In their fourth ever clash, New Mexico United and Lexington SC went head-to-head on Aug. 26 at Rio Grande Credit Union Field at Isotopes Park. Both teams looked to attack early, but better goalkeeper play on both ends kept the offense on their toes.
Lexington SC goalkeeper Oliver Semmie picked up a yellow card during the 10th minute, the first of the match, followed by a very physical battle throughout the first half. Leading into the break, both teams remained scoreless, making it a rough offensive showing for both sides.
Lexington defender Marqes Muir scored in the 51st minute, giving Lexington the first lead of the night. With the score now 1-0, United fans weren't pleased to see their home team get scored on first.
The goal by Muir changed the momentum of the game, but would not be the deciding factor. At the end of the 73rd minute, United defender Kipp Keller scored the first New Mexico goal of the night to tie things at 1-1.
“Goals change games,” Keller said of his contribution after the game.
Keller’s goal sparked action by the rest of the team, as evidenced by forward Niall Reid-Stephen’s goal in the 78th minute for United, giving them a 2-1 lead just five minutes after being put on the board.
“We were on top of them most of the game, we knew it was coming, fortunate enough I was able to get one past the keeper and so was Niall,” Keller said.
Keller showed himself to be the player of the game during this matchup, lifting his team to success through both offensive and defensive production.
“They know what the expectations are, the standards have been set and now it’s really about challenging them to play at a higher level every single day and showing they can do that,” Head Coach Dennis Sanchez said.
New Mexico United looks to keep the momentum going Saturday, Aug. 29 against San Antonio FC at home.
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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