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Monterey Bay FC Dominant in Their First USL Championship Win of the 2026 Season

MBFC’s new Head Coach Alex Covelo earned his first victory after an outstanding effort from top to bottom under the new leadership— the Covelo Effect

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With some clever tactical adjustments and strong play on both sides of the ball, Monterey Bay FC cruised to a dominant 2–0 win against Birmingham Legion on Saturday night. The victory was also the first for new Head Coach Alex Covelo, whose “Covelo Effect” stamp on the play was obvious.

After a scoreless first half, where Monterey Bay dominated possession, the team surged to even greater heights in the second half. They took the initial lead on a nifty goal in the 60th minute by Riley Bidois off a fantastic pass from Sebastian Lletget who was lingering with the ball just to the side of the net. The scoring was capped off in the 78th minute when Eduardo Blancas found the back of the net off a pass from Ilijah Paul — the midfielder’s second score in as many matches.

Sebastian Lletget seemed to know big things were ahead before he took the field Saturday night. Image via author.

The defense was a strength all night and allowed goalkeeper Fernando Delgado to keep a clean sheet, which required just a single save against the team which he was with the past two seasons before arriving in Seaside.

Linda and Luke Dilger, two of Monterey Bay’s staunchest fans, came out with their daughter to enjoy the match. Image via author.

Here are some additional notes and observations from the match.

• The two stars of the game were the overall team effort and the very effective tactics that were put in place and executed to perfection. This success was dependent on the team playing as a cohesive unit and being surgical in their spacing and transitions. This was done to an exceptional level on all fronts. The defense thrived on players sliding over to help teammates, and it was oabvious that every knew where they needed to be at any given moment, and the club’s shape was the better for it all night.
• The “Covelo Effect” refers to the fact that Monterey Bay hired the coach in large part because of his past success in developing young players and installing tactics and methodology. Oz Lucero from The Drop In 831 reminded me that Covelo’s role over the past few years with the MLS San Jose Quakes was leading the charge in those same initiatives. It’s no coincidence that the team is currently among the frontrunners of MLS with a 1–2–3 record despite a relatively star-free roster.

Blancas was on Cloud 9 after his score. Image via Monterey Bay FC.

• When contemplating who earned the distinction of Man of the Match yesterday, there can be no other answer than winger Omari Glasgow. In an unexpected move, he was lined up as the left-back and deployed as a sort of “False 3.” Despite his defender position, he was tasked with being the point guard of the attack and charging up his side of the pitch, essentially serving as a midfielder on offense and dropping into a more traditional defender spot on defense. He also linked up reguarly with midfielder Chris-Kevin Nadje, as the pair continue to do impressive things playing on top of each other and are clearly a path forward for the team. Glasgow had no goal contributions but finished with video game numbers otherwise: 48/51 passes completed; a team-high 12 defensive contributions; two chances created; 12 recoveries and he won both of his aerial duels. After the match, he was visibly sore and tired but nothing was going to remove the big unwavering grin he had on his face.
• Paul also put in an incredible two-way performance. The striker had his assist but was also a noticable force on defense, making five defensive contributions, blocking a shot and making four tackles. He is willing to put his considerable physical abilites and energy to work on both sides of the ball, which is integral to Monterey Bay success.
• In his first league minutes in more than a month, right-back Joel Garcia Jr. had arguably his best match ever while playing for the Crisp and Kelp. He found balance in continuing his physical style of play while avoiding cards and committing just one foul. Such control has often eluded him in the past but it all came together Saturday night. He finished with 10 passes into the final third; 48/53 completed passes; four defensive contributions and he won seven of his eight duels (including all three of his 50/50 balls).
• The two goals scored was the first time the club has scored multiple goals in a league match in 2026, and the first time they have had multiple goals in a league match at Cardinale Stadium since they were beaten 3–2 by Tulsa on August 6, 2025.

Prior to the match, Monterey Bay FC honored local military veterans. Image via Monterey Bay FC.

• The win was the club’s first in USL Championship play since they came away with a 1–0 result against Sacramento Republic at home on September 27, 2025. It was also just MBFC’s fourth league win in the past calendar year.
• After holding the ball for 50% or better in only one of their first seven USL Championship matches this season, they have been above that mark in all three of Covelo’s USLC games. They had the ball for 55% against Birmingham, completeing 447 passes at an impressive 89% success rate.

Monterey Bay next plays this upcoming Saturday, May 30th when they host Loudoun United at 7 p.m. The Monterey Bay Sirens will also be playing at Cardinale that afternoon, kicking off at 3 p.m. against Oakland Soul SC. Fans with tickets to the men’s game can automatically attend the women’s game for free. It’s a great opportunity to check out both sides for the price of one!

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