On Saturday, Aug. 30, New Mexico United lost to Sacramento Republic FC at home 2-0, achieving field dominance, but come up empty in front of the goal.
United came into the game 8-8-3, in seventh place in the Western Conference and in need of a positive performance against a tough, defensive, Sacramento who sat in second in the conference at 8-5-7.
Offense was a struggle in the first half for United with approximately 200 passes but only one shot that was not on target, opposed to three shots with two on target for Sacramento.
Along with a lack of shots, both teams accumulated a lengthy number of fouls: nine in the first half for United and 10 for Sacramento.
United Goalkeeper Kris Shakes started out terrific, pitching a shutout in the first half including two saves. The first half ended with a stalemate of 0-0.
In the second half, United’s offense was much more possessive and aggressive, having 69% possession and five shots in the half, but zero on target.
Unfortunately for United, Sacramento started clicking in the second half with five shots, three on target and two goals by Forward Khori Bennett, who finished winning most of his ground duels 5-2, and aerial duels 6-2, earning him player of the match.
The game marked United Defender Kipp Keller’s debut after his acquisition from Minnesota United FC. Keller played well, blocking a shot and keeping United’s possession strong with 67 touches and accurate passing.
With the loss, New Mexico dropped to eighth place in the Western Conference at 8-9-3. United remains in the playoff position but will seek to rebound and improve.
The challenge will not be getting any easier with their next game at home, on Saturday Sept. 6 vs San Antonio FC, fourth in the western conference.
Alex Joe is a videographer for the Daily Lobo. He can be reached at sports@dailylobo.com or on X @dailylobo
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