PHOENIX >> Unable to maintain second-half leads over the previous two weeks resulted in Monterey Bay FC playing to ties.

This time it came back to haunt the Union, who surrendered two second half goals after the 65th minute Saturday in a 2-0 loss to Phoenix Rising.

The setback, coupled with New Mexico prevailing, knocked the Union out of first place in the Western Conference for the first time in two weeks.

Monterey Bay FC (4-3-4), which sits two points in back of New Mexico, is locked in a three-way tie for second with 16 points with San Antonio and El Paso.

The Union, who are 0-2-3 in their last five matches, have scored just two goals during the span, and have not produced a goal in the second half in their past five matches.

The two conference rivals were meeting for the second time this year, with Monterey Bay FC having posted a 3-1 win over the 2023 United Soccer League Championship winners.

After having allowed just one second-half goal in their first eight USL matches, the Union have now given up four in their last three, failing to hold 1-0 leads in their previous two games.The Union’s struggles aren’t just on offense. Playing away from Cardinale Stadium continues to be challenging as they fell to 1-3-3 on the road, as compared to 3-0-1 at home.

Monterey Bay FC will embark on its longest homestand of the season, playing the first of four straight home matches next Saturday, hosting Louisville FC — the only unbeaten team remaining in the USL at 5-0-4.

Three of those matches will come over a seven-day span as Monterey Bay FC competes in the USL Jägermeister Cup on May 26, hosting Spokane.

It will mark the third time this year the franchise has played three matches in seven days.

The Union are 0-2-1 this season against teams currently with a winning record.

With the setback, Monterey Bay FC is 3-3-2 lifetime against Phoenix.