On a hot June Wednesday evening in Stockton, the Cargo Soccer Club continued to show the fight and energy that has made them one of the community’s rising summer sports attractions, but Monterey Bay FC proved too much in a 3-1 decision before 533 fans.
The loss marked Stockton’s second straight defeat and moved the Cargo to 2-2-2 just beyond the midway point of their USL W League season. While the result did not go Stockton’s way, the home side continued to create opportunities and gave the crowd plenty to cheer about late in the match.
Monterey Bay opened the scoring in the 14th minute when Nayeli Gallo found the back of the net, giving the visitors an early 1-0 advantage. The Cargo responded with pressure and attacking chances throughout the first half, but Monterey Bay held firm defensively and carried the one-goal lead into halftime.
The second half began with both clubs trading momentum, but Monterey Bay eventually seized control. Emma Yolinski doubled the lead in the 57th minute, and Katherine Truitt added another goal in the 64th minute to put the visitors ahead 3-0.
Stockton refused to fade quietly. In the 73rd minute, forward Hannah Diaz gave the Cargo a spark with a goal that cut the deficit to 3-1. From there, the Cargo pushed forward and created several dangerous chances, keeping the pressure on Monterey Bay in front of the home crowd. Despite the late effort, Stockton could not close the gap.
The Cargo will look to bounce back quickly as they head to Oakland this Sunday, June 14, for a 3 p.m. road matchup against division rival Oakland Soul SC.
Stockton returns home Tuesday, June 23, at 7 p.m. to face Sacramento-area rival California Storm SC. The match will be presented by STAART, Standing Up Against All Regional Theft, a program of the Stockton Chamber of Commerce. The first 200 Cargo fans in attendance will receive a cowbell presented by Save Mart Grocery Stores.
Fans can learn more about STAART at stocktonchamber.org/programs/staart and purchase Cargo tickets in advance at stocktonsc.com.
Scoring Summary
Stockton Cargo SC — 1: Hannah Diaz, 73’
Monterey Bay FC — 3: Nayeli Gallo, 14’; Emma Yolinski, 57’; Katherine Truitt, 64’
Attendance: 533