The USl has officially hit that time of the year when the playoff watch has begun. No team has been officially eliminated yet, despite how the tables look. New Mexico United is all but guaranteed a spot in this year’s playoffs, a far cry from last season when they had to pull off the impossible. A win over Oakland Roots on Saturday and United will be in a great position to secure not only a playoff berth, but a top two seed.
Historically, Oakland has been a late-season club. They’ve had significant pushes in each year of existence to ensure their place in the playoffs. Despite a mid-season change at the helm, that now sees former United assistant coach Gavin Glinton in charge, Oakland has maintained their success as home. They’re unbeaten in four, including a win over Loudoun United. Their last loss came back on July 21 at home to Sacramento Republic.
With a splash, they signed Dom Dwyer before the season, but the veteran forward hasn’t been the impact player they thought he would be. Instead, much of their attack has gone from Johnny Rodriguez. Rodriguez has been the target man up top for the Roots, and that won’t change on Saturday. But for that to be effective, the midfield play will need to be strong for Oakland. Against a United side that will be missing Zico Bailey, due to suspension, they will find a few more opportunities than Coach Eric Quill would like.
Player to Watch
Baboucarr Njie – Njie brings a wealth of experience to the back line of Oakland. Having been around the league for a few years, Njie is familiar with what most of the clubs want to do. He’ll look to try and keep the defense organized in front of a United club that can attack from different angles.
United is closing in on something they’ve never done, securing a home match in the playoffs. As it stands right now, United needs 13 points to ensure a playoff spot. As of now, those can come from earning points or Phoenix Rising dropping points. It’s also only 17 points that United needs to secure a top two spot for the playoffs, including a home playoff game. In order to get there, United still has work to do. They can’t rest on their laurels now.
With three wins in four, United is riding a wave of momentum. The concern will be going on the road and managing both the red card situation and the health of the club. Surprisingly the club has not made any signings for the stretch run, with Quill leaning heavily on the already constructed roster. United’s forwards have a lot of minutes on their legs, but will need to find ways to be creative. This may mean that Greg Hurst and Daniel Bruce will drop deeper in order to try and get involved and push out of the midfield. Missing the previously mentioned Bailey will prevent United from having one means of getting the ball forward. In his place, Nannan Houssou could be in for an important role in creating offense against Roots.
Player to Watch
Jacobo Reyes – Reyes has had a quietly strong season. He’s had chances to feature in recent weeks and has made the most of it. He’s provided Quill with another option off the bench and has some of the best hold up play on the United roster. With a chance against Oakland, Reyes could find another goal, and win for United.
Coverage of Saturday’s match begins at 3 p.m. (MST) with the pregame show starring Adam Diehl and Andy Hageman. Following the pregame, the match will begin at 4 p.m. (MST). Catch every minute of every play all season long on ESPN Radio 101.7 FM The TEAM, The TEAM website, and The TEAM apps.