If there was any concern about the state of United after the mental health break, those concerns should have been quashed early. From the jump, the red, white, and blue-clad home side was aggressive and made multiple entries into the final third in the opening minutes. The one that paid off was 3.5 years in the making.
It had been 1,359 days since Cristian Nava had scored in league play for United. Having endured two ACL injuries, it looked like the young man would never return to the game. This offseason, Nava felt like he wasn’t done and came out as a trialist in the preseason. By all accounts, he worked his way back and earned a new contract with United. That last goal came against Colorado Springs Switchbacks on October 15, 2022, in the regular season finale.
In just the 6th minute of the match against Oakland tonight, Nava shone in front of the largest crowd since 2019, a staggering 14,847. A long ball came forward from the foot of Niko Hamalainen, seeking out Nava on the right wing as he cut into the area. Leaping, Nava brought the ball down with his right foot and took a chance going across goal. He laced the ball into the left side netting, giving United the lead, 1-0.
Oakland struggled mightily with play in the wide areas on both wings. United was able to consistently find space to play Dayonn Harris, Chris Gloster, and Nava in behind, pressing Oakland into having to run at their own goal. Harris and Gloster each found multiple chances to cross the ball into the area and drive Oakland back.
After a collision with Ousman Jabang, Oakland would have to substitute their keeper, Kendall McIntosh, for Raphael Spiegel before the 30-minute mark to deal with the injury. The 6’5 keeper provided a larger frame to try and beat, but that didn’t deter United.
In the 41st, Harris found space down the left and was played behind the Oakland defense. Running at goal, Zico Bailey had the inside channel and received a perfect pass from Harris at the edge of the six-yard box. Bailey shot with his left and pushed the ball past Spiegel, doubling the lead, 2-0.
As much as they struggled defensively, Oakland’s attack was even more anemic for the first 50 minutes of the match. They wouldn’t even register a shot until the 48th minute against Kris Shakes and the United back line.
A lifeline was provided to the visitors in the 65th minute, when a foul by Maliek Howell drew the eyes of the center referee. Peter Wilson, who had subbed on at the half, was dribbling out of the goal area, but took a kick from Howell and was taken down. Wilson was directed to the spot and converted, going to the right side of the net. Shakes guessed correctly, but couldn’t keep the Roots out, 2-1.
Minutes later, United thought they had earned a penalty of their own, but their appeals fell on deaf ears. In the 68th, the ball was crossed by Luther Archimede from the right, driving it to Valentin Noel at the near side of the box. Noel’s initial touch appeared to come off the hand of a Roots defender, but the center wouldn’t entertain the idea of giving United a chance from the mark.
Neither side would find another goal before the end of the match, but they had chances. None were of sufficient quality to change the outcome as United ended up with the win and a crucial three points as the season reached the midway point.
Player of the Match
Cristian Nava – 1,359 days between goals for the Albuquerque native. Nava impressed with his efforts across the pitch. He smoothly switched sides and was consistently involved in pressuring the Oakland defense during his time on the pitch. Nava has something special going for him and he could be a piece for a long time.
Up Next
After playing their only home match for the month, United goes on the road for the next three matches. The first stop will be in El Paso on the 11th as the two sides play their final group stage match in the USL Prinx Tires Cup tournament. While neither can win the group, wild card spots are still up for grabs. Both have a chance, but they need a win and they need help. Coverage of that match will begin with the pregame show with Adam Diehl and Andy Hageman at 6 p.m. followed by kickoff from Southwest University Park at 7 p.m. 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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