New Mexico United (3-0-4) are back on the road as they try to maintain the undefeated start to the season, this time against Reno 1868 FC (2-1-3).
United are coming off of their best performance of the year. With a 5-1 victory over Real Monarchs SLC, they continue to show how much progress the club has made in their short time together. On the season, the club has had fewer than 50 training sessions under the tutelage of Coach Troy Lesesne.
Behind the league-leading seven goals from Santi Moar, New Mexico has been difficult, if not impossible to stop. The club has been finding their legs and dealing with injuries, and the result has been a much more cohesive unit. Strong defensive play has also played a major factor in the results so far.
For United to continue having success, they will need to continue playing the ball up the wings on offense and playing a high press on the defensive end. The resiliency of the club may well be one of the keys to the match. Reno has struggled to close out their matches this year, giving up 2+ goal leads in multiple matches.
Players to Watch:
Santi Moar – After his first career hattrick, is there anything that Moar can’t do?
Chris Wehan – Coming off his best appearance of the year, one goal and two assists, Wehan will look to be a creator. His vision of the field and ability to move in space will be a contributing factor to the United game plan.
New Mexico United Team Leaders
Goals: Santi Moar (7)
Assists: Chris Wehan, Manny Padilla, Josh Suggs (2)
Saves: Cody Mizell (23)
Reno comes into the weekend on the heels of their second win of the season, 2-0 over Colorado. Even with the second half struggles, the Reno offense has been deadly. Forward Brian Brown leads the club with five goals and is putting together an excellent year. Brown has found himself involved in over half of the goals scored by Reno on the year.
The 1868 defensive unit is lead by Zach Carroll. One of the USL Championship defenders to watch this year, Carroll is quietly putting together an impressive showing. If the rest of the defense can find their footing, they could present a tough challenge for United.
Players to Watch:
Brian Brown – the offensive leader for the club, Brown is extremely talented. With a knack for finding the ball in dangerous areas, United will need to keep the pressure on him throughout the match.
Zach Carroll – One of the fiercest defenders in the league, Carroll has already posted nine interceptions and nine blocks. For United to have a chance, they will need to find a way to play in space around Carroll.
Reno 1868 FC Team Leaders
Goals: Brian Brown (5)
Assists: Corey Hertzog (1)
Saves: Matt Bersano (14)
The match will be streamed live on ESPN+ beginning at 8:00 p.m. (Mountain). International viewers will be able to watch the match live on YouTube. ESPN+ is viewable online via 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.