There was plenty to fight for on Saturday night in Detroit. New Mexico United went in with a chance to clinch a playoff spot. A win would have been the easiest out for the Black & Yellow, but Detroit City FC had other plans. A 20th minute penalty for Maxi Rodriguez was the only goal in a match that saw the spotlight stolen by Carlos Saldana, who kept United scoreless in a 1-0 loss.
In a match that could have clinched the playoffs for United, Head Coach Eric Quill opted to go against what had been working all season and started not only Jacobo Reyes but also debut newcomer Marlon Vargas. Vargas, who came over in a late-season loan from Colorado Rapids 2 was hoping to give United a lift given the injury issues in the midfield.
Where United was lacking creativity, Detroit City had the ability to create chances from the outside. With Conner Rutz drifting to the right and Laurent Kissiedou on the left, they had more than enough ability to get the ball into the area. Kissiedou earned his club a penalty in the 20th minute by way of a handball. Driving from the left, the winger saw an opportunity to cross the ball to the mark, but it took a deflection off the hand of Anthony Herbert for the penalty.
Detroit opted to let Maxi Rodriguez take the attempt and he made good on his shot. Alex Tambakis guessed the correct direction, diving to his right, but the shot from Rodriguez was just out of reach for the lead, 1-0.
Forced to play from behind, United knew they needed to try and open up, but playing out of the back proved to be difficult for the turquoise-clad visitors. The slow play invited a lot of pressure from the hosts and saw United deep in their own territory, searching for openings. They nearly had an answer in the 22nd minute when Vargas was handed an opportunity from the right side of the area. Vargas took aim at the left side of the goal, but Carlos Saldana was up to the challenge and made a terrific save.
City controlled much of the first half, but United would find another chance just before the break. In the fourth minute of stoppage time, Zico Bailey had a chance from the top of the area, but once again Saldana was there.
United would come out of halftime and dominate possession for the first twenty five minutes of the half and really limited the number of chances that the hosts would see. In the 68th minute, United would finally get a quality chance in the half. Jacobo Reyes crossed the ball from the right side of the area, trying to find Harry Swartz at the far post. Swartz would put a foot to the ball and forced a great save out of Saldana.
Minutes later, Nanan Houssou sent in another cross, this one destined for Vargas. On the volley, Vargas put a great shot on frame, which was equaled by yet another save from Saldana.
The hosts were held to only 30% of possession in the half, but they ultimately didn’t need it. The performance by Saldana was enough to keep United off the board and secure three points for Detroit City. Even with the loss, United has a chance to clinch, but they need help. If San Antonio FC and Orange County SC both lose tonight, United will have secured a playoff spot.
Player of the Match
Carlos Saldana – The Detroit City keeper was the difference maker in the match. With 5 saves to his name, he kept this one within reach for La Rouge. Saldana faced a few tough shots before this one was concluded and stood on his head.
Up Next
United has a chance to put some additional distance between themselves and Sacramento Republic when two of the top sides in the West face off in what could be a deciding match in the final standings. Coverage of the match on Wednesday will begin with the pregame show starring Adam Diehl and Andy Hageman at 6 p.m. (MT). The match will kickoff at 7 p.m. (MT) from The Lab. Catch every minute of every play all season long on ESPN Radio 101.7 FM The TEAM, The TEAM website, and The TEAM apps.
