Stats don’t matter, results do. New Mexico United proved that once again as they surrendered two-thirds of the possession and still managed to pull out a win over rival El Paso Locomotive FC, 0-1.
In typical fashion, the Derby del Camino Real featured physical play, some short tempers, and a memorable moment. This time, it was United picking up a late winner as they brought the twelve-match unbeaten run of El Paso to an end on their home field.
Many clubs look like they struggle out of possession, but United looked completely comfortable playing without the ball on Saturday night. They forced errors out of El Paso throughout the match and created opportunities out of the midfield. When they did so, they were able to take possession in forward areas and threaten the home goal within only a few touches. Daniel Bruce once again got the start as the number nine for Eric Quill and the new Head Coach seems to have found something.
The Englishman has come into form since the introduction of Coach Quill and has scored two times in four matches. It’s been a bit of a renaissance for the young man, who had seemingly been on the outskirts with former coach Zach Prince at the helm.
As before against Colorado Springs, Bruce was dynamic both attacking and defensively. He pressured El Paso’s backline and made a number of explosive plays to create turnovers. Those plays turned into multiple chances on goal for Bruce, who is getting into the habit of making goalkeepers earn their pay.
The turning point for United came in the closing minutes of regulation. The midfield pressure continued to cause issues for El Paso and once again United forced a turnover that turned into a three-on-two break for the Black & Yellow. This time it was a newcomer who helped make the difference. Newly signed Nicky Hernandez was on the right while Santi Moar was on the left. Hernandez slowed up the break just enough to keep pace with Moar and played the ball across the defenders to the Spaniard. Moar was more than capable of beating the El Paso keeper to give United the lead, and the win, 0-1.
Player of the Match
Daniel Bruce – Despite not scoring on the evening, Bruce was clearly a difference-maker for United. He continues to impress under the tutelage of the new head coach and provides United a completely different feel on the pitch.
Up Next
New Mexico United is back in action on Tuesday, July 4 at 8 p.m. when they head to Las Vegas to take on the Lights. The match comes quickly on the heels of the win for United as they are on the verge of rejoining the playoff positions. After other results around the league, United could find themselves potentially as high as seventh with another win on Tuesday. The match against the Lights will be broadcast by ESPN Radio 101.7 The TEAM with coverage beginning at 7:00 p.m. with Adam Diehl and Andy Hageman on the pre-game show. Following the pre-game show the pair will bring every minute of every play across ESPN Radio 101.7 FM The TEAM, via The TEAM website, and The TEAM apps.