New Mexico United thought they would have their hands full with San Antonio FC. In a match where both sides were looking to make a statement, they each had their positive moments throughout. United was dominant during the first half, but had to rely on two stoppage-time goals to earn all three points. After losing Andres Paredes to a red card, the wheels fell off for San Antonio, who couldn’t stop United on their way to their eighth win of the season, 4-2.
The meeting between New Mexico United and San Antonio FC was being seen by some in the USL as a barometer for how good San Antonio was. After a bit of a dry spell, some were wondering if they were even seen as a contender for the 2025 Cup. In a sense, the same could be said of United. With mixed results across league and cup play, United had some questions of their own. Historically, these two sides have always played each other close, and the styles haven’t changed much over the years.
After the injury last weekend to Kalaen Ryden, New Mexico Coach Dennis Sanchez was forced to change the way his club approached this match. Eschewing his typical four at the back system, United, while in possession, used three at the back – Ousman Jabang, Talen Maples, and Chris Gloster. In many other leagues, playing with three at the back signifies that a club is confident in the potential outcome of the match and works to commit an extra player forward. Even with the change at the back, United continued their possession-heavy style of play while San Antonio tried to play direct. The early problem for San Antonio was their inability to connect the over-the-top passes with any threatening runs into United’s defensive third, resulting in several unforced turnovers.
United’s tactics paid off early. In the 10th minute, Mukwelle Akale hoped to work his way down the right wing and create something for the hosts. In doing so, he drew a foul, giving United a free kick from 23 yards out, not far from the corner of the goal area. Akale would deliver an inswinger on the ensuing free kick that curled over the wall and fell to Jaylin Lindsey at the far post. Lindsey was able to create separation for himself and took the opportunity to slot the ball past Richard Sanchez for the lead, 1-0.
United had some chances that would go begging before the half ended. One came from Fernando in the 23rd when he managed to round the keeper, but couldn’t shoot fast enough before surrendering a tackle. Another came for Akale in first half stoppage time, shooting around the keeper the ball curled just wide of goal.
San Antonio was lucky not to go down a man in the first half after a foul was committed by Jimmy Medranda deep in his own defensive third. On a corner for United, Akale was taken down harshly, with Medranda leaving his feet to make the tackle. The foul could have easily been seen as a red card offense, but the referee only pulled out a yellow card.
The visitors were able to level the match by way of a penalty in the 54th minute. Nelson Flores had been played into the left side of the area, and though the attack looked dangerous, Akale appeared to make a defensive stop, stepping in front of the defender to tap the ball out. As he did that, Flores went into the back of Akale’s legs, drawing contact and going to the ground, which the referee deemed was a penalty. Mitchell Taintor was given the chance to level the match and did so, pushing his shot into the bottom left corner, just out of the reach of Alex Tambakis, 1-1.
The match no longer in their control, United needed an answer. As the match neared the hour mark, the pressure from United grew in the attacking third. A close call gave way to Marlon Vargas gathering a rebound just left of the goal. Instead of resetting the play high, Vargas squared the ball into the area, where Akale was able to punch home a left-footed shot, retaking the lead, 2-1.
After halftime, San Antonio changed the game plan slightly. While not abandoning the direct play, San Antonio was opting to take a few extra passes, which opened up options for them against a United side that was opening up. One such moment had a cross come from the left for the visitors that Luke Haakenson headed in and forced a save out of Tambakis. Unfortunately, the 76th-minute save fell back to Rece Buckmaster, who tied the match once again, 2-2.
From there, the match went off the rails.
After picking up a foul in the 40th minute, which is unusual for a forward, Andres Paredes had to be on his best behavior for the rest of the night. Unfortunately for him and his club, that didn’t happen. In the 88th minute, Paredes committed a foul just outside the goal area and deservedly picked up a second yellow card, ending his night and putting San Antonio down to 10 men.
United wasted no time in trying to get after the depleted San Antonio squad. In the first minute of stoppage time, substitute McKinze Gaines delivered a ball to the back post that left nothing to chance. From the right wing, Gaines sent the ball over the San Antonio defenders, who left Fernando unmarked. With a clean chance, Fernando was able to head the ball on frame and past Sanchez for what would be the match-winner, 3-2.
The goals didn’t stop there, however. Three minutes into stoppage time, Fernando, Gaines, and Vargas all combined for the fourth goal of the evening for United. With possession starting near midfield, Fernando picked out a pass into the left channel, intended for Gaines. The pass had the side effect of pulling Sanchez out from between the goalposts, opening up a chance for United. Gaines played the ball back into the middle, where Fernando would receive it, and while going down, managed to get a pass behind him to Vargas. Beating the defenders to the ball, Vargas slotted home, icing the match and all three points for United, 4-2.
Player of the Match
Mukwelle Akale – Akale was in the middle of the action all night long. He picked up another goal and assist to add to his season totals, but more importantly, he continued to be a playmaker on and off the ball. In the post-match presser, he noted that when the club is able to vary their attack, it causes problems for opposing clubs, and that’s exactly what he did.
Notable
The goal for Jaylin Lindsey was his first of the season with United. Tony Herbert made his return to the pitch after missing time with an injury, subbing on in the fourth minute of second-half stoppage time.
Up Next
There is little time to rest for United as they have two more matches next week. The first will be an international friendly on Wedneday, June 25th when they host FC Juarez of Liga MX. Then the week ends with the Jagermeister Cup match against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC. Both matches will be broadcast live on ESPN Radio 101.7 FM The TEAM, The TEAM apps, and The TEAM website. Coverage of Wednesday’s match will begin at 6 p.m. with the pregame show, followed by kickoff at 7 p.m.