New Mexico United is still at the top of the West, looking down. But the margin for error is closing. After failing to pick up a point in Oakland, the club is back at The Lab to host the Wooden Spoon leaders, Miami FC. While not a mathematical ‘must-win’, this match comes at a time when United will need as many points as they can get if they want to stave off Sacramento for the top seed.
Miami comes into Albuquerque on the heels of their first win since April 27. That’s a long time to go, but even longer for a club that has a future in jeopardy. Nothing has gone right for this club and any time they’re away from their home pitch, the problems are multiplied. On the road, they’re 0-10-1, far from where any club would want to be.
The best chance for Miami to pick up three points is if they can exploit the space between lines. That will require the play of the midfield, which has been lackluster at best, and their ability to link up with Frank Lopez. Their chances are few and far between but Lopez presents the biggest threat from this South Beach club.
Player to Watch
Allen Gavilanes – Gavilanes has been the most consistent chance creator for Miami FC this season. Working out of the midfield, he’s been able to pick out Lopez for some high chance moments throughout the year. They’ll need to be in each others’ heads if they want to beat United at the back.
For New Mexico, a return to The Lab gives the club a chance to get back on track and keep their chances of a home playoff match alive. United has done well this season when it comes to taking care of business against the clubs that they should. Miami is one of those clubs. A win will keep United in the running for a home playoff match, but a loss could be a sign of something concerning.
This is a match that United should be able to control. Should being the operative word in that statement. They’ve shown a lack of consistency at times and some of the decision-making on the pitch has become an issue. United had chances last week against Oakland, but couldn’t make enough of them for it to matter. This team has moments where they aren’t killers, in a manner of speaking. United has to find ways to break down defenses and create additional chances. With the hopeful return of Daniel Bruce this weekend, United may find more chances to break through the lines and open up options from different angles.
The two keys for United this weekend are to first stop Frank Lopez. The second, be dynamic out of the midfield. By accomplishing these, Miami will be stifled and it will create chances for United to go forward against a team that doesn’t defend well.
Player to Watch
Daniel Bruce – With the hope of him returning from injury, Bruce will provide a clear choice outside of Greg Hurst. Bruce can play on and off the ball and is able to create opportunities for himself and those around him. The Miami defenders will have a hard time preventing Bruce from getting involved, which is good for United.
Coverage of Friday’s match against Miami FC begins at 6 P.M. (MT) with the pregame show starring Adam Diehl and Andy Hageman. At the conclusion, the pair will bring every minute of every play starting with kickoff at 7 P.M. (MT). Catch New Mexico United all season long on ESPN Radio 101.7 FM The TEAM, The TEAM website, and The TEAM apps.
