New Mexico United has a chance to do something that they haven’t done since the early stages of the 2022 season. A win on Tuesday against Las Vegas Lights FC would run their winning streak to three matches and possibly put them back above the playoff line.
It appears that the new manager bounce has finally hit for New Mexico United. It’s a few matches later than what is usually seen, but even without all of the results, the club has been playing better and giving opponents fits. The timing of the match between United and the Lights couldn’t be better. As United is building momentum, the Lights are languishing in last place, having lost five in a row.
The Lights’ home form has been terrible all season, winless through nine matches at Cashman Field. To say it’s been a rough season is an understatement. Offensively the desert club has been unable to find any sort of consistency. Not even former United forward Preston Tabort-Etaka has been able to make a difference for his new club. They’ve struggled to find the mark and are one of the worst attacking sides in the league. They lack identity and it appears a true striker to give them a consistent attacking threat.
Some people around the league believe that Vegas has a good defensive unit. Statistically speaking, only three clubs around the league have conceded more goals than Las Vegas. They have a lot to figure out and as the midpoint of the season approaches, they’re running out of time to do so. With all of the different looks that United can bring to the pitch, Vegas will have a hard time dealing with what the Black & Yellow will do.
Player to Watch
Preston Tabort-Etaka – Since leaving United at the end of 2022, Preston has struggled to find his groove in Las Vegas. He never really had one while with United and the systems that have been run in both places. Playing on the outside, he’ll likely play against a healthy Austin Yearwood. Preston’s pace could be an issue, but with Yearwood against him, he will have a tough night ahead.
United is finally showing some of the dynamic play that the supporters have been clamoring for. With four matches under his belt, new Head Coach Eric Quill has not been shy about changing things up. The biggest change has been playing Daniel Bruce at striker. The play has been exciting and they’re forcing opponents into making mistakes, and then making them pay for it.
Although the defense still hasn’t quite come around, the midfield play has been incredible over the past few weeks. The match against El Paso Locomotive was an interesting one to watch as United was willing to sit back and concede possession to their rivals. While that is not Coach Quill’s preferred method of play, it worked in that instance, allowing United to counterattack far more swiftly and smoothly in that transition going forward. They’re putting opposing teams in poor positions and forcing turnovers, which had been a struggle all season to this point. Vegas doesn’t do well in transition and could very easily struggle against United on Tuesday night.
Player to Watch
Sergio Rivas – Although his stat line didn’t reflect it against El Paso, Rivas was one of the brightest spots for United. His play through the midfield opened up a lot of things going forward for the Black & Yellow. Even when he’s not scoring goals, he’s making the smart decisions and playing with an intensity that had been lacking early on in the year.
Tuesday night’s match against Las Vegas Lights FC will kickoff from Cashman Field, with ESPN Radio 101.7 The TEAM’s coverage beginning at 6:00 p.m with the pre-game show starring Adam Diehl and Andy Hageman. The duo will also bring every minute of every play starting with kickoff at 7:00 p.m. on ESPN Radio 101.7 FM The TEAM, via 1017theteam.com, and The TEAM apps.