The weather didn’t play favorites between New Mexico United and Orange County SC on Saturday night. The two Western Conference foes dealt with soggy conditions and poor touches throughout the evening. Both sides played wide open from the start, giving listeners plenty to cheer for. Kris Shakes picked up a clean sheet in his first league start of the year and Talen Maples converted twice from the penalty spot to power United to a 0-3 win.
On a rain-soaked pitch, both New Mexico and Orange County struggled to keep their feet during the first half. Neither side was content to sit back, and the two sides went at each other from the opening whistle. United couldn’t seem to get out of their own way early on, committing multiple turnovers deep in their own half, putting Kris Shakes under fire.
Shakes, starting for the first time in 2025 due to the suspension of Alex Tambakis, was forced into action early and often. For whatever reason, United had issues getting the ball out of their defensive third, three times turning the ball over in dangerous areas. Two of those resulted in shots that Shakes made phenomenal saves on, once with his face in the 24th minute. By far the best player at the back, Shakes’ four first-half saves are what kept United in this match.
Thomas Amang nearly got his second league goal for the Black & Yellow in the 13th minute after United’s first corner of the evening. With the ball sent in to the near post, Amang was free to put a head to the ball, coming inches away from putting the visiting side up. Well struck, the ball looked to have a chance to shake the net, but went off the face of the crossbar instead.
That first goal was finally found in the 28th minute. Before the goal was struck, Fernando and Chris Gloster had linked up on the left side, forcing the action into the area. A Gloster cross into the area was deflected by the outstretched of of Koa Santos as he tried to slide in for a tackle, giving United a penalty. At first, Fernando stood over the spot kick, but was replaced by Talen Maples. Maples, United’s most effective penalty taker over the past season, took to the spot and drilled the ball into the bottom right corner, rooting Orange County goalkeeper Collin Shutler to his spot, 0-1.
United seemed to settle down as the first half wore on, but found themselves under duress to start the second half again. An early turnover after the action restarted saw Shakes under fire. Under the gun for the opening two minutes of the second period, United was able to break out and send the action the other way. Despite the attack not resulting in a goal, it released much of the pressure that United had been facing.
In the 52nd minute, Santos gifted United another chance for spot kick. On the attack, Zico Bailey shot from the right side of the area as Santos slid in front of the attempt. As he did, his arm was once again extended and caused the ball to deflect away, and another penalty was called for. There was no question that Maples was going to the spot and this time, drove the ball with power into the bottom left corner, past an extended Shutler, to double the lead, 0-2.
United wasn’t content to leave the lead at just two goals. With Orange County clearly having to play looser, United was finding space in between the defenders. In the 70th, Mukwelle Akale was played through and had a clear chance at goal. But in the wet conditions wasn’t able to get a solid strike on the ball and his shot was saved by Shutler. The third goal would finally come minutes later.
In the 79th, Akale had a chance to try and pick out Fernando on the left of the area. He lofted the ball in and while it ended up short, Santos again created an opportunity for United. Although the ball fell straight to Santos, his touch to try and play it back to Shutler was extremely lacking. The pass never made it to the keeper, and Fernando stepped to it before playing around Shutler and shaking the net and sealing the match for United, 0-3.
Man of the Match
Kris Shakes – Called into action due to a red card for Alex Tambakis, Shakes had a tough test on a rainy Saturday night. Wet surfaces and wet balls make for some interesting interactions and the defense in front of him didn’t do him any favors early. He had 5 saves and 12 recoveries over the course of the evening and picked up a clean sheet in his first league start of the season.
Up Next
The road trip continues for United as they stay in California for another test. Next Saturday, May 24, United will face off against Oakland Roots SC. The Roots had been on a bit of an upswing lately, but having lost two of their last three are facing a tall challenge with United coming in. Coverage of that match will begin with Adam Diehl and Andy Hageman on the pregame show at 7 P.M.. The match itself will kickoff at 8 P.M. from the Oakland-Alameda County Stadium. Catch every minute of every play all season long on ESPN Radio 101.7 FM The TEAM, The TEAM apps, and The TEAM website.
