New Mexico United needed to find some form before the playoffs. Memphis 901 FC was there to be their final test of the regular season. The match had the potential to be a tune up for United, but it was the visitors who had the better of the evening. A fast start led to them eventually going ahead by two goals and defeating United after holding off a last gasp effort from the Black & Yellow, 2-3
Despite a rousing rendition of the Star Spangled Banner and a flyover by the Air Force, Blackout didn’t get off to a great start on the pitch. United had nothing to play for except momentum to start the playoffs. Memphis knew that they could potentially jump into the second seed with a win and favorable results elsewhere. They certainly looked to do their part early with an early goal from Jon Bakero. The goal was an easy one for the forward after Bruno Lapa crossed the ball into the area in just the second minute of play. Lapa crossed in from the right, and Bakero was able to slot home easily, 0-1.
It took some time for United to play themselves into the match, but finally started to find their rhythm around the ten minute mark. As their aggression grew, they found space on the right wing to work with Nicky Hernandez roaming as the #10 for United. In the 18th, Will Seymorek was played up the wing and after a nasty cutback, caused Akeem Ward to lose his footing before crossing the ball into Greg Hurst. Hurst put a touch to the ball with his left and slotted the ball into the left side netting to level the score, 1-1.
901 had an answer of their own in the 25th, once again with Lapa involved. This time, Lapa had drifted left, pulling some defenders with him. In doing so, that freed up Samuel Careaga in the left channel. Driving into the goal area, Careaga shot with his left, and after a deflection, the ball ended up in the back of the net, 1-2 in favor of the visitors.
Less than a minute into the second half, United tried to find an equalizer when Jacobo Reyes and Hernandez linked up in the goal area. Reyes drove the right side of the box while Hernandez had an opening near the spot. Hernandez was able to pull off a shot, but it lacked any sort of teeth and was easily saved by Tyler Deric.
Memphis was able to extend their lead in the 63rd after a phenomenal shot by Lucas Turci. Primarily a defensive player, the shot from Turci was unexpected, to say the least. Both the distance and angle seemed unlikely, but with a left-footed strike, Turci shot from nearly 26 yards out. Somehow, the shot managed to get through multiple players before finding the back of the net, 1-3.
It took United far too long to get a second goal and it was nearing the point where it looked like it wouldn’t happen. In second half stoppage time, United won a series of corners, and the third one paid off. After the corner was delivered, it looked like the ball was going to be cleared from the danger, but Aionne Flanagan managed to chip the ball over the top to Marlon Vargas. Miraculously, Vargas was onside and brought the ball down before putting a right-footed shot past Deric to pull United back within a goal, 2-3.
The gamesmanship of 901 was enough to see out enough time that United’s best efforts to reclaim a point were wasted. Twice within the closing minutes, Kalen Ryden had attempts to head the ball in, one went off the post, the other just over the top of the goal, unable to level the match again.
Player of the Match
Will Seymore – Will’s effort at both ends of the pitch was commendable. Defensively, he stepped into the role of right back, where he hadn’t spent much time. But in doing so, he was able to match up well against the left back of Memphis and picked up an assist on the goal by Hurst.
Up Next
Playoffs. Next Sunday, November 3, United will play host to their rivals, Phoenix Rising FC in the first round of the playoffs. The two teams have already met twice this season, each picking up a win on the other’s home field. The last time these two clubs met, Rising defeated United at The Lab by a final of 2-1. United will be looking to avenge that loss and pick up their first postseason win at home. Coverage of that match will begin at 5:00 p.m. (MT) with kickoff at 6:00 p.m. (MT). Catch every minute of every play all season long on ESPN Radio 101.7 FM The TEAM, The TEAM website, and The TEAM apps.
