Pro Soccer: Bidois' Late goal lifts Monterey Bay FC past Sporting JAX

SEASIDE — Fighting its way out of the franchise’s worst start in its five-year existence is a process, where building blocks are being laid while on the job.

The path to getting back into playoff contention seemed fruitless four weeks ago when Monterey Bay FC was winless and the worst team in the United Soccer League Championship.

Those who jumped off the bandwagon, there’s time to get back on as the Union are climbing the points ladder after using a late goal from Riley Bidois on Wednesday to keep Sporting JAX winless with a 2-1 win at Cardinale Stadium.

Two weeks into June and the Union are the hottest team in the USL, having rattled off three straight wins to climb back into playoff contention in the Western Conference.

Since an 0-7-2 start to the season, Monterey Bay FC is 3-0-0, improving to 3-2-0 under new coach Alex Covelo, who took over for the departed Jordan Stewart.

After failing to produce a goal in four of their first five matches this season, the Union have collected eight goals in Covelo’s first five matches, including eight during the teams three-game winning streak.

Different players have risen to the occasion during the Union’s current run, with Riley Bidois sending a shot with his left foot through the top right corner to break up a 1-1 tie in the 84th minute.

A native of New Zealand, Bidois has provided an offensive infusion, producing four goals and an assist during Monterey Bay FC’s current three-game winning streak on the pitch.

The Union have struck first in each of their last three matches in USL play, with former Alisal High and San Jose State alum Joel Garcia recording his first professional goal on an assist from Ilijah Paul in the first half.

Since giving up seven goals in a pair of losses, the Union have tightened up their defense, having allowed just two goals in their last three USL matches, as Jacob Jackson stopped eight shots on goal.

Having played two matches in the last five days because of the Prinx Tires USL Cup, the Union won’t play again until June 17 when they travel to FC Tulsa, who recently had its three-game winning streak snapped.

It’s been more than a year since Monterey Bay FC has won a road game in the USL, a winless streak that has stretched to 15 matches, with its last win coming on March 22 of 2025 at Orange County.

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This story was originally published June 10, 2026 at 10:08 PM.