Lambert’s late winner keeps San Antonio unbeaten

SAN ANTONIO, Texas (CMC):

Jamaica international Kevon Lambert scored a late winner as San Antonio FC maintained their unbeaten start to the United Soccer League season with a 2-1 victory over Monterey Bay here on Saturday night.

With the game tied heading towards full time at Toyota Field, the 27-year-old midfielder turned in a loose ball following a set piece in the 86th minute to secure the hosts their second win in four games in the Western Conference.

The victory was their second on the bounce following last weekend’s 2-0 win over Colorado Springs Switchbacks, which came on the heels of stalemates against Loudoun United and Tampa Bay Rowdies in their opening matches.

“I mean, it was very important for us, especially since it’s early on in the season, but where we’re standing right now, I think this win really gives us an extra boost moving forward,” Lambert said afterwards.

“It was definitely a game where we will learn a lot and get some confidence from going forward.

“And I think Monterey was on the same amount of points as us before this game, so it was good for us to beat them and move on with three more points tonight, so I think this game was crucial to get a win.”

San Antonio are third on eight points, while Monterey Bay are sixth on five points, after suffering their first defeat of the campaign.

Carter Manley put San Antonio ahead in the seventh minute when he curled a loose ball past goalkeeper Gerold Ngnepi at the far corner.

The lead held until the stroke of half-time when, in the third minute of stoppage, Mobi Fehr slid on to the end of a free kick to put his finish beyond the reach of Pablo Sisniega.

Lambert then conjured up the decisive moment in the game, tapping in from point-blank range after Mitchell Taintor headed down Jorge Hernandez’s free kick.