After earning a point in Hartford for the first time, New Mexico United made the trek back to The Lab with their Prinx Tires Cup hopes on the line. Previously in the Cup, United had fallen to Colorado Springs and were hoping to recover against Phoenix Rising on Saturday. Presented with an opponent showcasing four academy players in the starting lineup, United controlled the pace of the match
The first half was a story of near misses and close calls for United. Within the first fifteen minutes of the match, United had played the ball into the goal area from each wing, trying to spread the pitch and get space for Greg Hurst and Valentin Noel. Those early attempts were plagued with missed connections and shots off frame. Hurst missed wide left on his first attempt in the 8th, Dayonn Harris was unable to find a connection in the 9th, and Noel missed his chance in the 15th.
Head Coach Dennis Sanchez was open to trying different things to try to create mismatches for his squad. Harris was moved from the right wing to the left and back again. Harris’ versatility gave Rising multiple looks to have to deal with and left space in the middle of the area for Hurst. Over time, that paid off for United.
Just as the match was headed to the break, United drew blood. It was another moment in the 45th where it almost looked like United was going to miss a chance. Playing from the left wing, Chris Gloster put a curler into the area, which twisted behind the forwards and was picked up by Niall Reid-Stephen at the near post. Reid-Stephen was gifted a chance as Chituru Odunze was out of position trying to defend the initial cross. Niall’s left-footed shot was well placed, just inside the post and into the back of the net for the lead, 1-0.
From there, the leash was off, and United was off to the races.
In the 53rd, United took advantage of a chance to counter off a turnover near midfield by Rising. Noel was down the left wing with Ousman Jabang matching him stride for stride through the middle. As the pair broke into the goal area, Noel squared the ball to Jabang, who managed to get a toe to leather. The ball somehow managed to squeeze through a gap between Odunze and one of his defenders to double the lead, 2-0.
Lead secured, Coach Sanchez decided to start making substitutions just past the hour mark. In the 66th, Cristian Nava, Gedion Zelalem, and Cam Wilkerson all entered the match and had an immediate impact. Five minutes later, Nava displayed why he was more than deserving of a return contract with United. After a long ball was sent forward with no United player in sight, it appeared destined to disappear in the left field corner for a goal kick. Out of nowhere, Nava flew out of the midfield and managed to keep the ball in play, working it back to the middle of the pitch. As he did, Noel caught up to the play and received a pass from Nava before finishing in the back of the net, 3-0.
For statistical purposes, the largest win in the series between these two clubs was United’s 7-0 win back in 2022. A few minutes after the third goal was scored, United added a fourth to make this the second-largest win in the series. In the 85th minute, Nava once again had his hands in the outcome of the match. After turning the ball at midfield, he played the ball behind the defenders for Harris, who was streaming down the right wing. Harris took the ball in stride and shot at Odunze, who managed to make the initial block. The ball fell back to Harris, who cleaned up the loose ball and finished off the night, 4-0.
Player of the Match
Valentin Noel – Noel was everywhere on Saturday night. Left, right, middle – Noel was there. He threatened Rising throughout the night and was credited with his first goal of the season. Noel stayed patient and picked his moments, finding chances to attack and have an impact.
Up Next
With the third group stage match now behind them, United moves forward and is able to focus on league play again. Next weekend, United will play host to Orange County at The Lab on Saturday, June 13. Coverage of that match will begin with Adam Diehl and Andy Hageman on the pregame show at 6:30. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m MT from Isotopes Park. Catch New Mexico United all season long on ESPN Radio 101. FM The TEAM, The TEAM apps, and The TEAM website.
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