New Mexico United has been in first place in the West since May. After how the last few runs at the playoffs happened, it feels strange not to have to fret going into the last few matches. United supporters and the club are on the verge of not only hosting a playoff match for the first time ever but also on the verge of clinching home-field advantage throughout the Western Bracket. Right now, Sacramento Republic FC are standing in their way.
The Sunday match, which is nationally televised on ESPN 2, showcases a return match between the two clubs that have been near the top of the Western Conference all season long. Despite a run of form that has seen Republic lose three of the last four outings, they’re still a club that United cannot overlook. This is a club that is coming off of a deep run in the Open Cup as well as the playoffs in 2023. Sacramento is a club that knows how to win, but they’re lacking that finishing touch.
When the two sides met eleven days ago, United ran circles around Republic in the second half at The Lab. It would be surprising to see the same thing happen at Heart Health Park. Even with that said, Republic has been just as good at home as they have been on the road. Which is to say, inconsistent. After the club lost Rodrigo Lopez, they’ve struggled at times to find a new level of consistency. With the possibility of Alex Tambakis being out on Sunday, Republic may have the opportunity to take advantage of the rookie Kris Shakes if he gets the start.
Player to Watch
Trevor Amann – Amann looked good in the match against United at The Lab and will be one of the top targets in the return. Amann provides Sacramento an option in and around the area and he can turn on a dime to shoot. If United can keep him with his back to goal, his options will be limited.
In a history-setting season, United knows that there is plenty more to do. Their playoff fate is in their own hands. A win and they host for the first time. That win would also guarantee them home-field until the USL Cup as it stands right now. So far they’ve set the record for wins in a season, points in a season, and most home wins in a season. They’ve done it with eight clean sheets, ten different goalscorers, and a never quit mentality.
They’ve battled through injuries, major and minor, to get where they are now. They’ve already shown that they can beat Sacramento, and if they do it again, it will put them in a spot to pull back, make sure the roster is healthy, and prepare for the post season. United wore down the Rpublic defenders at The Lab before breaking their lines with consistency in the second half. Sergio Rivas was able to pick out some great passing lanes and Greg Hurst had possibly his best game of the season. It would be shocking to see Republic come out defensively, but if they do, United will have to break them down again and create channels on the edge of the area to take advantage of the back line.
Player to Watch
Sergio Rivas – The season has not been great for Sergio. After early season injuries slowed his contributions, he worked his way back into the team sheet on a regular basis and his veteran play is paying dividends for United. He looks far more confident on the ball and is playing with his head up. When he does that, he’s able to run at defense and pick out key passes.
Coverage of Sunday’s match will begin at 5:30 p.m. (MT) with the pregame show starring Adam Diehl and Andy Hageman. Following the pregame, the match is set to kick off at 6:30 p.m. (MT) from Heart Health Park in Sacramento. Hear every minute of every game all season long on ESPN Radio 101.7 FM The TEAM, The TEAM website, and The TEAM apps.