New Mexico United played host to the East-leading Tampa Bay Rowdies on Wednesday night with both clubs looking to get back to league action. New Mexico had been unbeaten at home and Tampa Bay was unbeaten on the season. It was a scrappy match, with the defining point of the match coming in just the 5th minute of play. An early goal and a strong defense held off United as Tampa took the win and three points with by a final of 0-1.
Things did not start well for United. Under early pressure from Tampa, United was trying to play the ball out of the back, and an errant pass got them into trouble. On the right edge, United looked to play the ball back into the middle by way of Ousman Jabang passing into Gedion Zelalem. Off its mark, Zelalem was unable to gather the pass, leaving it to be pounced on by an opportunistic Mattheus Oliveira. The Rowdies midfielder cut across the top of the area, drawing Raiko Arozarena well off his line as there were no other defenders in the area. Going to ground, Arozarena tried to stop the attack, but Oliveira was able to lay the ball off to Louis Perez, who was able to calmly collect the opening goal, and the lead, 0-1.
Outside of that goal, neither side could find another opening. There was plenty of scrap between the sides more than a few yellow cards came out in the opening half of play. Both sides could have felt hard done by with some of the calls that were being made, but neither could make hay from the chances they were given.
For all the excitement of the first half, the second half was devoid of it. United managed to hold onto the ball for 62% of the match and even showed more teeth in the attack than what they did at the weekend against Colorado. The team sheet tonight was closer to what should be expected from this side.
Aside from the plethora of yellow cards that were shown in the match, 11 total, the match was played well tactically by both sides. Tampa, while not sitting back, was happy to concede possession and try to catch United out of shape. In his second league start of the season, Arozarena performed well, making 4 saves and multiple stops to slow down the attack from one of the best clubs in the league. The mistake at the start of the match was ultimately the only goal allowed by either side, and Tamp Bay remained unbeaten on the season with the 0-1 win over United.
Player of the Match
Raiko Arozarena – Facing one of the toughest clubs in the league this season, Arozarena fared well. He was commanding in the area and made dynamic plays when necessary. He made four saves and kept United in the match when faced with some tough opponents.
Up Next
United has one more match this week as the club welcomes Charleston Battery on Saturday. Another tough Eastern Conference opponent, Battery currently sit third in the east and won’t be an easy out for United. An improved performance against Rowdies is a reason to think United might have a chance to come away with points on the weekend. Coverage of that match will begin with the pregame show with Adam Diehl and Andy Hageman at 6 p.m. The match itself will kickoff from The Lab at 7 p.m. MT. Catch New Mexico United all season long on ESPN Radio 101.7 FM The TEAM, The TEAM apps, and The TEAM website.
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