New Mexico United and Orange Count SC were each searching for different things in the penultimate match of the reagular season. United needed a return to form and Orange County needed a playoff berth. A largely tactical battle was nearly spoiled by a United goal int he second half, but was ultimately called off before the match ended in a 0 – 0 draw.
The first half between Orange County and United was far more tactical and tight than would have been expected. United was looking for a return to form while Orange County was looking for a playoff berth. Given the other results around the league, all the hosts needed was a draw to secure their spot in the postseason. That’s how the match seemed to be playing out, Orange County looking for at least a point, United just playing.
United did lead the possession stats at the half, but the better of the chances belonged to Orange County. Chris Hegardt got two good looks himself, the first coming in the 18th minute. After United tried to head clear a corner, the ball fell to the forward who attempted to shoot on the volley. With plenty of pace, the ball appeared threatening but ended up curling wide right. The latter came a short while later, where a hesitation killed the attempt.
In the 23rd minute Cameron Dunbar worked his way free of Jackson Dubois on the left wing before cutting inside. At the left corner of the area, Dunbar looked to the back post, but the ball didn’t curl enough for the midfielder. The lack of a curve sent the ball out safely for a goal kick.
A third decent attempt came by way of Ashish Chattha in the 40th. Again on the volley, the young midfielder hoped to open his account with his club. That wouldn’t happen in the first half of the match as the volley went wide left.
Greg Hurst had two chances in the first half to try to open the scoring for United, but neither attempt would be successful. The first came in the 15th when he was played through by Reyes, but the flag was up for offside. The latter came just before halftime as Hurst shot from the right side, but, off-balance, he was unable to get enough on it to be dangerous.
Even in the second half, Orange County seemed to be a bit more aggressive between the two sides. That seemed to change as Coach Eric Quill made his first two substitutions of the evening in the 62nd minute. Sending on Zico Bailey and Marlon Vargas sparked United and they became the aggressors. In the coming minutes, the two midfielders would be the jumping off point for two United attacks.
The first real chance of the half for United came in the 72nd minute. Bailey, fresh off of scoring his first international goal, drove the length of the pitch, with a handful of attackers there to help him. As he edged to the center of the box, Jacobo Reyes was free on the right. Bailey’s lay off was in a perfect spot for Reyes, but he left his shot low and easy for the keeper to grab it.
After a block by Kalen Ryden in the 76th, United broke again and Hurst found the back of the net. Once again, it was Bailey leading the charge and found Reyes on the right wing. Reyes had help at the back post with Hurst streaking in and passed to him in stride. Hurst’s shot found the back of the net, but the assistant referee raised his flag, and the goal was called off.
That attempt would end up being the best that either side would earn for the rest of the night. United picked up another clean sheet, another point, and some small amount of momentum heading into the regular season finale. Orange County meanwhile, earned their way into the playoffs with the point.
Player of the Match
Alex Tambakis – While he didn’t have to face many threats against his goal, Tambakis made some key decisions that helped secure the clean sheet for United.
Up Next
United’s next match will be back at The Lab for their final preparation for the playoffs. That match will see them face Memphis 901 FC in the regular season finale. Coverage of that match will begin at 6 p.m. (MT) on Saturday, October 26 with the pregame show with Adam Diehl and Andy Hageman. Following that, the match will kickoff at 7 p.m. (MT). Catch every minute of every play all season long on ESPN Radio 101.7 FM The TEAM, The TEAM apps, and The TEAM website.
