After a disappointing performance against Las Vegas on Wednesday, New Mexico United needs to figure some things out if they want to stand a chance against Lousiville City FC. With how tight the race in the West has become after United was only able to pick up one point in their previous two home matches, a positive result against the best team in the East is almost imperative.
Since their inception, Louisville City has been the best team in the league. They’ve consistently been near or at the top of the East and year after year, they’re in contention for the League Cup. This season is no different. They’re top of the league in goals scored with 52 and have a very good defense as well. This is a club that’s run well from the top down, and the front office is more than willing to spend to bring in high caliber talent. They’ve always had an eye for who isn’t being utilized well enough by other clubs and puts them to use.
This year’s roster is full of players from across the league that have come together to continue the legacy of Lou City. This club will present two major issues for United. First, they don’t have a single target man. They have multiple weapons and can beat teams from many different areas. From threats out of the midfield like Dylan Mares and Elijah Wynder to the forwards Brian Ownby and Wilson Harris, United will have their hands full trying to figure out where the attacks are coming from and who to prioritize.
Player to Watch
Elijah Wynder – The lesser known of the Wynder brothers, Elijah is following in his brother’s footsteps and joining the club that sent Joshua overseas. He’s got five goals on the season and has a conversion rate near 25%. He has an eye for goal and can make dynamic runs into the area.
United hasn’t quite looked like themselves recently. In each of the three previous matches, the club has come out slow and disorganized. Now, they were able to grow into each of those matches, but the moments of switching off have plagued them. Maybe it’s the pressure of the season, maybe it’s the midseason slump that fans have gotten used to. The club has still had its positive moments, but losing the perfect home season could be a pivotal moment for them. Coach Eric Quill has talked about the importance of making The Lab a fortress. Can United rebound from the loss on Wednesday to reclaim that?
It’s going to take a monumental effort from this club to do that. This match will hinge on the play in the final third. United has been one of the best teams at the back, allowing the 5th fewest goals in the league this season. This will be the biggest test of the year for the young pairing of Talen Maples and Anthony Herbert. The duo has stepped up in a major way during the injury to Kalen Ryden and transformed United into one of the top defenses. Maples and Herbert will have to limit the chances inside the 18-yard box and keep the line steady. With their propensity to play opponents into offside positions, that also will help limit what the Lou City forwards can do.
Player to Watch
Avionn Flanagan – Ayo has quietly been one of the best additions to United’s roster this season. From helping to solidify the back, to creating chances at the other end, Flanagan is dynamic and added plenty of pace to United’s attack. If he’s able to get in behind the Lou City defenders, he can find chances to cross the ball, and create problems for the visitors.
Coverage of tonight’s match will begin with the pregame show starring Adam Diehl and Andy Hageman at 6 p.m. (MT). At the conclusion, coverage of the match will begin at 7 p.m. (MT). Adam and Andy bring every minute of every play all season long on ESPN Radio 101.7 FM The TEAM, The TEAM website, and The TEAM apps.
