Monterey Bay FC edged a thrilling California derby, defeating Oakland Roots 3-2 in a USL Championship match on March 16, 2025. The back-and-forth contest at Cardinale Stadium was decided by a late goal, sending the home fans into raptures. Oakland Roots took an early lead, but Monterey Bay responded with two quick goals to go into halftime ahead. The visitors equalized midway through the second half, setting up a grandstand finish. The winner for Monterey Bay came in the final ten minutes, likely from a set-piece or a moment of individual skill, to claim all three points. The derby victory is a massive boost for Monterey Bay's season, providing momentum and local bragging rights, while Oakland Roots will feel hard done by after fighting back to level the match.