MEMPHIS — For about 30 minutes Saturday, Monterey Bay FC sat alone in first place in the United Soccer League Championship's Western Conference for the first time in its three years.
Although it was short-lived, Union's return home was filled with joy as two second-half goals secured a 2-1 victory over hosts Memphis, giving the team their fourth consecutive win.
The Union held a one-point lead in the Western Conference, but defending champion Sacramento maintained its undefeated season with a 2-0 win over Orange County later in the evening.
Sacramento is 4-0-3 with 15 points, while Union is 4-1-2 with 14 points. The teams will not meet in conference play until June 8, but will meet in Sacramento on May 7 in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.
Playing their third game in seven days, Union remained undefeated on the road. They opened the U.S. Open Cup last Wednesday with a 2-1 decision over Irvine Zeta FC to advance to the Round of 32.
Tristan Traeger's fourth goal of the season tied the game at 1-1 in the 68th minute, and Alex Lara scored the winning goal two minutes later with a header into the net.
Traeger, who helped the Charleston Battery advance to the USLC title game last year, is tied for the Western Conference lead with four points.
Anthony Schiaha made one of his few saves to earn his fourth win in goal and will visit Orange County next Saturday at 7 p.m.
Memphis has dropped four straight USLC games since opening the season with a win, but opened last week's U.S. Open Cup with a win.
The Western Conference rivals have only met once before, when Monterey Bay FC won 1-0 on the road last year on Alex Dixon's penalty kick.
Union shut out Memphis in the second half behind two-time team Defensive Player of the Year Kai Green and veteran defender Maury Donner.
In the current four-game winning streak, Union's defense has conceded just three goals.
Alisal graduate Jerry Ayon, who scored two goals in his debut last Wednesday, was active in the second half.
