Before the match even started on Sunday, New Mexico United was facing adversity. Mother Nature, in all her glory, caused all kinds of problems for both New Mexico and Lexington SC. The start of the match was delayed for an hour and forty minutes before the two sides combined for three goals before another stoppage hit. With under a minute to play, the match was delayed for another hour and fifty minutes, delaying the United win, and a bit of revenge, 2-1 over Lexington.
Maybe it was the cooler air, maybe it was the confidence from picking up 10 points out of the last possible 15, but United came out with a purpose on Sunday. They were pressing a high line when out of possession and were moving the ball purposefully while attacking. When a club plays like that, good things can happen. In the 7th minute, Untied started a sequence in the attack with a big cross out to the left wing, looking for Dayonn Harris.
The pass worked, springing Harris up the wing and spreading the Lexington defenders wider than they would have liked. Harris sent a cross to the back post where Jaylin Lindsey was able to bring it down and square the ball for Marlon Vargas. When Lindsey corraled the ball, Logan Ketterer, the Lexington keeper came out to try and block any potential shot, leaving Vargas with an open goal for his touch. Vargas made the most of his moment and sliced the ball into the back of the net for the lead, 1-0.
Things improved for United just two minutes later when another chance fell into their laps. As the Black & Yellow sought a second goal, Greg Hurst was played into the area by Mukwelle Akale from the right side of the box. Trying to turn, Hurst was fouled by Gael Gilbert, earning a penalty. As is customary for United, Talen Maples was assigned to the kick. Maples didn’t fool Ketterer with the direction he wanted to go, but managed to put enough on his shot to convert the shot and double the lead, 2-0.
Lexington’s night didn’t improve before the half ended. Falling behind by two goals, they committed to dropping everyone behind the ball to try to slow down United’s attack. While it was somewhat successful, they only allowed United two more shots, which also put them in a position where they were playing reactive instead of aggressive football. This led to them getting beaten by runs on both the right and left wings. United took advantage and played more direct and tried to find Hurst over the top in the 38th minute.
On his run, Hurst was fouled from behind by Daniel Wu, earning himself a red card and leaving Lexington to play with only ten men for the remainder of the match.
The second half didn’t feel the same as the first. Even up a man, United fell back into some less aggressive play and didn’t really press the issue. A few early opportunities went begging, but nothing felt as crisp as the first half of play. That allowed Lexington to feel their way back into the match and were able to make the night somewhat uncomfortable for United.
Very much against the momentum of the match, but not necessarily the half, Lexington pulled a goal back just after the hour mark. In the 64th minute, Marcus Epps, who has always been a thorn for United, worked his way into the left side of the goal area. Blaine Ferri had played him forward and Epps saw a chance to shoot and buried it in the right netting to cut the lead, 2-1.
A long night got even longer for both clubs as the match was stopped at 89:28 on the match clock due to lightning in the area at approximately 7:36 P.M. Another lengthy delay would ensue after the players were sent off the pitch. At 9:22, play resumed and the two sides played the remaining 32 seconds of regulation and 8 minutes of stoppage time. Neither would find an extra goal in the last minutes of this one, as United earned a stronger hold on third place in the West.
Attendance – 8,439
Player of the Match
Marlon Vargas – Vargas was dynamic throughout the night, causing problems for the Lexington defenders with his runs. United would find him a goal in the 7th minute and he helped to carry them to the win.
Up Next
United has one final road match of the regular season, and that will happen next weekend. The club will head to Phoenix to face off against rivals Phoenix Rising FC. United can close the gap to first place even more with another win, but Rising will be looking to spoil that. Rising have been struggling of late, but always step up against United. The two sides will square off on Saturday, October 4 from Phoenix, Arizona. Coverage of that match will begin at 7 p.m. (MT) with the pregame show starring Adam Diehl and Andy Hageman. Following the pregame show, the match will kickoff at 8 p.m. (MT). Catch every minute of every play all season long on ESPN Radio 101.7 FM The TEAM, The TEAM apps, and The TEAM website.