Hopes of an annual preseason battle becoming a yearly rivalry were enhanced Saturday as Monterey Bay F.C. met the challenge of Major League Soccer's San Jose Earthquakes before falling 2-1 in the wind and rain at Cardinale Stadium. Entering its second season in the United Soccer League, the Union went into halftime tied with the Earthquakes after Walmer Martinez produced a goal. Martinez, a former CSU Monterey Bay standout and the Union's first ever signee, was a member of the El Salvador national team in 2022. The game was a reunion of sorts for Monterey Bay F.C. coach Frank Yallop, who guided the Earthquakes to MLS titles in 2001 and 2003.