Every team has a non-rival opponent that they just can’t figure out. For New Mexico United that continues to be San Antonio FC. Since 2019, the two sides are 5-5-1 against each other and United has not won in the series since 2021.
In the past, San Antonio has been the club looking down from the top of the table. This season hasn’t quite gone their way due to a number of injury concerns. Between injuries and the poor road form, SAFC finds themselves looking up for once. They head into the weekend having won one in their last five and will be missing Jorge Hernandez, who received a red card in their previous outing against Las Vegas.
Even without Hernandez, Alen Marcina has a club that can win on any given night. But to the objective observer, the roster in San Antonio is a step down from what it’s been in the past. This team lacks some of the size and a clear target man up top. On the road, they’ve had a tendency to play defensively, but the new defense is still trying to find their cohesion. What seems to be lacking is a true leader, someone who can shape the defense and hold opponents.
Player to Watch
Mitchell Taintor – One of the most veteran players on the roster, Taintor has been around the league long enough to know that nothing is certain. Taintor needs to be the glue for a club that struggles away from Toyota Field. Despite shutting out United in their last two trips to Albuquerque, Taintor will need to keep his line in check against the new United attack.
8 of 9. That’s the current form that United is in. Having won 8 of their last 9 matches in all competitions, United returns to The Lab to try and break the hold that SAFC has over it. This series is one of the few that the Black & Yellow just can’t seem to figure out. In the past, they’ve been undone by the size and physicality of San Antonio. At times they’ve tried to play around it, but it hasn’t been enough. Perhaps it was just that United’s style of play was lesser than that of San Antonio.
Now armed with a new coach and a better midfield, United should finally have the advantage over SAFC. United seems to have figured out their scoring algorithm and it isn’t playing out of the back. When United controls the midfield and makes quality passes, they are able to pick their way through opponents. Zico Bailey and Marco Micaletto have been maestros in their roles and create chances for their forwards every week.
Player to Watch
Avionne Flanagan – Coming off of another strong showing in the Open Cup, Flanagan should see more time in the XI. Dynamic in the attack, Flanagan’s pace on the left can be a big weapon for United against the size that SAFC does have at the back. When he gets into space, he can create chances from nothing and will be hard to defend.
Coverage of Saturday’s game will begin at 6 PM with the pregame show starring Adam Diehl and Andy Hageman. Following that, the pair will bring every minute of every play starting with kickoff at 7 PM. Catch New Mexico United all season long on ESPN Radio 101.7 FM The TEAM, The TEAM website, and The TEAM apps.