Nearly eight months to the day since the season started, New Mexico United’s second season is underway. Given the final playoff match of the weekend, United will play host to longtime rivals Phoenix Rising FC. The two clubs split the season series against each other, United winning in Phoenix and Rising returning the favor at The Lab. This time, it’s win or go home, as the winner will advance to play against Las Vegas Lights FC in the Western Conference Semifinals.
Rising’s season has been far from what they had expected coming into the year. For much of the season, they languished below the playoff line, only just qualifying in the final weeks of the regular season. They managed it without any sort of form that would give them confidence as well. Rising lost three of their final five matches, but sandwiched in between was two wins over playoff clubs – Oakland Roots and United.
There was clear discord amongst the supporters, who were calling for management to relinquish their grip on the club. A deep playoff run may not be enough to quell those calls, but that remains to be seen. Risings’ problems this season have been twofold. First, they have been wildly inconsistent defensively. Young goalkeeper Rocco Rios Novo has certainly had his moments since coming over from Atlanta United, but a leaky defense will always put the keeper into bad moments. Second, Rising lacks the scoring threats they’ve had in the past. When a club is struggling to score goals, it makes the issues across the back that much more prominent.
Despite those issues, Rising was able to defeat United just a few weeks ago. That will give this side some confidence heading into the playoffs. Rising will be looking for Dariusz Formella to try and lead the line, but with Tomas Angel playing underneath, there are two threats that United will need to keep an eye on.
Player to Watch
Rocco Rios Novo – The young goalkeeper has struggled at times this season, but that has been more due to the defense in front of him. He certainly made some big saves the last time these two clubs met and put his side in a chance to win in the fortress of The Lab. Against a United side that will need to be more aggressive, Rios Novo will need to be in top form.
New Mexico is not coming into the match in the best of form either. Winless in five consecutive matches and dealing with some injuries, United’s best hope is the simple fact that the match is at The Lab. Near unbeatable at home this season, United’s results at home, would lead observers to think they are the favorite. That doesn’t change the fact that United has dealt with some major injury issues. Most recently, it was learned that Abdi Mohamed and Harry Swartz may not be back before the end of the season. That’s on top of the season-long injuries to Cristian Nava, Dayonn Harris, Arturo Astorga, and Abu Danladi.
United’s biggest issue all season has been their inconsistency with chance creation. They’ve shown the abilty to score with Greg Hurst at the 9, but the problem is getting the ball into areas for him to be dangerous. The absence of players like Zico Bailey has hindered that at times and with his return, along with the emergence of Marlon Vargas, United is in a much better spot creating out of the midfield. The weakest spot has been the lack of a true 10. United needs someone who can play in that role and distribute the ball in order to be successful.
Player to Watch
Zico Bailey – There’s just something different about United when Bailey is in the lineup. The midfield is more dynamic and has the ability to transition into and out of the attack fluidly. That’s where United will win or lose this matchup; in the midfield. Limit the mistakes and play well in transition and they’ll defend The Lab again.
United’s first-ever home playoff match will take place on Sunday, November 3 from Isotopes Park. Coverage of the match will begin at 5:00 p.m. with Adam Diehl and Andy Hageman on the pregame show. Following that, kickoff will take place at 6:00 p.m. (MT). Catch every minute of every play all season long on ESPN Radio 101.7 FM The TEAM, The TEAM apps, and The TEAM website.
