Las Vegas had every reason to be confident coming into Albuquerque. They had already won at The Lab once this season and knew they could do it again. New Mexico United had every reason to be confident after a win over Rising FC and continuing to play on their home pitch. In the end it was a single error that ended the night, and the season, for United after Lights FC capitalized and walked away with the win, 0-1.
Unlike the match last weekend against Rising, United came out with their shooting boots on. They did not, however, come out with their possession boots. In the first half of the match, United conceded 72% of the possession, but had 10 shots, forcing 5 saves out of Raiko Arozarena.
United certainly looked hungry and it showed. Daniel Bruce was finding space between the central defenders, Nanan Houssou was finding space on the wing, and they were constantly going forward on the break. With giving up that much possession, United needed to play fast and try to catch the Lights out of position. There were plenty of chances, but the play of Raiko Arozarena was enough to keep United off the score sheet.
To their credit, the Lights tried to play direct for much of the half. That style of play didn’t have much success, as United was able to maintain their shape and stay controlled across the back line. their rotations were able to cut down on the passing lanes and prevent the visitors from putting a shot on frame the entire half.
United started out the second half aggressive and were hoping to break the deadlock early. The man who seemed destined to do it was Zico Bailey. Working in space just outside of the area, Bailey sent in a rocket toward the left post. Just as the ball seemed as if it was going to curl inside the woodwork, Arozarena made a diving save to keep the match scoreless.
It was Las Vegas that found the breakthrough goal late in the match. In the 86th minute, an errant pass by Bailey was picked up near midfield by Christian Pinzon. Pinzon looked up and saw he had a streaking Khori Bennett in the central channel. A well-placed ball over the top fell to Bennett and he was off to the races. Getting around Talen Maples and having a chance to shoot, the forward was able to find space to put the ball around Tambakis for what would be the match-winner, 0-1.
United’s efforts in stoppage time were not helped by the fact that Las Vegas had 12 men on the pitch.
For the second time this season, United fell at The Lab to the Las Vegas Lights, who will advance to the Western Conference Final. United’s season ends on a dour note, and the club heads into the offseason with a lot to be proud of and plenty to look forward to next year.
Player of the Match
Nanan Houssou – Houssou left it all on the pitch. He was great defensively and was an engine going forward. He had multiple opportunities to create initial chances and give United hope going into the final third.
Up Next
For United, the offseason beckons. With their best season in club history under their belts, it will be up to Coach Eric Quill to decide what changes need to be made to the roster. It may not take like before news comes out, but there is a long way to go until next March when the season begins again.