Colorado Springs has always been a good place for New Mexico United. With the playoffs drawing ever closer, it was imperative that they picked up points against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC on Wednesday night. Despite a slow start, United managed to find their chances in the second half, with Carlos Moguel Jr, scoring the match-winner in the 83rd minute as United walked away with a 1-2 win.
For two sides that came into the night needing points, it was sure to be a match that both were up for. Colorado Springs was dealing with a number of injuries coming into the midweek match, and they knew it would take quite the effort from the roster they put out. New Mexico’s history at Weidner Field had been a fruitful one for the most part. That wasn’t the case in the early minutes of this match.
Before the match hit the three-minute mark on the clock, the Switchbacks had stolen the lead. Former United player Marco Micaletto was played into the right corner with space to work with the ball at his feet. Turning back away from the goal, he sent a cross in that, in reality, could have been cleared by both Talen Maples and Jaylin Lindsey. Both missed the ball as it skimmed through the area, and Yosuke Hanya was able to slot the ball home for the lead, 1-0.
United looked like they had an equalizer in the 24th minute, but the joy was short-lived. Having woken up after the goal, United began to look more alive and were trying to threaten in the final third. Jaylin Lindsey had two chances at goal after being played on the right side of the area. The first ball was blocked by the keeper and went right back to the defender. The ball seemed to come off his chest and shoulder area, and he shot it into the back of the net. The referee disagreed and claimed that the ball went into the goal directly after a handball, and disallowed the goal, keeping the Switchbacks in the lead.
The Black & Yellow would feel hard done by in the 53rd when Zico Bailey was fouled inside the goal area while on the attack. He would play into the area and was dragged down, but the referee signaled for a goal kick instead of a penalty.
Just minutes later, Will Seymore would foul Hany inside the area and give the hosts a penalty in the 57th. Hanya was given the chance to try and get a brace and stepped to the mark. Hanya would shoot for the bottom right corner, but Kris Shakes dove the right way, saving the penalty.
Seymore would make amends for the penalty in the 64th minute when he started a counterattack that led to a goal for United. As Colorado was trying to enter the final third, Seymore would stick his leg out and poke the ball away, springing Greg Hurst. Hurst and Dayonn Harris would lead the line for United, and Hurst was able to send a through ball beyond the Switchbacks defenders, right into the path of Harris. Christian Herrera would come well off his line to try and make the save, but Harris expertly put the ball around the keeper and into the net from 21 yards out, 1-1.
One of United’s newer signings, Carlos Moguel Jr, got his chance to shine with just under 10 minutes left to play in the match. With United finally full engaged and feeling some confidence about themselves, they were pressing for a win. They were finally seeming to figure out the low black of the Switchbacks and were trying to create more movement off the ball. That movement led to an opening for Moguel 20 yards out. Receiving the ball from Mukwelle Akale, Moguel launched a shot with his right foot and put it into the top netting, giving United the lead, 1-2.
Behind the stellar play of Shakes, United’s defense held firm and kept the Switchbacks from coming back in the closing minutes. With a hard-won three points on the road, United moved back up into third place in the Western Conference with only five matches left to play in the regular season.
Player of the Match
Kris Shakes – It’s clear at this point that Shakes is deserving of the top spot on United’s roster. A penalty save and two other key saves during the match kept United in a position to pick up points. His growth during this season has been impressive and has put the club on much better footing as the season winds down.
Up Next
After picking up 10 out of a possible 15 points in the last five matches, United is looking to be in a far better position than they were just weeks ago. The schedule continues to throw challenges at them, however, as they face off against Lexington SC for the final time this season. This time, Lexington will come to The Lab on Sunday, September 28. Coverage of the match will begin at 3 p.m. with the pregame show starring Adam Diehl and Andy Hageman. The pair will bring every minute of every play starting with kickoff at 4 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.