FRESNO, Calif. – Alex Dixon and Christian Volesky each recorded a goal and assist to lead Monterey Bay F.C. to a 3-1 victory after extra time against USL League One side Central Valley Fuego FC in the Second Round of the 2023 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on Wednesday night at Fresno State Soccer Stadium in the second round of the 2023 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.

The victory sends Monterey Bay into the Third Round of the historic competition for the first time as its veterans came through in the additional 30 minutes. With the game scoreless going into extra time, Volesky slipped past the defense and shot into the back of the net to give the Crisp and Kelp the 1-0 lead.

MBFC extended its lead in the 110th minute with a superb finish by Dixon for his fifth goal in all competitions this season from outside the penalty area that found the top-left corner of the net. Fuego FC pulled a goal back in the with four minutes to go through Zahir Vazquez, but Sam Gleadle sealed the result in the first minute of stoppage time as he paired with Dixon to patiently convert a two-on-one break.

The visitors had created chances during the opening 90 minutes to break the deadlock. Walmer Martinez and Hugh Dixon both went close inside the opening 10 minutes, while Martinez had another effort turned away soon after.

After a quiet first half, Fuego FC almost grabbed the lead in the second half only for a headed finish to be ruled offside. The Crisp and Kelp came close to scoring in the 57th minute, but Jason Johnson’s header was saved by Fuego FC goalkeeper Mitchell North. Monterey Bay goalkeeper Carlos Herrera then came up with a key save in the 84th minute to keep out a shot by Central Valley’s David Diaz, but the visitors were able to pull away for victory in the additional 30 minutes.