That was not the Derby showing that New Mexico United would have liked. Caught on their heels from the opening whistle, it was clear that El Paso Locomotive FC has turned a page on their season and is a dangerous club. A first half goal from Andy Cabrera was just the first of three, as El Paso defeated United in league play for the first time in two years, 3-0.
United’s lone visit to Southwest University Park didn’t get off to the start they would have wanted. The hosts were easily the aggressors in the early going, showing that they weren’t afraid to run at the top club in the conference. A couple of early chances led to the opening goal in the 13th minute for El Paso.
It certainly didn’t look good for United. El Paso was decisive and crisp with their passing, while United couldn’t keep track of the attackers. The goal came by way of a header from Andy Cabrera off a cross from Gabriel Torres. Torres had wandered out to the left wing and given space, and had time to lift the ball into the area. Cabrera essentially had a free header and put it into the bottom right corner of the net for the lead, 1-0.
United just did not look to be in sync. The stats for the half didn’t bare that out, but turnovers in the defensive half kept allowing El Paso easy chances to get forward. United really only had two chances of note in the first half. The first being a shot by Marlon Vargas that was saved and another after a give-and-go between Vargas and Fernando looked promising, but fizzled inside the area.
The problem was the midfield. Throughout the half, United struggled to control the middle and the pace of play. The connections between Jaylin Lindsey and Ousman Jabang weren’t there. El Paso controlled the open spaces and were the first to the ball time after time. Nothing was working for the Black & Yellow.
Having seen enough to decide a change was necessary, Head Coach Dennis Sanchez pulled Thomas Pondeca at halftime for Daniel Bruce. Thinking the Englishman might spark his side, he did have an immediate impact. Less than a minute into the second half, Bruce committed a foul near midfield and earned a yellow card.
Just a few minutes later, Cabrera would add another goal to his season tally. This time, Cabrera drifted to the left and was given space. At the same time, Roberto Avila was played out to the right and was able to cross the ball back to Cabrera, who slotted home, bending the ball inside the right net, 2-0.
Cabrera would find a third in the 83rd minute, the first hat trick in El Paso history. Another giveaway around midfield turned into another big opportunity for the hosts. Cabrera was played out to the right and with a strong right-footed shot, slid the ball past Alex Tambakis to ultimately seal the match, 3-0.
Player of the Match
Andy Cabrera – There wasn’t a bright spot for United, and Cabrera stole the show. A hat trick, for anyone, is nothing to sneeze at. He was in the right places, at the right times, and made United pay.
Up Next
After the loss, United will return home for their next match. On ALS night, United will host Phoenix Rising FC on Saturday, May 10. That match will take place at The Lab, with kickoff scheduled for 7 P.M. Coverage of that match will begin at 6 P.M. with the pregame show starring Adam Diehl and Andy Hageman. Catch every minute of every play all season long on ESPN Radio 101.7 FM The TEAM, The TEAM apps, and The TEAM website.