The third match day of the Jagermeister Cup group stage was full of drama and New Mexico United needed a positive result and help to ensure they stayed alive in their quest to advance to the knockouts. Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC had other ideas, thinking they could spoil United’s home match and keep themselves in the conversation. The Switchbacks would spoil leads for United twice before succumbing in penalties 2 (3) – 2 (2).
Both New Mexico United and Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC needed a win in Jagermeister Cup play to keep pace with San Antonio for the lead in the Group of Death. All of the clubs in group two of the Cup would be playing their third group stage match on Saturday. Depending on the results, the club would find out what they would need out of the finale in July in order to advance.
The opening fifteen minutes of the match were all about Colorado Springs. The visitors were on the front foot and asking all of the questions. While Alex Tambakis was not forced into a difficult save situation, the Switchbacks had the better attempts in the opening quarter hour. Two attempts looked dangerous, but not due to anything United allowed, but by the result of deflections that put the ball just outside the frame of the net. United was somewhat fortunate as either could have put the visitors ahead early in a must-win match.
Against the run of play, United found themselves with a chance in the 24th minute of play. A turnover near midfield gave United a chance to break and force their pace upon the match for the first time on the evening. With the turnover, Marlon Vargas took a chance to play the ball through for Fernando on the left channel as he entered the goal area. Instead of taking the chance himself, the Brazilian saw that he had Thomas Amang at the near post and crossed the ball. Unmarked, Amang was able to tap the ball home for the opener,1-0.
United’s lead would be short-lived as the Switchbacks continued to be the aggressors and looked for a quick response to the goal. The traveling fans wouldn’t have to wait long, as the 28th minute saw Juan Tejada put home a right-footed shot to tie the match. Having surrendered a corner, former United player Marco Micaletto delivered the ball over the area where it took a touch or two before landing with Tejada. As the ball bounced around, Talon Maples was pulled off of his defensive line, leaving just Ousman Jabang to try and defend. Jabang went to ground to try and block an attempted low shot, but Tejada went high and put the ball past Tambakis 1-1.
The first half action didn’t stop there. Just three minutes later, Mukwelle Akale would find his way into the right side of the area with the ball and would get taken down in the 31st minute by Garven Metusela, winning a penalty for United. Before the penalty could be taken, there were plenty of antics from the Switchbacks trying to delay the attempt by Maples. Those antics ended when Christian Herrera picked up the ball and moved it from the spot, earning a yellow card for himself. Undeterred by the actions, Maples stood over the ball and delivered it into the bottom left corner to retake the lead, 2-1.
That lead would last a little bit longer than the first. United looked listless in their attack to start the second half of the match, but the Switchbacks did not. United also became careless with the ball in the defensive half, giving up two turnovers just before the hour mark. Both of those gave way to chances for the visitors that had to be deflected away to prevent another goal. United’s luck wouldn’t hold however and they surrendered another equalizer in the 65th minute. Winning a throw in on United’s half of the pitch, Colorado went quickly and picked out a long throw to Jonas Fjeldberg. Fjeldberg drove the right channel before finding a pass to Anthony Fontana at the near post. On one touch, Fontana put the ball into the upper right corner of the net, putting his club level again, 2-2.
Once again, United left the effort too late. They created few chances down the stretch, but managed to keep Colorado out, with some luck. In the 90+2′, Fjeldberg looked to have the winner for Colorado, but his shot went off the woodwork.
The match would go to penalties and United’s history this season has not been great in that situation. With a possible two points on the line without winning, United would need the win to stay alive in the group stage. Both Charlie Adams and Fernando would go to the spot first, Adams attempt was saved while Fernando sent his over the bar. The next four takers – Quenzi Huerman and Duke Lacroix for Colorado, Maples and Jabang for United – would all make their penalties. With three shots taken by both sides, it was down to crunch time. The fourth attempt for Colorado was taken by Zach Zandy. Going bottom left, his attempt was saved by Tambakis. Chris Gloster was up for United’s fourth attempt, and smashed it into the back of the net. Up 3-2 in penalties, United would need either a save or miss by Colorado or to make their fifth attempt. Matt Mahoney was up for the visitors and on his take he went right while Tamabakis went the opposite way. The shot however, would rattle off the crossbar, giving United the shootout win and two points.
With the results, United sit three points back of San Antonio heading into the final group stage match in July. In order to advance out of the group, United will have to win that match. Any other result and United’s Cup run will likely be over.
Match Attendance – 10,747
Player of the Match
Talen Maples – Maples came up big for United at both ends of the pitch. With multiple defensive stops, Maples gave his side chances to win at the back. He also converted from the penalty spot in two crucial moments.
Up Next
United gets back to league play next weekend as they travel to Pittsburgh to take on the Bob Lillie-led Riverhounds on July 4th. That match is scheduled to kickoff at 5 PM (MT) from Highmark Stadium.