On the final road trip of their regular season, New Mexico United knew they could clinch their spot in the playoffs. But to do it, they would have to pick up a win on the road against rivals Phoenix Rising FC. Both sides struggled to find a goal in regulation, but a stoppage time penalty gave United the chance they needed. As he’s done all season, Talen Maples was money from the mark, and put United into the playoffs with his conversion as United won 0-1.
With playoff clinching scenarios about, United had a clear one in front of them. Win and their ticket to the playoffs is punched. There were other scenarios if they didn’t win, but due to a Switchbacks win over San Antonio, those no longer mattered for the potential to clinch. The club would have thought they were in a good space as Rising had given up ten goals over the last five matches. But, United had to build into the match, giving up a lot of pressure to the hosts early.
Rising’s pressure nearly caused an issue for United inside the first three minutes of the match. With Kris Shakes trying to play out of the back, the pressure forced him all the way to the byline to the far side of his goal. Kicking the ball mere inches from being out of play, Rising was able to deflect it back out for a goal kick.
The pressure from Rising was enough to keep United at odds with where they wanted to go with the ball for much of the first half. This resulted in several heavy touches, or in the case of Gedion Zelalem, overrunning the ball and nearly turning it back over in poor positions. Talen Maples had to be at his best and was able to kill some counter attack opportunities that were presented to Rising.
United didn’t really get a good look at goal until the 20th minute. A cross to the far post for Jaylin Lindsey was squared for Zico Bailey near the top of the area. On the volley, Bailey put the ball on frame, but hit the underside of the crossbar, bouncing back out. Greg Hurst would shoot off the rebound, but put the ball wide of the net.
There were two questionable moments from the referee that felt like they could have changed some of the momentum of the half. In the 34th minute, Pape Mar Boye put his studs into the ankle of Muwkelle Akale, but the referee deemed there was no foul. Another decision in the second minute of stoppage time went against United, which didn’t seem to make sense. Zelalem slid in to play the ball near midfield, successfully doing so, but was then stepped on by Jean Moursou. Moursou’s movement and momentum caused him to fall, but the referee deemed it a foul by Zelalem and pulled out a yellow card.
Rising would have two very good chances in the second half, both of which were taken care of by Shakes to keep the match level. Former United player Carl Sainte had an opportunity to shoot from just outside the top of the area and put a good touch on the ball in the 63rd minute. Despite the touch, the shot was right at Shakes. Less than a minute later, United turned the ball over and Ihsan Sacko was played through. Having beaten the defenders, Sacko had a chance to shoot one-on-one with Shakes. Sacko tried to go to his right, but Shakes stuck out his gloved hand and blocked the shot.
It took until the closing seconds of second-half stoppage time for United to finally break through. Having subbed on in he 95th minute, Thomas Amang had an opportunity to get played in behind the Rising defense. As he bore down on the ball, there was contact from Pape Mar Boye, that sent Amang to the ground, drawing a penalty for United. Maples was sent to the spot and knew what he wanted to do. Just like the last one, he went to the right, but lifted the ball this time. Patrick Rakovsky, the Rising goalkeeper, guessed the right direction, but couldn’t stop the shot, and United found the winner, 0-1.
Attendance – 5,323
Player of the Match – Kris Shakes
With four more saves to his credit, Shakes came up big again for United on Saturday night. Facing a Rising side that had scored almost at will in the last few weeks. Shakes maintained his composure and kept United in contention for the win throughout the night. This performance led United to a win and Shakes’ fourth clean sheet of the season.
Up Next
Now that the final road trip of the regular season is done, United returns to Albuquerque to close out their season with three matches at The Lab. With the playoff berth secured, United’s next goal is to secure a home playoff match. That journey starts on Saturday, October 11, when United hosts Orange County SC. Coverage of that match will begin at 6 p.m. (MT) with Adam Diehl and Andy Hageman on the pregame show. The match will kickoff at 7 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.