Momentum and confidence are two of the most important things for any sports team. Over the past month, New Mexico United’s confidence and health had been rising. They also had momentum, coming off a dominant 4-0 win in Cup play over Phoenix Rising. Orange County has quietly made their way up the table into second place in the West, stringing together four positive results in their last five league outings.
United wasn’t afraid to come out swinging. In the opening minute of the match, the Black & Yellow pushed forward and hoped to take an early lead. Just outside of the area and left of center, Niko Hamalainen squared up and sent a curling cross into the box. Reminiscent of Kalen Ryden, Kipp Keller made a dove for a header in the 2nd minute. The contact was quality, the direction was perfect, and the pace was too much for Alex Rando as the ball shook the back of the net with United ahead at home, 1-0.
The goal by Keller was the fastest ever scored by United at home in club history, and was the second fastest goal ever scored by the club. That record is still held by Devon Sandoval for the goal he scored during the play-in round of the 2019 playoffs against Sacramento Republic FC. Assisted by Santi Moar, Sandoval scored in the 14th second of that match.
Back in the present day, United’s lead would only last until the 19th minute. An old foe, Chris Hegardt, who has caused issues for United in the past, created a chance that not even Kris Shakes could stop. Drifting left, Hegardt worked the ball near the byline and began to look back to the middle of the area for support. He drove the ball into the area where Nico Benalcazar could make a play on the pass. Benalcazar put a right-footed attempt on the ball and was able to sneak it into the corner of the net, 1-1.
The goal by Benalcazar was the first goal allowed by United since May 20 against Tampa Bay, ending a streak of 374 goalless minutes played.
After pulling level, Orange County began to stack the box when they were out of possession to prevent chances for United inside the area. They also began to press higher to try and slow United’s build out of the back. Ultimately, that’s the way the match would swing for the rest of the night. United would come close in the 74th when a Justin Rennicks header went off the crossbar, but they would come no closer than that the rest of the evening. With the draw, United is now unbeaten in their last four matches across all competitions.
The Western Conference remains a jumbled mess after the Saturday results, with United currently sitting in 8th on 15 points. Across the table, the difference from first place to last is 10 points. Everything is within reach, United just has to put together results.
Player of the Match
Kipp Keller – The goalscorer and defensive phenom led United from whistle to whistle. Keller continues to show why he was a key signing for United in the offseason. After a great season in 2025 and recovery from injury, Keller has been an anchor for this club and could continue to be for a long time if he wants.
Up Next
United goes back on the road until July. Their next match will be on Saturday, June 20th against Sacramento Republic FC. United will head to Sacramento for that match, which is scheduled to kickoff at 9 p.m. (MT).
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