New Mexico United was nearing the point of desperation with 11 matches to play. Sacramento Republic FC were looking to end a skid of their own, and what better place to do it than at a field they haven’t won at since 2022. United hung in there defensively thanks to the efforts of Kipp Keller and Kris Shakes in the first half, but it wasn’t enough. Ultimately, two second half goals from Khori Bennett would give Sacramento the win, 0-2.
For a goalless first half, the match between New Mexico United and Sacramento Republic FC wasn’t uneventful. Over the years, this series has become far more physical on the pitch, and the players from both sides weren’t willing to give an inch. It was a physical, contentious affair from the opening whistle. Defensively, United looked up to the challenge early. Kipp Keller made several plays to kill off attacks by Sacramento and could do no wrong.
Kris Shakes found himself tested early, facing shots in the 4th, 8th, and 11th minutes of the match. With all of them coming from different angles, Shakes was abel to show off his range and made some spectacular saves. The shot in the 11th minute came from a tight angle from left of goal and appeared ready to dip into the top left corner. A leaping save by the keeper kept a lid on the attack for the time being.
Zico Bailey found himself on the wrong side of the referee in the first half. In the 19th minute, he committed a foul in the eyes of the referee on Jack Gurr at the near side. While the fans in the stands did not agree with the call, Bailey went into the book and had to play cautiously for the remainder of the match. He had two other incidents in the half that could have potentially led to him being sent off, but somehow managed to stay on the pitch.
It felt like a goal had been coming for Sacramento from the opening minutes when they finally struck pay dirt. In the 52nd minute, Sacramento had a chance to get forward and found Khori Benntt in the attacking third. Bennett was able to put the ball on his right foot and shoot for what looked like the right side of the goal. Midflight, the ball took a deflection off of Parano, sending it back to the left side of the goal, keeping Shakes from being able to save it, 0-1.
As well as Keller and Shakes had played in the first half, they couldn’t overcome the lack of luck or defensive miscues before United went down by two goals. In the 69th minute, still married to playing it out of the back, United got caught in their defensive third. Bailey turned the ball over with an errant pass, which directly led to Sacramento’s second. Michelle Benitez intercepted the pass and found Bennett, all alone in the goal area. Bennett would shoot in spite of Keller trying to close down on him. Shakes got a hand to it, but it wasn’t strong enough to stop the shot, 0-2.
United remained listless in the attack. For the second straight match, they managed only a single shot on target. The loss tonight has United in a near free fall. Despite picking up two points in draws in recent matches, their form leaves much to be desired. The club hasn’t won in the league since June 21st and continues to slide down the table.
Attendance – 9,752
Player of the Match
Khori Bennett – After a statistical adjustment, Bennett ended up being credited with two goals on the evening. He was constantly in and around the goal area, trying to disrupt what United was doing at the back. He took advantage of the spaces he was given and managed to put two quality shots in on goal.
Up Next
After the loss, New Mexico returns to the road with yet another tough matchup. Next Saturday, United will face off against San Antonio FC at Toyota Field. United is fighting for their playoff lives, and San Antonio is closing in on home field for at least one playoff match. That match will begin at 6:30 P.M. (MT),