Raphael Durand
Dailysports's expert
One of the matchups on the next USL Championship matchday will take place this Sunday at Cardinal Stadium, where hosts Monterey Bay face off against El Paso Locomotive. I’m offering a bet on the outcome of this clash with a solid value on the odds.
Match preview
Monterey Bay currently sits sixth in the Western Conference, having collected 19 points from 14 matches. The team has shown solid form at home—over their last six home fixtures, the Seaside club has notched four wins, underlining their strong grasp of home-field advantage.
In their most recent outing, Monterey Bay suffered a 0-2 defeat away to Las Vegas Lights. Overall, results have become less stable in recent games—three losses in their last six indicate that defensive errors need to be addressed.
El Paso Locomotive is in fifth place in the standings with 20 points from 13 games, demonstrating strong competitiveness in the league. Their last outing was at home against Orange County SC and turned into a nightmare—losing 0-3, which extended El Paso Locomotive’s winless run to three matches.
On the other hand, the team has picked up a solid haul of points on the road, going unbeaten in their last four away games. Their attack can be dangerous, but occasional defensive lapses are a concern ahead of this crucial trip.
Probable lineups
- Monterey Bay: N. Campuzano, M. Lyons, N. Gordon, S. Guzman, S. Gediri, A. Rebollar, A. Soyberg, V. Fongak, A. Dixon, A. Larsson, I. Paul
- El Paso Locomotive: S. Mora-Mora, A. Quesada, A. Ortiz, V. Akwei, R. Ruiz, E. Calvillo, F. Daroma, Gabriel Torres, V. Cabrera, R. Avila, A. Moreno
Match facts and head-to-head
- Three of the last six head-to-head meetings between these teams ended in draws.
- The "Under 2.5 goals" bet has hit in four of the last five matches.
- The last two games between these teams at Monterey Bay’s ground finished 0-0.
Prediction
This match promises to be tight and evenly matched, with both teams expected to prioritize defensive discipline and avoid unnecessary risks. A draw looks likely, considering the head-to-head history and current form. Don’t expect a goal fest—this is shaping up to be a contest with few clear chances.
