With four matches left to play, New Mexico United had a chance to clinch the top seed in the West with a win on Wednesday. Their opponents, Phoenix Rising FC, were looking to keep their heads above the playoff line. Ultimately, it was Rising who would take advantage of two costly mistakes by United and pick up a win at one of the toughest places to play in the league, 1-2.
It took some time, but there was an opening volley to this match. United was on the front foot early, earning much of the possession. But it was Phoenix who had the first shot presented to them. In the 6th minute, Charlie Dennis had what looked like acres of space in front of him and put a shot directly at Alex Tambakis, who made the easy save.
Without the likes of Dariusz Formella and Remi Cabral, Rising was tasked with sitting behind the ball and trying to beat United on the counter. The defensive shape of the visitors put United into a situation that they were all too familiar with, having to break down a static shape. There were a few early chances, but none really threatened youngster Rocco Rios Novo.
As United was starting to find some space inside the area, the first mistake of the evening was of Rising’s own making in the 28th when Laurence Wyke tripped up Mukwelle Akale, drawing a penalty. Despite Greg Hurst being on the pitch, it was Talen Maples who stepped up to the spot. Rios Novo dove to his left while Maples went the opposite direction, into the lower left corner, to put United ahead, 1-0.
In a half that was largely controlled by United, one moment cost them dearly. On a pass to Emil Cuello that appeared to be on its way out of play, Nanan Houssou fouled the midfielder in the 45th minute, giving Rising a chance from the penalty mark. Tomas Angel was given the chance to put his shot into the lower right corner, and Tambakis went to the opposite corner, leveling the score, 1-1.
The second half did not start well for United. After a ball was sent into the area from the right, it fell in the only place that it could, which was right to Tambakis. In the 59th minute, the normally sure-handed Greek goalkeeper couldn’t gather the ball and it fell to Maples to try to clear it. The clearance only went as far as the top of the box and Giulio Doriatiotto. The defender put a strong boot to the ball and midflight, took a deflection off of Dennis and into the goal to put Rising ahead, 1-2.
United’s best chance of the second half came by way of a corner in the 88th minute. With a series of corners, United was pressing the issue to try and steal a point at home. As the corner fell, it was Kalen Ryden with a diving header that came close to squaring the score line, but his attempt was just wide.
Even a red card didn’t help United. In a matter of six minutes, Juan Azocar picked up two yellows and was sent off in the fifth minute of second half stoppge. With a man advantage for nearly eight minutes, United was unable to find a late goal, falling at home for the first time on the season after scoring first.
Player fo the Match
Talen Maples – Arguably the best player for United on the night, Maples connected from the spot for the second time on the season and notched his third overall goal.
Up Next
Even with the loss on Wednesday, United could still potentially clinch a playoff spot depending on the outcome of the other matches. All eyes will be on the results of the matchup between Orange County and Colorado, as well as the match between Sacramento and Monterey. Outside of those, United will be back in action on Saturday when they travel to face FC Tulsa. Coverage of that match will begin at 5:30 p.m. (MT) with kickoff following at 6:30 p.m. (MT). Catch every minute of every play all season long on ESPN Radio 101.7 FM The TEAM, The TEAM website, and The TEAM apps.