Season Opener

March 8, 2025 by Steven Vargo

Monterey Bay Falls to San Antonio FC in Season Opener

SAN ANTONIO, Texas (Saturday, March 8, 2025) – Monterey Bay FC (0-1-0, 0 points) fell 1-0 to San Antonio FC (1-0-0, 3 points) at Toyota Field in the 2025 USL Championship regular season opener. Nine players made their Crisp-and-Kelp debuts in the match: Ethan Bryant, Nico Campuzano, Nico Gordon, Adam Larsson, Miles Lyons, Mayele Malango, Ilijah Paul, Anton Søjberg, and Salinas native Joel Garcia Jr. all played their first regular season minutes together for the club.

Monterey Bay FC began the match as the more active of the two sides. Alex Dixon made a move down the right sideline before playing Larsson into the middle of the pitch. Larsson immediately looked to pick out a run by Xavi Gnaulati, but the pass was just a bit too far in front and the San Antonio goalkeeper was able to scoop it up. Five minutes later, Bryant whipped a dangerous low cross into the box towards three players in Crisp blue, but the pass was cut out by the keeper. More action inside the box for the visitors came in the 14th minute, when Larsson turned and fired off a quick shot, but it was blocked by a defender. The block led to a scramble inside the box that ended with a subsequent shot by Dixon, but his attempt missed wide to the left. San Antonio put their first attacking stamp on the match with a header two minutes later, but it was denied by the post. In the 17th minute, Jimmy Medranda took a shot from distance for the hosts, but it was saved by Campuzano.

Then in the 27th, Gnaulati intercepted a pass at the top of the box and drove all the way down the center of the pitch with a long box-to-box run, but it was snuffed out at the last minute by Mitchell Taintor. 10 minutes later, Jorge Hernandez picked out Diogo Pacheco for a header across the face of goal from inside the six-yard box, but it ricocheted off the far post. However, Pacheco would eventually grab the opening goal for San Antonio just three minutes later after a scramble in the box and a deflection sent Campuzano the wrong way to put the home side in front 1-0 just before the end of the half. Then in first half stoppage time, San Antonio looked likely to double its lead when Juan Agudelo found himself all alone inside the box, but his attempt was stopped by Campuzano. Immediately after, Jake LaCava beat everyone to the loose ball and fired off a shot of his own, but it smashed off the crossbar and the half came to a close with the hosts out in front.

Powerful new forward Malango came close to evening up the scoreline in the 73rd minute when he turned inside the box and struck the ball with his right foot, but his shot missed the top-left corner by mere inches. Monterey Bay applied an increased amount of pressure in the final few minutes of stoppage time in hopes of finding an equalizer, but San Antonio stood tall to preserve the win.