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In coordination with USL Championship and U.S. Soccer, Monterey Bay F.C. announces today that the club will meet Bay Cities FC in the Second Round of the 2022 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. 

With the second round set to take place between April 5-7, the Union will hit the road to Redwood City, California to take on National Independent Soccer Association (NISA) club Bay Cities FC. With both sides entering their respective inaugural campaigns, the matchup will be each club’s first U.S. Open Cup appearance. 

Monterey Bay F.C. enters the 103rd edition of the cup in the second round alongside 22 other USL Championship sides, with winners advancing to the third round of the tournament that is set to take place on April 19-21 and will introduce 17 Major League Soccer (MLS) clubs into the mix. Beyond the third round, the Round of 32 will see eight additional MLS sides join the fray and is slated to begin May 10-11.  

U.S. Open Cup matches will air exclusively on ESPN+ with kickoff times and dates set to be announced in the coming days. 

Monterey Bay F.C. announced today that the club has signed 19-year-old forward Jesse Maldonado in advance of its inaugural USL Championship season. 

Maldonado has signed on with Monterey Bay F.C. for his first professional campaign after one successful year at Yavapai College in Prescott, Arizona. At Yavapai, Maldonado earned 10 starts in 14 appearances. He added a team-high 11 goals and seven assists, including three game-winning goals and four multi-goal performances. The Chandler, Arizona native earned NJCAA Third-Team All-America, First-Team All-Conference, United Soccer Coaches All-Region and First-Team All-Region honors in his freshman year at the Arizona school. 

“Jesse was a player I spotted at a combine in Phoenix and felt I saw enough to sign him on the spot,” explained Monterey Bay F.C. Sporting Director and Head Coach Frank Yallop. “He’s a young, exciting winger and I look forward to working with him.” 

The soon-to-be rookie joined Yavapai College after graduating from Hamilton High School in 2020 where he was named Hamilton Player of the Year in 2018. 

“This is a great opportunity for me to grow as a player,” said Maldonado. “I am excited to take on the challenges ahead. Everything is new to me, so I am excited to see everything that’s in store for me.” 

Player Information:
Name: Jesse Maldonado 
Position: Forward 
Age: 19 
Height: 5’7”  
Hometown: Chandler, Arizona 

Monterey Bay F.C. roster as of February 11, 2022:

Goalkeepers: 
Dallas Jaye (Danville, California)
Rafael Díaz (Paterson, New Jersey)

Defenders: 
Morey Doner (Collingwood, Ontario)
Hugh Roberts (Olney, Maryland)
Grant Robinson (Columbia, Maryland)

Midfielders:
James Murphy (Scotch Plains, New Jersey)
Arun Basuljevic (Bronx, New York)

Forwards: 
Walmer Martínez (Santa Cruz, California)
Chase Boone (Beaverton, Oregon)
Seku Conneh (Voinjama, Liberia)
Christian Volesky (Henderson, Nevada)
Christoper Cortez (Mission Viejo, California)
Jesse Maldonado (Chandler, Arizona) 

Monterey Bay F.C. traveled to PayPal Park to take on Major League Soccer side San Jose Earthquakes in the club’s first-ever preseason friendly this afternoon. 

The Union opened the scoring in the first half with a goal from forward Chase Boone on an assist from forward Chris Cortez to take the 1-0 lead. Less than a minute after the visitors took the lead, the Earthquakes’ Chofis leveled the match with a goal of his own. After another back-and-forth stretch between the sides, Monterey Bay F.C. recaptured the lead with a goal from forward Christian Volesky to move ahead 2-1 at the halftime break. 

In the second half, the Union trotted out an entirely new lineup, one that included eight current trialists. Despite the away side creating several additional chances, San Jose fought its way back into the lead behind two goals from Cade Cowell and another from Jeremy Ebobisse to take the 4-2 preseason victory. 

“It was our first straight 45 and I don’t think we could’ve asked for a better result,” said Boone when asked about the match. “The chemistry was there and everything’s coming together. It’s been a great preseason so far and I’m just glad that it’s showing. On the goal, it was a great pattern of play coming out of the back. Most guys got a touch on it and then it ended up in the back of the net. It was a good goal, it was special for sure.” 

“The first team guys did really well in the first half,” explained Monterey Bay F.C. Assistant Coach Ramiro Corrales. “We were up 2-1 and we could’ve had that third one. For only being in training for nine or 10 days now, the pros that we have did really well to compete with them. Obviously they are a bit ahead of us fitness-wise, but I think our guys did a good job in that first half.  

Corrales continued, “the second half was a little bit different with a lot of the young guys we put out there still trying out, but we did that so that they can see the true difference between the pro level and Sunday league, and I think they noticed that. There’s a big difference once you turn pro, all of the little details matter and I hope they can all learn from that.” 

“Very well done, they were fantastic,” Corrales commented when asked about the goals. “The whole first half the team played really well. I’m very pleased with the guys, their attitude and their work rate. And obviously those two guys, we expect big things from them. They are good players so we’re happy.” 

Monterey Bay F.C. announced today that the club has signed former Rio Grande Valley FC defender Grant Robinson in advance of its inaugural campaign in USL Championship. 

The Columbia, Maryland native made his professional debut on March 7, 2020 in the starting XI for fellow USL Championship club Las Vegas Lights FC in a match against San Diego Loyal SC. From there, Robinson went on to record two assists in 16 total appearances in his rookie season with the club. 

The 23-year-old spent the 2021 campaign at another Championship club, Rio Grande Valley FC, where he spent the year partnered in the midfield with current teammate James Murphy. Now, like Murphy, Robinson makes the move to Seaside to join Monterey Bay F.C. as a fullback ahead of the 2022 season. 

“Grant is a player that I know from my short time in Las Vegas,” said Monterey Bay F.C. Sporting Director and Head Coach Frank Yallop. “He’s very athletic and has a great attitude. He’s going to slot into the left fullback position well for us.” 

Collegiately, Robinson played four years at George Mason University from 2016-2019, where he recorded six goals and four assists in 63 matches. Robinson was named team captain in his senior year in 2019 and led the team to the Atlantic 10 Championship Quarterfinals.  

“I’m really excited to be joining this club and community. I cannot wait to get out there and start working,” said Robinson. “I want to thank the coaching staff for giving me this opportunity and I’ll do everything I can on the pitch to make sure this club’s inaugural season is one to remember.” 

Player Information:
Name: Grant Robinson
Position: Defender, Midfielder
Age: 23 
Height: 5’9”
Hometown: Columbia, Maryland

Monterey Bay F.C. roster as of February 10, 2022:

Goalkeepers: 
Dallas Jaye (Danville, California)
Rafael Díaz (Paterson, New Jersey)

Defenders: 
Morey Doner (Collingwood, Ontario)
Hugh Roberts (Olney, Maryland)
Grant Robinson (Columbia, Maryland) 

Midfielders:
James Murphy (Scotch Plains, New Jersey)
Arun Basuljevic (Bronx, New York)

Forwards: 
Walmer Martínez (Santa Cruz, California)
Chase Boone (Beaverton, Oregon)
Seku Conneh (Voinjama, Liberia)
Christian Volesky (Henderson, Nevada)
Christoper Cortez (Mission Viejo, California)

Monterey Bay F.C. announced today that the club has signed midfielder Arun Basuljevic ahead of its inaugural season in USL Championship. 

Basuljevic’s professional career began in 2017 when he signed as a Homegrown Player with Major League Soccer club New York Red Bulls. He was subsequently loaned to its USL Championship side New York Red Bulls II, where he made 27 appearances and scored two goals and two assists. Basuljevic started in his pro debut on March 25, 2017 in a 3-3 draw against Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, and recorded his first professional assist in the same game. 

The following year, the midfielder made two short stops in Denmark and Sweden with clubs Fremad Amager and Nyköpings BIS before returning to the United States with the USL Championship’s Fresno FC, where he connected with current Monterey Bay F.C. Sporting Director and Head Coach Frank Yallop for the first time. The 26-year-old recorded four goals in 20 appearances for the side before spending the past two seasons in the Championship with OKC Energy FC. 

“I worked with Arun in Fresno,” said Yallop. “He is a very active midfielder who is full of running and he has good attacking tendencies.” 

Originally a graduate of the New York Red Bulls Academy, the Bronx, New York native played three years at Georgetown University and recorded 14 goals and six assists in 60 appearances from 2014-2016 before joining the professional ranks. As a Hoya, Basuljevic was named Big East Rookie of the Year and Soccer America’s Freshman of the Year. Additionally, he earned All-Big East honors in all three seasons and All-Conference First Team honors in 2015 and 2016. 

“I’m super excited to be here. When I heard about the project a couple of years ago, this was the place I wanted to be,” explained Basuljevic. “Now, the fact that it is finally coming to fruition and I’m here, it really feels like a great opportunity, and I’m really excited to be part of the inaugural season here at Monterey Bay F.C.” 

“I’m also really looking forward to playing under Frank. I know Frank from my time at Fresno FC. He wasn’t the coach there, but we all know his history as a coach and how successful he’s been, playing for him is definitely one of the main reasons I’m here.” 

Player Information: 
Name: Arun Basuljevic 
Position: Midfielder 
Age: 26 
Height: 5’10”  
Hometown: Bronx, New York

Monterey Bay F.C. roster as of February 8, 2022:

Goalkeepers: 
Dallas Jaye (Danville, California)
Rafael Díaz (Paterson, New Jersey)

Defenders: 
Morey Doner (Collingwood, Ontario)
Hugh Roberts (Olney, Maryland) 

Midfielders:
James Murphy (Scotch Plains, New Jersey)
Arun Basuljevic (Bronx, New York)

Forwards: 
Walmer Martínez (Santa Cruz, California)
Chase Boone (Beaverton, Oregon)
Seku Conneh (Voinjama, Liberia)
Christian Volesky (Henderson, Nevada)
Christoper Cortez (Mission Viejo, California)

Monterey Bay F.C. announced today that the club has signed midfielder James Murphy ahead of the 2022 USL Championship season. 

The 24-year-old joins Monterey Bay F.C. after spending the past two seasons with fellow USL Championship side, Rio Grande Valley FC Toros, where he recorded five assists in 36 appearances. Before joining the Toros, Murphy signed with Scottish Championship side Arbroath for the 2019-2020 campaign after a successful trial and made 22 total appearances for the side.  

In 2018, the Scotch Plains, New Jersey native signed with Major League Soccer club Los Angeles FC. He was then sent out on loan to Las Vegas Lights FC and recorded one assist in seven appearances in his first stint in the Championship. 

“James is a very competent central midfielder,” said Monterey Bay F.C. Sporting Director and Head Coach Frank Yallop. “He is very good in possession and holds down the midfield position well in any team.” 

Murphy began his professional career with English club Sheffield Wednesday and made one appearance for the first team in an EFL Cup match against Cambridge United in August 2016. 

“I am super excited to be a part of something new. I know it’s going to be a big challenge for myself, all of the boys and the coaching staff,” explained Murphy. “We have a really promising group. I can’t wait to get started and see all the fans in our new stadium. I’m really excited.” 

Player Information:
Name: James Murphy 
Position: Midfielder 
Age: 24 
Height: 5’11” 
Hometown: Scotch Plains, New Jersey

Monterey Bay F.C. roster as of February 8, 2022:

Goalkeepers: 
Dallas Jaye (Danville, California)
Rafael Díaz (Paterson, New Jersey)

Defenders: 
Morey Doner (Collingwood, Ontario)
Hugh Roberts (Olney, Maryland) 

Midfielders:
James Murphy (Scotch Plains, New Jersey) 

Forwards: 
Walmer Martínez (Santa Cruz, California)
Chase Boone (Beaverton, Oregon)
Seku Conneh (Voinjama, Liberia)
Christian Volesky (Henderson, Nevada)
Christoper Cortez (Mission Viejo, California)

With Monterey Bay F.C. set to begin play in its inaugural USL Championship campaign next month, there are plenty of highlights to look forward to throughout the coming year, including a nationally-televised match against San Antonio FC, as the club officially brings professional soccer to the Monterey Bay.

After kicking off the season against Phoenix Rising FC at Wild Horse Pass Stadium on March 12, the club will continue to play its next six games on the road to open the schedule as it waits for newly-renovated Cardinale Stadium to complete construction. Once ready, the team will begin its 17-match home schedule as hosts to Las Vegas Lights FC on May 7 in the club’s highly-anticipated inaugural match in Seaside.

A month later on June 11, Monterey Bay F.C. welcomes San Antonio FC to the Monterey Peninsula in its first-ever, nationally-televised match on ESPN Deportes as part of the USL Championship’s 19-match national telecast slate this season. In addition, every match this season both home and away will be broadcast and available to view live on ESPN+ for those unable to attend.

Another exciting matchup this season comes late in the campaign on September 7 as Monterey Bay F.C. hosts in-state rivals and 2021 USL Championship Title-Winners, Orange County SC for the first time at Cardinale Stadium. The Union will get its first shot at the reigning champions on July 9 at Championship Soccer Stadium in Irvine.

Full Season Schedule

Monterey Bay F.C. is currently accepting seat deposits for its 2022 USL Championship Inaugural Season. Learn more about Monterey Bay F.C. by following @MontereyBayFC on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook and online at www.montereybayfc.com.

Monterey Bay F.C. announced today that the club has signed Canadian fullback Morey Doner ahead of its inaugural USL Championship campaign.

The 27-year-old Collingwood, Ontario native joins Monterey Bay F.C. after spending the 2021 season with Canadian Premier League side HFX Wanderers. Prior to joining the Wanderers, Doner had a brief stint with Next Academy Palm Beach of USL League Two before stops with League1 Ontario clubs Durham (2014) and Aurora FC (2016-2018).

While in his final season with Aurora FC in 2018, Doner was named team captain, scored three goals and played every minute of every match on his way to earning a League1 Ontario All-Star selection. Doner then joined Canadian Premier League side York9 in 2019 where he recorded one goal and four assists in 36 appearances across two seasons.

“Morey is an exciting and quick right fullback that adds to the attack while also being a good one-on-one defender,” explained Monterey Bay F.C. Sporting Director and Head Coach Frank Yallop. “We’re excited to add him to the group.”

Doner will look to utilize his electric style of play to set the tone defensively for the Union this season.

“I’m very happy to take this step in my career with Monterey Bay F.C. next season in the USL Championship. I’m excited to show my qualities in a new league and to be a part of this project on the West Coast,” said Doner. “To work under a manager with such experience and pedigree is something I’m really looking forward to.”

Player Information:

Name: Morey Doner
Position: Fullback
Age: 27
Height: 5’8”
Hometown: Collingwood, Ontario

Monterey Bay F.C. roster as of February 4, 2022:

Goalkeepers: 
Dallas Jaye (Danville, California)
Rafael Díaz (Paterson, New Jersey)

Defenders: 
Morey Doner (Collingwood, Ontario)

Midfielders: 

Forwards: 
Walmer Martínez (Santa Cruz, California)
Chase Boone (Beaverton, Oregon)
Seku Conneh (Voinjama, Liberia)
Christian Volesky (Henderson, Nevada)
Christoper Cortez (Mission Viejo, California)

Monterey Bay F.C. announced today that the club has signed center-forward Christopher Cortez ahead of its inaugural season in the USL Championship.

Cortez began his professional career with Chivas USA in 2011 after spending four years with the club’s youth academy and made nine appearances. After his time with Chivas USA he joined USL Championship side Orange County SC, where he scored 20 goals in 63 matches from 2013-2015.

The forward then spent three seasons with Phoenix Rising FC and scored 29 goals in 76 career appearances before joining Thai club Ayutthaya United in 2019. After two more short stints overseas in Denmark and the Czech Republic with FC Helsingør and 1. FK Příbram, Cortez then returned to the Championship in 2021 with Miami FC.

“I’ve worked with Chris during my time at Phoenix Rising FC,” explained Monterey Bay F.C. Sporting Director and Head Coach Frank Yallop. “He is a proven goal scorer and a very versatile forward. We’re happy to have him.”

The Mission Viejo, California native is looking forward to reuniting with Yallop and has some personal ties to the Monterey area.

“I’m very excited to be here and really excited to reunite with Frank again. He was a big reason I came here. I worked with him in Phoenix and it was fantastic, it led to some great things over there and I’m hoping to repeat that here as well,” said Cortez. “For me, I also have a bit of a connection here. My sister went to California State University Monterey Bay (CSUMB) and played soccer here on the women’s team, so I’m familiar with the area and that will help with the transition. Anytime I need anything I’ll know I can call her.”

Cortez’ younger sister, Ashlee, was also a forward and recorded eight goals and four assists in 65 career matches for CSUMB before graduating in 2017. She was very happy to learn about her brother’s next stop and looks forward to watching him play at Cardinale Stadium.

“I’m extremely excited to watch my brother play professional soccer on my alma mater campus,” said Ashlee Cortez. “I have always been beyond proud to be Christopher’s number one fan, but being able to watch him play with Monterey Bay F.C. makes it that much more special. I have so many great memories with CSUMB Soccer, and I’m sure we’ll make many more with MBFC. I will definitely be making it to as many soccer games as I can, certainly trying to be the loudest in the stands.”

Player Information:

Name: Christopher Cortez
Position: Forward
Age: 33
Height: 6’4”
Hometown: Mission Viejo, California

Monterey Bay F.C. roster as of February 4, 2022:

Goalkeepers: 
Dallas Jaye (Danville, California)
Rafael Díaz (Paterson, New Jersey)

Defenders: 

Midfielders: 

Forwards: 
Walmer Martínez (Santa Cruz, California)
Chase Boone (Beaverton, Oregon)
Seku Conneh (Voinjama, Liberia)
Christian Volesky (Henderson, Nevada)
Christoper Cortez (Mission Viejo, California)