SEASIDE >> For all the assurances from management that this season wouldn’t be like the first three, no one envisioned this. Well except for the players in the Monterey Bay FC locker room.

Being in uncharted territory feels good for the Union as a late goal from Mayele Malango Saturday propelled them into first place for the first time in franchise history after a 2-1 win over defending league champion Colorado Springs at Cardinale Stadium.

The win moved the Union (4-1-1) past San Antonio FC — the only team to defeat them this season — into first place by a point with 13 in the United Soccer League Championship’s Western Conference.

The 13 points are the most in franchise history through six games in the USL for Monterey Bay FC, which is halfway to matching last year’s entire win total of eight. It also gives them the best record in the USL among both conferences.

Unbeaten in their past five USL matches, the Union — who visit Lexington SC next Saturday — can tie the single season franchise record for consecutive matches without a loss with a win or tie.

Malango, one of 12 new faces on this year’s revamped Union roster, took a pass from Anton Sojberg and headed it through the net in the 82nd minute to break up a 1-1 tie.

A tenacious defense continued its dominance in the second half in USL matches as Monterey Bay FC held its opponent scoreless in the final 45 minutes.

During their five-game unbeaten streak, the Union have outscored the opposition 9-0 in the second half, improving their record to 3-1-0 against the defending Western Conference champion Switchbacks when playing at Cardinale Stadium.

The Union used their heads in this match, as Adrian Rebollar gave them an early 1-0 lead when he headed one into the net at the 36-minute mark of the match.

Rebollar, a Watsonville native who played collegiately at Cal State Monterey Bay, has produced two goals in the team’s past three matches, matching his entire total on the pitch from last year.

Nico Campuzano was dynamic between the pipes for the Union, who are 3-0-0 at Cardinale Stadium this year, 1-1-1 on the road.

The Union, who fell to Colorado Springs 1-0 in last year’s home meeting, are 3-4-0 lifetime against the defending USL champions.