Win or go home. That was what was at stake for New Mexico United against San Antonio FC. In the group stage finale of the Jagermeister Cup group stage, United needed a win to advance. After falling behind 2-0, United staged a late comeback to force the match to go to penalties, where they would win, but fall just short of advancing to the knockout rounds, 2 (0) – (3) 2.
New Mexico United came into the match after a week of change. Daniel Bruce was announced as having been lost for the season to injury. The club also transferred out McKinze Gaines and Tony Herbert to Las Vegas Lights. They also managed to secure the transfer from Las Vegas of midfielder Valentin Noel, who played under Dennis Sanchez in 2024. Herbert’s exit may have indirectly caused the first goal of the night for San Antonio.
With a healthy side for the first time this season, San Antonio looked like it early in the humidity of South Texas. Playing more direct, San Antonio was trying to find space behind United and was successful in doing so on the wings. In the 8th minute, they were able to find Luis Paredes on the right wing with plenty of room to run. Paredes saw that he had Juan Agudelo in the middle of the pitch. The pass from Paredes was not great and actually looked like it would be intercepted by Ousman Jabang. Jabang misplayed the ball, allowing it to skip past to Agudelo. The shot wasn’t great either, and actually found the hand of Alex Tambakis, but the Greek goalkeeper wasn’t able to keep the ball out, 1-0.
The best chance of the half for United was actually a pair of them as the first half headed to stoppage time. It was the 45th minute when United had a pair of chances that somehow San Antonio was able to keep out of the net. First came an attempt by Zico Bailey. His shot from just left of the mark was blocked by the defenders and fell to Thomas Amang. Amang’s follow-up was poised to find the net, and even had Joseph Batrouni confused. But the keeper stuck out his hand and got enough of a touch to keep United off the scoreboard in the first half.
Agudelo would add to San Antonio’s lead mere minutes into the second half of the match. After a misplay by Talen Maples in the defensive third, Agudelo found another opportunity for himself. Shooting from the left side of the spot, Tambakis stuck out his right foot to try for a kick save. He once again got a touch to it, but not enough to keep the ball out of the net, 2-0.
United did have a few bright moments in the second half of the match when some players got to make their debuts. After joining the club on a transfer on Friday, Valentin Noel made his debut for the club and looked like he would be a great fit for the rest of the season. United also saw fit to give a season debut to Dayonn Harris. Harris, who had been out with an ACL tear since the middle of 2024, got his first competitive minutes in nearly a year. Harris looked good for United and gave some good looks into the area.
Just when it looked like the match was headed for a shutout, the referee determined that there would be ten minutes of stoppage time. In the 92nd minute, Tomas Pondeca was in space near the top of the area and tried to pull the trigger on a shot, but it was blocked. On the rebound, the ball fell to the debutant Noel, who buried the ball in the right corner of the net to cut the lead and give United a glimmer of hope, 2-1.
The drama wasn’t done there. In the 99th minute of play, United found an equalizer. With a set piece in their favor, United had a chance to push the door open even more. On the receiving end of the set piece, Maples headed the ball back into the area where Harris was waiting, and on the volley struck gold and the goal. Putting the ball easily out of the reach of Butrouni, Harris leveled the match and set it to penalties.
Heading into penalties, viewers watching at home already knew that United’s fate in the Jagermeister Cup was sealed. Due to other results, without a win, United would be unable to advance in the tournament. But, there were still penalties to be taken. United was perfect in their attempts from the spot. Greg Hurst, Muwkelle Akale, and Talen Maples all made their shots, while San Antonio missed or had each of their first three shots saved. The shootout win left United with two points on the night and a 2nd place finish in the group.
Man of the Match
Noel and Harris – Both players made their season debut for the club and had an immediate impact. With limited minutes, they were able to be creative against a San Antonio club that had played narrow all evening. Their two goals gave United the hope they needed to potentially get out of the group.
Up Next
With the Cup behind them, United returns to league play on Wednesday, July 30. Their next opponent will be Hartford Athletic. United is making its first-ever trip to Hartford and hopes to carry the momentum over from this result against San Antonio. Coverage of that match will start at 5 p.m. (MT) with the pre-game show starring Adam Diehl and Andy Hageman. The match will follow with kickoff scheduled for 6 p.m. (MT). Catch every minute of every game all season long on ESPN Radio 101.7 FM The TEAM, The TEAM apps, and The TEAM website.