New Mexico United would have certainly liked a better end to their first match back at the lab in a month. The visiting Colorado Switchbacks FC were still looking to find their form and had confidence coming off of a win in Jagermeister Cup play over El Paso. United struck first, but an own goal off of Kalen Ryden gave Switchbacks the confidence they needed to switch tactics and force a draw at The Lab, 1-1.
Anyone unfamiliar with the history between United and the Switchbacks would think that the opening fifteen minutes were harsh from both sides. Hard fouls were traded and the midfield for the Switchbacks was looking dangerous, as well as willing to waste time. An early turnover by United in the defensive half gave the visitors a chance to strike for the early lead. The 8th minute saw Yosuke Hanya drive the ball into United’s goal area, where at first glance, it looked like he had been taken down for a penalty. The call on the pitch would say otherwise and United made a clean tackle, while Hanya remained on the pitch for four minutes, drawing the ire of the supporters.
Colorado wasn’t afraid to try and get forward, but it left them open at the other end. Taking over possession in the midfield, United tried to get forward in the 22nd playing through the feet of Mukwelle Akale. The winger was able to pick out McKinze Gaines at the top of the area and put the ball right at his feet. Despite his back being toward goal, Gaines had support coming from Marlon Vargas. A quick lay off to Vargas, 24 yards out, and the midfielder put the ball on a frozen rope into the bottom left corner of the net for the lead, 1-0.
The break that the Switchbacks needed came as a result of United’s own leg. Just before the half, the Switchbacks were able to get the ball into a promising area on a big switch to Isaiah Foster on the left. The Black & Yellow looked to have the center of the area locked down before Foster attempted a cross in the 41st. Between his intended target stood Talen Maples and Kalen Ryden. The cross rounded the first but took a touch off of Ryden and into his own goal to level the score, 1-1.
United started the second half with a much higher line, essentially putting defenders on the midfield stripe, to force the Switchbacks deeper into their own half. Done correctly, this would force the visitors into making mistakes in their defensive set, creating chances for United. Oncoming runs from Ousman Jabang and Akale nearly did just that, but the visitors were a half step too fast in their decision making.
United had a great opportunity in the 72nd after the introduction of Thomas Amang into the match. Amang, Akale and Vargas were in a 3 on 2 situation. With two defenders and the goalkeeper in front of them, they were poised to score. Perhaps delaying the decision to shoot just too long, Vargas put a shot in that was deflected out to the right for a waiting Akale. The follow up ball into the area for Amang hung in the air long enough for the striker to get a head on it, but it was sent out for a corner.
Having struggled to put the ball on frame all evening, the second half wasn’t much better for the home side. One shot on frame the entire match, which was the goal by Vargas. The last best chance for United happened in the 77th minute. Having finally forced their way through the defensive block of the Switchbacks, Ousman Jabang had a chance to shoot from the right side of the area. Everyone on the Switchbacks side was beaten, the ball destined for the far netting, but with just too much curl, glancing off the front of the post and away from danger.
United’s efforts in the closing minutes were for naught and have work to do when it comes to breaking down defensive clubs. The result on the pitch gives United their first draw of the season. As it stands at the time of writing, United remains in first place in the Western Conference before they head back on the road.
Player of the Match
Marlon Vargas – The goal scorer and one of the bright spots on the night, Vargas was instrumental in the attack for United before coming off the pitch. Vargas got time to play up top, where he has shown an ability to create chances and will continue to provide essential depth for United as the season nears the midway point.
Up Next
After a single match at home, United returns to the road. Their next match will take place on Saturday, June 14th from Lexington, Kentucky. For the first time ever, United will face off against Lexington SC at Lexington SC stadium. After twelve matches played, Lexington sits in last place in the West with nine points to their name. Coverage of that match will begin at 4 p.m. on with the pre-kick show starring Adam Diehl and Andy Hageman. The match will kickoff at 5 p.m. Catch every minute of every play all season long on ESPN Radio 101.7 FM The TEAM, The TEAM apps, and The TEAM website.