It wasn’t quite the opening match that New Mexico United and new head coach Dennis Sanchez would have wanted. Against Sacramento Republic FC, the Black & Yellow got off to a fast start, but a questionable red card changed the entire trajectory of the match. Down a man, United would surrender two goals, falling 2-1 in the season opener.
With Sanchez at the helm, United played out of the back from the opening minutes of the match. Inviting the pressure gave the early possession to the hosts, who weren’t quite able to put any pressure onto Alex Tambakis.
United played their way into the match, finding ways to break through Republic’s press and to the naked eye appeared to be the better side. They had better looks at goal and very nearly broke open the scoring inside of 20 minutes. It was at the hands of newcomer Tomas Pondeca that United rattled opposing keeper Danny Vitiello. Outside the box, Pondeca saw a chance to shoot from twenty yards out and rattled the far post, just missing opening his account.
Clattering away, the ball fell back to United who was able to recycle and set up another chance in the 21st minute. Mukwele Akale drove at the center of the area before finding Greg Hurst to his right. The forward cut back toward the penalty mark and took his first chance of the season. He found his mark and put the ball past Vitiello to put United ahead, 0-1.
The match would turn on its head in the 43rd when a red card came out.
After committing a turnover in the defensive third, Kalen Ryden tried to recover and defend Lewis Jamieson. Jamieson stepped in front of Ryden and as the United Captain tried to avoid him, Jamieson went down in the box. The referee showed Ryden a straight red and awarded Sacramento with a penalty kick. On replay, the foul looked questionable at best and may be one that United can get rescinded on appeal.
Despite drawing the foul, Jamieson was not given the chance to equalize. That was given to returning forward Russell Cicerone. With his shot, Cicerone went to the right side of the goal, converting and equalizing the score, 1-1.
The red card forced Ryden to leave the match and United had to make an early change. Tony Herbert replaced Marlon Vargas to go more defensive for the remainder of the match. Despite the change, Sacramento would take the lead just two minutes into the second half.
In the 47th, Cicerone nearly added a second goal to his tally. He attempted to head a cross at goal and put it off the right post. Taking an awkward bounce off the post, the ball fell to Jamieson. Taking advantage of the moment, Jamieson slotted home with his left to take the lead, 2-1. Unfortunately, being down a man would keep United from finding enough of a chance to get a goal back.
On a positive note, the club saw debuts for McKinze Gaines, Fernando, Pondeca, and Jaylin Lindsey. Given the circumstances, none of them were able to be used to their full potential, but all of them had positive performances on the night.
Man of the Match
Talen Maples – Now the Vice-Captain, Maples acquitted himself well, particularly in the second half. Down a man, Maples had a great showing, making several defensive stops and preventing Sacramento from taking advantage.
Up Next
United is back in action on Saturday, March 15 when they pay a visit to Coach Sanchez’s old club. The club will face off against Las Vegas Lights FC, potentially without Ryden, in a late night matchup. That match will kick off from Cashman Stadium at 8:30 P.M. (MT). There will be no radio coverage of that match due to other broadcast schedules.