The Drop In

This week, Oz & Dan sit down with Monterey Bay FC's new Communications Manager, Marco Peralta!

No new news this week, but getting close to the start of the 2026 USL Championship season! We'll touch on a few items and have more fun!

After 4 years, The Drop In is taking a big step forward. Starting TONIGHT, we will be live on several platforms! You will now have more ways to follow along and interact with us as we talk about @montereybayfc Thank you to our supporters and viewers over the last four seasons. Without you, we never would have pushed beyond our comfort zone to have greater aspirations for our little show. #ForThe831 #MBFCfamily

After 4 years, The Drop In is taking a big step forward. Starting with our next episode, we will be live on several platforms! You will now have more ways to follow along and interact with us as we talk about Monterey Bay FC. That's exciting news but we still have the preseason to get through! We discuss the new signings and how they might fit into the plans for next season. We also discuss the news of a USL W  team kicking off in the 831 this season! Thanks to everyone who has supported us for the last four seasons. Without you, we would never have pushed ourselves to get out of our comfort zone and have greater aspirations for our little show. #ForThe831 #MBFCfamily

The New Year is upon us, and the start of the USL Championship season is inching closer! As Monterey Bay FC announces more player signings, we thought it would be a great time to talk about our soccer philosophy. How did formations come about? What do the player numbers mean? We take you through a crash course, starting with the founding of the FA in 1863. This one is for the nerds!

The Drop In awards are back for their 4th season! What started as a silly idea has turned into a weekly show that has become a family that loves to follow around our beloved Monterey Bay FC. This year, we stepped it up, and we added physical trophies, the golden emu! Thanks to everyone who has supported us over the years! We have a whole community behind us uplifting us, and we could not do it without you. Stay tuned, next season will be even bigger!!

Mobi Fehr is one of the original signings for Monterey Bay FC. He sits down with us in the studio to talk about his journey in life and soccer. It is a fascinating journey that spans most of the globe. His latest stop was here in the 83, and we talked about what that was like, if he found any good Japanese food in the area, and his plans.

Mike Sheehan is the new CEO of MBFC. He sat down with us in the studio to talk about who he is and how he ended up in the 831. We have a great discussion about his plans for the team and his history in sports. We even have a great discussion about the great sport of armadillo racing. This is an excellent interview to get to know the new person in charge of our beloved soccer team. Our iPad froze during the interview, but Mama T took screenshots of all the questions submitted during the show, so we'll collate and pass them on. We also talked about a Town Hall Q&A session, so we have lots more to talk about this offseason. Lastly, Mike invited SFD to return to Cardinale Stadium, so keep your eyes and ears open in 2026!

Grant Robinson is one of the longest tenured players for MBFC. He sits down in the studio with us to talk about life growing up in Maryland, bouncing around the country, and the longevity of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia. He's a great person and is one of the hardest workers on the pitch. You don't want to miss this conversation! Thank you, Grant, for listening for all this time and for coming on The Drop In!

The USL regular season is coming to a close. That means it's almost time to wrap up season 4 of The Drop In. In this episode, we talk about last week's match against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds and the visit from fan favorite Chase Boone. We also announce our new line of t-shirts designed by Dereks Designs. You can buy one at Dereks-designs.com. Also, stay tuned for our upcoming end-of-year awards. We plan to add a listener-voted category.

Nico Campuzano came to the 831 from Northern Spain, and now he is one of the best keepers in the league. We go through his life history from Los Corrales de Buelna to his graduate school at Pitt. This is a candid interview where we get to know one of our newest players. From swimming in the ocean to cutting socks to keep them over your knees, this conversation is fun and honest.

Monterey Bay FC struggled to get its offense going in a 4-0 loss to the Tampa Bay Rowdies, but somehow our slim playoff chances stay alive. We talk about the miracles needed to reach the postseason for the first time in our history. We also get into our adventure to Sacramento for the Jagermeister Cup Final. What an adventure it was…

As the 2025 USL Championship season winds down, the Union have not fared well — but against fellow California clubs, MBFC are top dogs in the Golden State, which was helped significantly this past Saturday with a win over Sacramento Republic, our dominance over state rival clubs! The Union's brickwall keeper, Nico Campuzano, is up for Save of the Week (Vote NOW), and electric midfielder Adrian Rebollar and coach Jordan Stewart were included in the Team of the Week! Our lads are on the road this weekend, traveling south to Florida to face Tampa Bay Rowdies — check out your watch party locations at Alvarado Street Brewery & The Brass Tap Marina!

The USL Championship season is coming to a close, and the Union needs a lot of help to get back into the fight. New Mexico United came into Cardinale on Saturday, but a late-game equalizer from former Union player Luther Archimede kept us from getting all 3 points. Next up: Nor Cal rival Sacramento Republic comes down to Seaside, trying to keep their hold on a home playoff spot.

The 2025 USL Championship season is in its homestretch, and the Union is trying to sneak into the playoffs for the first time in its history. Last Saturday's loss put us at the bottom of the Western Conference. Still, a home-heavy schedule gives us a slim chance of seeing the postseason for the first time in our short history. We want to hear from you! What can this team do to get more people in the stadium next season? Call (831) 264-8060 and leave us a message. You might hear your message on the show!

This week, The Drop In is not just Dan and Oz going on tangents. MBFC forward Ilijah Paul joins us in the studio to talk about life growing up in Gilbert, Arizona, and his journey to the 831. At 23 years old, he already has more experience than most football players across the country. From a Pac-12 offensive player of the year to the 7th pick in the 2023 MLS draft, Paul's career is still heading up.

MBFC is battling to stay in the Western Conference playoff race, and last Saturday, they went up 101 north to face Oakland Roots. We had a great time as usual, cheering on the boys! Unfortunately, things didn't go our way. Former Union player Morey Doner found an empty corner of the goal for the only score of the match. MBFC is now in 11th place in the west and looking for a result. This Saturday, they head to Colorado to take on the defending champ Colorado Springs Switchbacks. Come join us at the train station in Salinas this Saturday for an outdoor watch party during the What's Grubbin' food truck event. There will be food trucks, bands, beer, and an outdoor television playing the match. Let's go Union!!!

The Union strengthened their offensive side with the addition of Tarik Scott from FC Dallas. Next up is a crucial rivalry match against Oakland Roots as MBFC tries to stay in a tight Western Conference playoff race. Grab your ticket and come join us at the coliseum this Saturday and help us make some noise!

Monterey Bay FC had a chance to move to the quarterfinals of the USL Jagermeister Cup last Saturday. They just needed a result against AV Alta. Unfortunately, the boys were only able to muster up 2 shots on goal and lost 2-1. They are clinging to the final playoff spot in the West with a match against conference leaders FC Tulsa coming up.

Monterey Bay FC is fighting to hang on to one of the last playoff spots in the West. They went down to Tulsa last Friday and played one strong half. The second half was a different story, and they left Oklahoma with a 2-1 loss. This week they are back in Jagermeister Cup action against AV Alta. A win in So Cal gives the boys a good shot at moving past the group stage. At least we get to see a familiar face as 831 native and former Union player Walmer Martinez has 3 goals for AV Alta this season.

Monterey Bay FC went out to Indiana looking to turn things around but came back with more questions. A 3-0 loss was overshadowed by the injury of Nico Campuzano, who has been a brick wall between the pipes this season. They return to Western Conference play this week when Orange County SC visits Cardinale Stadium on Friday, aiming to end their losing streak against the Union.

Monterey Bay FC went up to the East Bay to face the Oakland Roots in the third round of the USL Jägermeister Cup and came up short. They still have a chance to move on to the next round, but they need a good result against AV Alta on July 26. They are back in USL Championship action this weekend in a rare Eastern Conference matchup against Indy Eleven. Oz's research into Indy Eleven led him to one of the most interesting stories involving a lost monkey, some confused English people, and one of the most outstanding three-term mayors the island has ever seen.

Monterey Bay FC came back home after a tough match in Las Vegas to face one of the hottest teams in the Western Conference. The midfield once again struggled to gain its footing, and El Paso Locomotive took all three points at Cardinale. The Union is still hanging on to that 6th spot in the Western Conference, but they are going to have to pick it up if they want to stay there. They get a break from the league this week as they face Oakland Roots in a USL Jägermeister Cup match in Oakland. These matches are always fun with a lot of action. If you are free on Saturday, come join us in Oakland! Discount ticket link available for section 107R for MBFC fans!!!

Monterey Bay FC went to Nevada to face a new-look Las Vegas Lights squad. After letting go of Antonio Nocerino, the Lights wanted to prove that they are a playoff team. Johnny Rodriguez did what he does best and scored a brace while goalkeeper Raiko Arozarena kept his league-leading 6th clean sheet of the season. Next up, the boys try to right the ship at home against El Paso Locomotive. This episode also contains several stories of our Las Vegas hijinks, so we apologize for the tangents...again.

Monterey Bay FC has a healthy roster for the first time in weeks, and they are looking dangerous again. A 2-1 win against Lexington FC keeps them in 6th place in the West. With a trip to the desert to face a weakened Las Vegas Lights squad, the boys are looking to make a climb in the standings before the start of summer.

Monterey Bay FC entered the 2025 Jägermeister Cup later than most teams, and they quickly got to work. On Wednesday, Spokane Velocity visited Cardinale Stadium, and local boy Pierce Gallaway was the hero of the night. His first-ever goal for the Union was the game winner. Then on Saturday, Orange County SC came up the coast looking for revenge. The boys put up 3 goals again to take their second match of the season against Orange County. Next up, Lexington SC visits Cardinale for the first time in their short history.

Monterey Bay FC has had a tough run and is without a win in its last six matches. Last weekend, Eastern Conference power LouCity came into Cardinale and handed the Union a rare 2-0 loss at home. MBFC has a chance to put that in the rearview mirror as they now focus on the Jagermeister Cup. After being one of two teams that have yet to start the tournament, they will play 2 matches in 4 days. First up on Wednesday is a tough matchup against Spokane Velocity. A familiar face comes to Cardinale on Saturday when Orange County SC makes the trip up the coast for another Jagermeister Cup match.

Monterey Bay FC is missing some key offensive players, and they have struggled to score in the last month. Those struggles continued down in the desert with a 2-0 loss to Phoenix Rising. We went down the Salinas Valley to host our first watch party in King City at the conveniently named Rising Phoenix Taproom. We didn't get the result we wanted, but we had a great time hanging out with old friends and making new ones. This weekend, Eastern Conference power LouCity visits Cardinale Stadium. There's nothing like home to get you back on the right track.

Monterey Bay FC visited the league's newest stadium to face Rhode Island FC. Mobi Fehr was back in the starting eleven, and he contributed an assist on Mayele Melango's goal in the 17th minute. Another strong performance from Nico Campuzano let MBFC escape with a point. The winless streak is now up to 4 matches, but MBFC is still tied for first place in the West with San Antonio. Next up is a visit to the desert to take on a Phoenix Rising side that just beat New Mexico at the Lab. We are taking our watch party to south county and taking over Rising Phoenix Taproom in King City. If you are a supporter of MBFC and you live south of Gonzales, come on over. If you live north of Gonzales, you should also come on over!

Monterey Bay FC was back in friendly territory at Cardinale Stadium on Sunday against a Miami FC squad that is looking to make waves in the East. Ilijah Paul got on the scoreboard again but the boys were only able to get a point. The schedule stays difficult with a visit to brand new Centreville Bank Stadium in Rhode Island coming up. The Union is still in second place in the west with some players getting healthy. Can they grab some points on the road before coming back to California?

The 6-match unbeaten streak came to an end in New Mexico last Wednesday. Isotopes Park is one of the most difficult places to play in the USL Championship, and the boys played a tough match and only gave up one goal. The back-to-back scoreless games are a change from the hot start to the season. The bye-week will allow some of the guys who have been injured some time to heal. MBFC looks to get back to winning ways this Sunday when Miami FC visits Cardinale for the first time since 2023. We also welcome a new feathered member to The Drop In family!!

MBFC has not lost in 6 matches. Nico Campuzano continues to be a brick wall in goal and earned his third clean sheet of the season. His 4 saves now have him leading the USL Championship. That is the second time they have ever done that in their three-year history. If they want to break that record, they will have to get a result in one of the most challenging places to play in the West. New Mexico is within striking distance of first place, and the home team has had the advantage for most of the series. 

Defending champion Colorado Springs Switchbacks visited Cardinale Stadium for the first time this season, and they found out what most of the Western Conference already knows. This Monterey Bay FC team is different. Adrian Rebollar earned Team of the Week honors, and MBFC pushed their lossless streak to 5 matches after a 2-1 win. MBFC now sits atop the Western Conference table early in the season. This Saturday, MBFC put on their racing silks as they head to Kentucky to face league newcomer Lexington SC. Kickoff is at 4 PM.

Monterey Bay went to the midwest to face one of their toughest tests of the young season. Detroit City made a lot of moves in the offseason, including the signing of former MBFC players Morey Doner and Carlos Herrera. The Union extended their unbeaten run to 4 matches with a 0-0 draw and kept their second-place spot in the Western Conference. The test is even tougher this Saturday when reigning champions Colorado Springs Switchbacks visit Cardinale Stadium.

Monterey Bay FC was looking to make it three wins in a row for the first time in a year when they faced Phoenix Rising at Cardinale Stadium. They once again showed why they were one of the hottest teams of the young season. Goals from Carlos Guzman, Adrian Rebollar, and Anton Sojberg led the Union to a comfortable 3-1 win on Saturday. The boys were back in action on Tuesday in Round 2 of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. They were facing an amateur but experienced El Farolito side from San Francisco. After a close match, El Farolito showed that they still have some of that magic from when they won the tournament in 1993. A Xavi Gnaulati penalty was not enough for the Union, as they were knocked out early in the tournament.

Monterey Bay FC has started the 2025 season as one of the hottest teams in the league. We knew Orange County SC would be a tough opponent, especially at The Champ, but the boys were more than up to the task. The 3-0 win was the best we have seen this team play under Jordan Stewart, and it has put the Western Conference on notice.  MBFC also started their Lamar Hunt US Open Cup run with a 4-0 over Inter San Francisco SC. They move on to the second round to face legendary amateur club El Farolito from San Francisco. The taqueria-based club won the US Open Cup in 1993. They are looking to regain their title as giant-killers when they visit Cardinale on April 2. MBFC continues its USL Championship season when 10th-place Phoenix Rising visits Cardinale this Saturday. MBFC is looking for its third win in a row in this young season.

  After a slow start to the season, it looks like Monterey Bay FC is quickly finding their footing under Jordan Stewart. It all started with a thrilling home opener against the Oakland Roots that saw the boys come back from an early deficit to win 3-2. MBFC then got their 2025 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup campaign going with an easy 4-0 win over International San Francisco. Seven goals in two matches have the boys feeling good and having fun. The rest of the Western Conference better take notice.

MBFC started the season on the road on a windy night in San Antonio. The defense again looked good under Jordan Stewart, but the offensive struggles continued. There are a lot of offensive options as the boys come back home to face Oakland Roots. The rain should be over by Friday so Cardinale should be rockin' on Saturday night. The matches against Oakland are always close but we think the boys want to put on a show for the home crowd.

MBFC finished the preseason on a high note with a 2-1 comeback win against Sacramento Republic. For this episode, we are celebrating the start of the regular season by returning to our studio space at XL Publichouse in Oldtown Salinas. Several weeks ago, the team had no keepers, but now we have three. Earlier in the week, MBFC announced they had signed former FC Tulsa goalkeeper Dallas Odle. The season starts on the road and the basement of XL Publichouse will be where all the supporters groups are gathering to cheer on the boys as they open the season against San Antonio FC.   We finish off our Western Conference preview by talking about what we can expect from Las Vegas Lights, New Mexico United and defending champions Colorado Springs Switchbacks.

We finally got a chance to see Jordan Stewart's lineup or at least one version of it. Two of the newcomers scored as MBFC beat The Town FC 2-1 under sunny skies in Seaside. We also talk about the new kits released by Charly and wonder about the 3rd kit that is yet to be revealed. Our Western Conference preview continues with a look at the Sacramento Republic and OCSC.

After several weeks of wondering, we finally have our answer about who will be the second goalkeeper we sign for the 2025 season. Nico Campuzano joins MBFC after spending last season with Lexington FC. Is he here to back up Sam Gomez, or do we have a tandem Siaha/Herrera situation building up again? Also, the attack keeps adding potential, as the team has announced the signing of forward Luke Ivanovic. The Australian spent last season with FC Lahti in Finland and joins 7 other forwards looking to make the MBFC offense a potent force in USL Championship.

This week, we say goodbye to some of the players who left in the offseason. We will miss all of them, but we are excited about the new signings. After three years of the same core, we are going to see a lot of new faces on the pitch this season.  We also continue our Western Conference preview with a look at Phoenix Rising and Oakland Roots.

After his Newcastle journey, we welcome Dan back for another season of The Drop In. We talk about the latest signings, Ilijah Paul and Miles Lyons, and how they might fit into this new-look MBFC squad for 2025.