Lexington SC sat at the bottom of the Western Conference. New Mexico United sat at the top. On paper, the first ever meeting between the two sides should have gone the way of United. A second half injury to Kalen Ryden and two unanswered goals were the undoing for United. The performance gave Lexington a 2-1 win, their first since March 8.
The first half of the match was what many have come to expect. United controlled the possession, but lacked the touches necessary in the final third. Lexington lacked time on the ball, but made the most of it, peppering the goal area with seven shots, but none were on target.
Both clubs would press high, trying to force mistakes out of their opponent. It took some time, but United finally started seeing some results from that effort. Towards the end of the half, United was able to disrupt Lexington while trying to play it out of the back and force turnovers. In the sixth minute of first half stoppage time, one of those interceptions finally led directly to a chance. Taking possession deep in the attacking half, Marlon Vargas played the ball through the back line to Mukwelle Akale in the right side of the area. This pass completely broke the defense of Lexington and allowed Fernando to slip through centrally. Aware of the run, Akale squared the ball back to the Brazilian, who tapped it in for the opener, 0-1.
The first 15 minutes of the second half were well in the control of United. They had possession and were pushing for a second. Any momentum they had instantly left when Kalen Ryden got injured in the 59th minute. While challenging for a ball at midfield, Ryden would have his feet taken out from under him and he landed hard on his left arm and shoulder area. After several minutes on the pitch, Ryden would be taken off the pitch, clearly favoring the left arm.
Once play resumed in the 65th minute, United appeared deflated. Lexington took advantage and quickly pushed the action into the goal area of United. A ball over the top to the left led to a cross that Joe Hafferty tracked down on the right. Hafferty sent the ball back into the area and it fell just over the leap of Ousman Jabang and to Sofiane Djeffal who headed home for the equalizer, 1-1.
Seven minutes later Lexington would add another. In the 73rd, the ball was played in looking for Ajago in the center of the area. The ball would come off of him or a defender and bounce back to Xavier Zengue. Right place, right time, Zengue was able to slot the ball into the back right corner of the net to take the lead, 2-1.
That’s where the match would end. Despite being given twelve minutes of stoppage time in the second half, United couldn’t put enough pressure on the hosts to find an a point on the road.
Player of the Match
Mukwelle Akale – Akale was the engine for United against Lexington. His effort was unmatched and looked to get United going. His play in the first half led to the opening goal of the match.
Up Next
After the loss, United returns home for a series of matches. Over the coming two weeks, United will face San Antonio FC, FC Juarez, and the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC. United will need to find a way to rebound after the upset loss. Coverage of the match on Saturday, June 21 against San Antonio will begin with Adam Diehl and Andy Hageman on the pre-kick show at 6 p.m.. Following the pre-kick show, the match will begin at 7 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.