One goal wins aren’t always pretty, but they count. For the fifth consecutive match, New Mexico United (5-1-0) came out on top. It was an unexpected goal from Ousman Jabang, the first of his professional career, that led United over Monterey Bay FC (4-2-2), 1-0. Five straight wins and four straight clean sheets, and United is back on top of the West.
In the early going, United seemed to be willing to ask questions. Part of that was due to Monterey not being content to sit back as other clubs have done at The Lab. Monterey found a chance that sent a hush over the crowd in the 20th minute. After a takeaway at midfield, Adrian Rebollar had a chance with Alex Tambakis well off his line. He shot from nearly forty yards away and missed the goal wide by inches.
United would have a series of looks over the next several minutes that culminated with the first goal of the season for Ousman Jabang. In the 29th, United had come out of a corner looking to send the ball into the area. As the delivery came into the near post, the ball ricocheted off the heel of a Monterey Bay defender and right back to Jabang. The midfielder was able to rocket the ball into the back of the net for the lead and the second fastest goal of the year, 1-0.
There were two other quality looks in the first half for United. Marlong Vargas was played in but the ball was caught under his feet. Another came in the 43rd when Vargas had a chance to flick the ball into Fernando. The Brazilian flicked the ball up as a defender came in from behind, but couldn’t get a shot off before Nico Campuzano pulled it down to stop the bleeding in the first half.
The excitement of the first half gave way to a calmer, more controlled second half from both sides. United just looked in control for much of the latter action. The best chance for the hosts actually came in stoppage time when substitute McKinze Gaines had a shot from the top of the area. Played in, Gaines had a chance but didn’t quite get enough on the shot to lift it. He was able to stay on frame, but sent it right at Campuzano.
That chance followed one in which Fernando was open on the left in the 65th. Left to his own devices, Fernando appears to be in a great position to score had he shot for the near post. Instead he went to the right and was just wide of the goal.
Defensively, this was one of United’s best matches of the season. They allowed only six total shots to Monterey, and not on of them was on target. The performance by United resulted in their fourth consecutive clean sheet and fifth consecutive win since opening the season with a loss to Sacramento Republic.
Player of the Match
Kalen Ryden – Ryden put in one phenomenal match and left it with a significant shiner over his left eye. The veteran defender came up big in several key moments, earning four clearance and two interceptions. His physical play and ability to box out defenders helped prevent Monterey from sniffing the front of the goal.
Up Next
The Jagermeister Cup debut is up next for New Mexico United. For the first time ever, the USL Championship is included in the tournament and United faces reigning League One Champions, Union Omaha. Stacked with plenty of former Championship players, Omaha will look to have back-to-back wins over Championship clubs and start the group stage off on the right foot. Coverage of that match will begin with the pregame show at 6 P.M. with Adam Diehl and Andy Hageman. The match itself will kickoff from The Lab at 7 P.M.. Catch every minute of every game on ESPN Radio 101.7 FM The TEAM, The TEAM website, and The TEAM apps.