It’s been one heck of a week for New Mexico United. First, there was the win over Las Vegas Lights to close out the second extensive road trip of the season. Second, United decided to go and upset MLS club Real Salt Lake in the Open Cup. Now, they return home for their first league match at The Lab since April 6.
The Roots have had a less-than-stellar season so far. They haven’t won in league play since April 13, and they haven’t won in any competition since April 16 in the Open Cup. Historically the Roots have been a club that come on later in the season, but with the season already past the 25% mark it doesn’t look promising. Through nine matches, the club has eight points to their name, but somehow only sit one point off the pace for the playoff positions. This is a club that struggled against Amateur Division club El Farolito (yes, named after the burrito shop).
Where the roots have succeeded the most has been inside the box. Johnny Rodriguez has been the man of the season for them so far, with three of his club’s nine goals on the season. The Roots will consistently look to find ways to get the ball into Rodriguez, but they’ll have to beat the duo of Talen Maples and Anthony Herbert to do so. When a club is struggling to score as they are, they’ll have to find a way to be creative and open up the game plan on the road. But that’s a dangerous prospect, as RSL found out.
Player to Watch
Baboucar Njie – The veteran defender has been a stalwart in the USL for a number of years now. As a name that the United faithful should be familiar with, Njie is a very good defender and will draw the task of holding Greg Hurst in check. If he can prevent Hurst from playing through the lanes, the visitors will have a chance at points.
United is coming off of one of the biggest nights in club history before Meow Wolf Night. In a chance to host an MLS club for the first time ever at The Lab, United dazzled 5,266 fans in a 4-2 win, showing a lot of grit against a tougher opponent. With that type of win comes the potential of a let down afterwards due to the emotion of the night. Eric Quill should have his men ready to face the challenge of playing on short rest and tired legs. This is a deep enough squad that Quill could rest the only true 9 on the roster against an MLS team to have him available in the league.
Unlike 2019, this United squad has handled the Open Cup schedule much better than it did back then. This is a side that always seems to be up for the challenge. Now, they’re defending The Lab, a place where they’re undefeated this season. The midfield is where it all starts and stops for United. The aggressiveness of players like Marco Micaletto will be key to shutting down Roots.
Player to Watch
Abdi Mohamed – The newest roster signing for United has made one big impact during his short stint with the club. His performances in two matches could just about earn him a full contract. His impact on the left has allowed United to rest Chris Gloster and help ease the burden during the injury to Kalen Ryden. Watch for him to control the left on Saturday night.
This Saturday’s match kicks off at 7:00 PM (MT), but the coverage starts at 6 PM (MT) with the pregame show. Scott Galetti and Andy Hageman will start the festivities on ESPN Radio 101.7 FM The TEAM, The TEAM website, and The TEAM apps. Once the pregame show is over, the pair will bring every minute of every play to the airwaves across the ESPN Radio platforms.
