New Mexico United battled to a hard-fought scoreless draw against Hartford Athletic on Saturday night, earning a point on the road in a match defined by defensive organization, physical play, and several near misses.
Neither side could find a breakthrough over 90 minutes despite combining for numerous chances and 10 shots on target, as the match ended 0-0 at Trinity Health Stadium.
United nearly grabbed the lead in the opening half through Niall Reid-Stephen, who was a constant threat in attack. In the 15th minute, the winger narrowly missed the target following a fast break, and five minutes later came even closer when his curling free kick struck the crossbar.
The visitors continued to push forward midway through the first half. Ousman Jabang forced a strong save from Hartford goalkeeper Antony Siaha with a header in the 21st minute before Dayonn Harris saw a follow-up effort blocked. Hartford responded with chances of its own, including a Barry Coffey header that drifted wide and a long-range strike that required a save from United goalkeeper Kris Shakes.
The match remained physical throughout the opening 45 minutes, with Hartford’s Beverly Makangila and United’s Zico Bailey and Harris all receiving yellow cards before halftime.
Hartford opened the second half on the front foot, earning multiple corners and generating pressure in the attacking third. Michee Ngalina fired wide in the 50th minute, while Emmanuel Samadia and Sebastian Anderson both saw attempts blocked as United’s defense stood firm.
New Mexico’s best chance after the break came almost immediately when Valentin Noël attempted an ambitious effort from beyond midfield that forced Siaha into a scrambling save. Justin Rennicks later found space on a counterattack in the 70th minute but sent his shot wide of the target.
Head coach Dennis Sanchez turned to his bench throughout the second half, bringing on Gedion Zelalem, Rennicks, Maliek Howell, Cristian Nava, and Luther Archimède in search of a late winner.
Hartford threatened during the closing stages, but Shakes was equal to the task. The United goalkeeper made a key save in the 80th minute to deny Andrés Hernández from distance and helped preserve his clean sheet as the hosts increased their pressure.
The match took another turn in the 87th minute when Hartford defender Beverly Makangila received his second yellow card of the evening, reducing the home side to 10 men. United pushed forward in the closing moments and earned a corner kick deep into stoppage time, but Hartford’s defense held firm to secure the draw.
Shakes finished with several important saves for New Mexico, while Siaha matched him at the other end as both goalkeepers recorded clean sheets. With the win, United moves to 14 points on the season as they continue to recover from a slow start to the season.
Player of the Match
Niall Reid-Stephen – One of the newcomers for the season, Niall has been showing he can contribute at the championship level after starring in League One. Against Hartford, Niall won eight of eleven duels and created two quality chances for United.
Up Next
Following the trip to the East coast, United will return to the desert for their third group stage match in the Prinx Tires Cup. For their third group stage match, United will host Phoenix Rising FC on Saturday, June 6. As it stands, United needs a win in the cup to give them the best chance to advance. They currently sit in a tie for second, three points back of the group leaders. Anything less, they will need to rely on favorable results from other matches to help them. Coverage of that match will begin at 6 p.m. with the pregame show with Adam Diehl and Andy Hageman. The match is scheduled to kickoff at 7 p.m. from The Lab. Catch New Mexico United all season on ESPN Radio 101.7 FM The TEAM, The TEAM apps, and The TEAM website.
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