US Open Cup: Monterey Bay FC shocks MLS’s San Jose Earthquakes

Monterey Bay FC stunned the MLS opposition on Tuesday night when it reached the fourth round of the US Open Cup for the first time in the team’s history after a 1-0 win over San Jose Earthquakes.

The USL Championship side needed just one goal to progress to the next round of the competition and it was striker Christian Volesky who got it.

The 30-year-old took advantage of the San Jose backline by jumping on a loose ball and hitting a first time past Earthquakes goalkeeper Daniel in the 26th minute.

The 1-0 win saw the lower tier side advance to the Round of 32 with their next opponent to be revealed when the draw takes place on Thursday.

Coaching staff and players embraced at the final whistle after a historic evening.

Monterey Bay FC goalkeeper Antony Siaha (in red) celebrates with goalkeeper Carlos Herrera

Former San Jose manager Frank Yallop was the mastermind behind Monterey’s narrow win.

Winger Sam Gleadle tweeted in response to the upset, “What a game from the lads and the atmosphere on a Tuesday night was crazy.”

While midfielder James Murphy also wrote on his social media platform: ‘This team. What a night for the whole club. Shoutout to every MBFC fan in Cardinale tonight for creating a special atmosphere. Until Saturday!’

Charleston Battery, Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, Minnesota, Charlotte, New England, St. Louis and Sporting KC were the other teams to advance to the next round on Tuesday night.

The 831 fans in attendance at Cardinale Stadium in California did everything they could to create an intimidating atmosphere for the MLS stars.

The third round continues Wednesday night with the likes of Wayne Rooney’s DC United, Phil Neville’s Inter Miami and Atlanta United of America’s top flight looking to avoid an early exit from the league.

Monterey Bay FC players expressed their happiness in reaching the Round of 32 on Tuesday