New Mexico United vs. Tacoma Defiance Preview

New Mexico United head to Tacoma, Washington, for the second match of their three-week road trip as they square off against the Tacoma Defiance at Cheney Stadium on Friday, March 29 at 8 p.m. (Mountain).

Heading into the match, United look to build on a strong start to the season that sees the expansion side sitting at 1-0-3 early on. The club has had some issue closing out matches as evidenced by a late concession to Orange County in their last match. With some days off, United look to come into the match rested and having chances to work on tactics defensively. Anchored by keeper Cody Mizell and captain Josh Suggs, the defense has the opportunity to shine against a Tacoma squad that has struggled to score this year.

The United attack has performed well behind the performance of Santi Moar, who is coming off of back-to-back USL Team of the Week nods. Against Orange County, Moar and Kevaughn Frater showed just how explosive the United forwards are, jumping on two opportunities in the first half. The matchup against Tacoma could prove beneficial in the midst of the long road trip, as their defensive form has been porous this year, having already conceded seven goals in three matches.

NM United Team leaders
Goals: Santi Moar (4)
Assists: Josh Suggs (2)

The Defiance (1-2-0) have struggled so far this season but did manage to notch their only win at home during their season opener. Since then, Tacoma has come up short against LA Galaxy II and the Tulsa Roughnecks, being outscored 7-0 in the two matches. The Defiance have had no shortage of offensive opportunities, but have yet to find the quality in their attack to put more shots into the back of the net.
Tacoma Defiance Team Leaders:
Goals: Alec Diaz (1)

Match Notes:
Santi Moar is currently scoring one goal every 85.8 minutes.
United are second in the USL in goals scored with 8, Tacoma is tied for second to last with 1
Both clubs have conceded seven goals on the season

The match will be streamed live on ESPN+ beginning at 8 p.m. (Mountain). International viewers will be able to watch the game live on YouTube. ESPN+ is viewable online, the ESPN app or across a variety of mobile and connected living room devices, including Amazon’s Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Roku and more.