With a 13-match unbeaten streak on the line, New Mexico United squared off against San Antonio FC on Aug. 29 at Rio Grande Credit Union Field at Isotopes Park. This matchup was the second between the two teams this season, with San Antonio taking the first match 1-0. Saturday’s match was delayed an hour due to weather, so the anticipation was felt once United ran out of the tunnel for warmups.
During the 6th minute, United defender Kipp Keller conceded an own goal that had the entire home crowd silent. United suffered devastation in more ways than one, allowing the point to impact the game flow. United was their own worst enemy throughout the first half as they couldn’t appear to find the swagger they had during the unbeaten streak they came into the game touting.
At intermission, the score was 1-0 in favor of San Antonio; not the first half New Mexico had anticipated coming into this matchup. United also maintained a lead on possession throughout the game (67.7% to 32.3% at FT) despite their failure to capitalize.
That was until the 45th minute, when substitute forward Dayonn Harris scored, tying the score 1-1. Less than a minute after the halftime break, Harris was able to be the spark that the United offense desperately needed.
San Antonio midfielder Nicky Hernandez produced the second goal for the away team in the 52nd minute, a right-footed shot that sailed straight to the center of the goal. With various footwork and speed he was able to get the ball to sneak past United goalkeeper Kris Shakes. Hernandez kept the momentum pushing as San Antonio gained new confidence after allowing United to tie the game.
When United made a run, San Antonio answered back, demonstrating focus despite allowing United to get back into the game. Each team was throwing haymakers on the pitch, not letting each other gain too much confidence. It made no difference if United would dribble the ball down the length of the field, San Antonio had a counterattack.
In a late push during the 84th minute, a goal from United forward Greg Hurst was taken off the board after an offside call, New Mexico’s last effort to tie things up as they fell out of rhythm shortly after.
“You get punished at this level for not being sharp enough,” Hurst said after the game.
Costly mental mistakes were the deciding factor on how United fell short, but despite the 2-1 loss, there’s no need to panic.
“We have to do a better job in the initial stages to not be sloppy and play to our full potential,” United Head Coach Dennis Sanchez said.
United, now 11-5 this season, will look to get back to their winning ways as they take on the 8-9 Las Vegas Lights FC on Saturday, Sept. 5.
Kaedon Petties is a freelance reporter for the Daily Lobo. He can be reached at sports@dailylobo.com or on X @DailyLobo
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