For the first time in club history, New Mexico United will play for Silverware. It came down to the death, but Dayonn Harris drilled home a gamewinner in stoppage time to beat Orange County SC, 2-1. Orange County threw everything they could at United to try and upset the third-seeded Black & Yellow, but it wasn’t to be. With the win, United advances to the Western Conference Final, where they will face FC Tulsa.
After a quarterfinal round that only saw six goals and the top two teams in the hosting priority eliminated, New Mexico had its sights set squarely on a place in the Western Conference final. Orange County came in as the underdog, having finished well below their own standards, and made it into the playoffs as the seventh seed in the west. To get to New Mexico, they advanced over Sacramento Republic on penalties and were hoping to grab their second upset of the playoffs.
They would have to do so without their dynamic midfielder, Christopher Hegardt. Hegardt, who was a menace the last time these clubs played, was suspended due to a red card he received against Sacramento. Even without him, Orange County was presenting a high press, and it disrupted United’s attempts to build out of the back. It even forced some uncharacteristic errors out of Kris Shakes, as he put the ball out of play in his defensive third multiple times, allowing Orange County to have some generous opportunities in the first half.
Shakes was also squarely in charge of the area between the sticks. In the 20th minute, after winning a corner kick, Orange County managed to work the ball around the area and found an unmarked Vuk Latinovich in the center of the area. The defender was given a free header and put it on frame with some pace, but a quick reaction by Shakes as he dove to his left, kept the visitors off the scoreboard.
United was feeling like heading was the way to go as well. Twice in the opening stanza, the hosts had chances to head the ball home, but couldn’t quite find the frame. Kipp Keller had a chance off of a flicked header by Kalen Ryden that he couldn’t quite come to a touch on. The latter was by Greg Hurst, who headed a cross from Mukwelle Akale just wide of frame.
Colin Shutler and Shakes would both do their best to keep the scoreline level as both made key saves. Shutler was able to keep Hurst out of the net in the 34th with a save at his far post from a very tight angle. His counterpart, Shakes, had a great save in the 44th minute as well. With the half winding down, Ousmane Sylla took a chance from outside the box and forced a leaping save from Shakes to keep the match goalless going into half.
The half ended with some controversy as a foul on Akale in the attacking half caused a strange end. Latinovich left his feet and took down the United winger, seemingly with his studs up. On replay, the trailing leg of the defender caught Akale, giving United a free kick, but no card was given for a reckless challenge, nor was any time added onto the end of the half, leaving the supporters questioning the decisions of the center referee.
Coming out of the half, United was determined not to let the pressure of Orange County keep them out of the net. In the 49th, halftime sub Jaylin Lindsey made an immediate impact on the match. Going forward, Lindsey was able to pick out Hurst in the box with a well-placed pass over the top. Hurst headed the ball off the post, and then was able to collect his own rebound. Seizing the opportunity, Hurst shot again with his left foot and put it past Shutler for the lead, 1-0.
Orange County would find an answer later in the half after a ball deflected by Shakes went out of play for a corner in the 68th. Sylla didn’t get a goal, but he did find an assist from his delivery of the ball. While it wasn’t pretty, it overshot everyone in the box, the ball fell to Malik Pinto near the edge of the goal area. His attempt to play the volley was somewhat awkward as it bounced off the pitch and knuckled inside of the far post, just beating Shakes and leveling the score, 1-1.
The night hung on a knife’s edge. The tension was there, and both clubs were pressing for a winner. In the 94th minute of the evening, the night belonged to Dayonn Harris. With mere seconds left on the clock, A big switch was sent across the pitch for Valentin Noel, who drove the area. To his right, Harris lagged behind at the top of the area where Noel laid it off. Harris curled a rocket into the left side of the net, beyond the reach of Shutler, sealing the win and a place in the Western Conference Final with the 2-1 win.
Attendance – 10,150
Man of the Match – Dayonn Harris
Harris’ legend continues to grow since his return from the ACL injury that derailed him in 2024. He scored in his debut this season and has scored again in the playoffs. In one of the biggest moments of his career, Harris secured United’s chance to play for a trophy and his contributions to the success of the club this season are immeasurable.
Up Next
There is one final roadblock between United a chance to play for the USL Cup. That barrier is FC Tulsa next Saturday. Tulsa advanced to the Western Conference Final after a 122nd-minute match-winner in their match against Phoenix Rising on Saturday. This sets up a showdown between the two sides that have gone toe-to-toe twice already this season. United will need to be at their best if they want to continue this magical season. The match against FC Tulsa is scheduled for Saturday, November 15 at 6:30 p.m. MST. Catch every minute of every game all season long on ESPN Radio 101.7 FM The TEAM, The TEAM apps, and The TEAM website.