Bay Cities FC’s first two goals in team history helped the third division team stun second division USL side Monterey Bay FC 2-1 to advance to the third round of the 2022 US Open Cup.
After a scoreless first half with few chances for either side, the game came alive after the break.
In the 55th minute, Bay Cities’ midfielder Andres Jimenez unleashed a shot saved by Monterey keeper Dallas Jaye. Cities’ winger Rei Dorwart was quickest to the deflected save and directed it into the net for the lead.
It was also the first goal in Bay Cities’ history after two scoreless draws in their first two NISA league games.
Monterey Bay soon found its footing and put Cities defense under pressure. Monterey had multiple chances in the 70, 71, 74, 75, and 77th minutes to tie the game but could not find the back of the net.
When it looked like the underdog NISA side would close out the game, Monterey found the equalizer in the 87th minute.
A mistimed play out of the back for Bay Cities allowed Monterey’s Robbie Crawford to get the ball in the box on the end of a cross from Morey Doner and head it past Cities keeper Ian Mcgrane to tie the game.
However, Bay Cities had one more ace up their sleeve.
In the 91st minute, a hopeful long ball by Bay Cities was misplayed by a Monterey defender. The ball bounced into the air, and Edson Cardona of Bay Cities got underneath it and powered the shot past Jaye and into the net to regain the lead.
Bay Cities were able to hold on for several additional minutes. When the final whistle blew they were able to celebrate the team’s first victory ever and an incredible upset.
Cities advances to the US Open Cup third round and a possible date with an MLS team with the victory.
Next up for the team is their first league home game on Saturday at 7 pm in Redwood City against Valley United at Sequoia Stadium in Redwood City.
