May 10th – Saturday, 7pm, 101.7 FM, ESPN+ (streaming), Estrella TV
What to do for an encore. That’s the dilemma New Mexico United faces Saturday night when it hosts the Oakland Roots SC.
United fans are still buzzing from Wednesday’s 4-2 win over MLS Real Salt Lake in US Open Cup play. The good vibes are almost certainly still present in the NMU locker room.
But coach Eric Quill and his players know they need to put an end to the excitement of the Open Cup or Saturday’s USL Championship Western Conference clash could be problematic. Roots SC have not lost in their last three trips to Albuquerque and would like nothing more than to keep that streak intact.
“We have to turn the page,” said Quill. “Three games in eight days is definitely a challenge and (Wednesday’s win) was emotional. But these guys are professionals and they know how to prepare. We’ll be ready to play.”
Quill would be more than pleased to see United perform against Real Salt Lake. NMU were sharp on both ends and largely had the upper hand despite a considerable possession deficit (RSL held 64%).
“In every phase of the game we were excellent,” said Quill.
Saturday’s challenge will be different. Oakland (2-5-2) has struggled lately, winning just once in the last seven USLC meetings. But Roots SC drew Western Conference contenders San Antonio in their last match and are looking to gain momentum. A road win at Isotopes Park, where Oakland is consistently 1-0-2, could provide the energy the visitors need.
“We know Oakland has quality,” Quill said. “It’s important that we focus on ourselves and play at our level, regardless of who the opponent is.”
United is 5-2-1 in USLC play and enters Saturday in second place in the Western Conference standings, behind only Sacramento. It was an impressive start for New Mexico, which overcame several injuries by playing six of its first eight games on the road — four in the Eastern time zone.
Quill managed his lineup effectively, getting contributions from several players. This includes defender Abdi Mohamed, who signed a 25-day contract last week, and midfielder Jackson DuBois, who is playing on an academy contract.
United also produced notable performances from their bench. Jacobo Reyes was the last to make an impact late in the game, scoring what proved to be the decisive fourth goal on Wednesday after coming on as a substitute in the 69th minute.
“Our bench has been incredible all year, every game,” Quill said. “These guys raise the level of the game. And that’s all I can ask for – not keep the game the same or lower the level, but bring the intensity and bring the life back to us.”
Nicky Hernandez, who has played as a starter and reserve this season, agreed.
“This team has firepower, starters and a bench,” he said. “Whoever is there, keep scoring goals. That’s the plan.”
Hernandez, who scored United’s third goal during first-half stoppage time, doesn’t believe NMU will suffer defeat against Oakland, especially in front of their home fans.
“We have two days to prepare,” he said. “This team has the right personality to move forward, focus and achieve. We will be ready to move forward.”
Players to watch
Oakland (2-5-2): Defense has been an issue for Roots SC, which has conceded 16 goals, tied for second in the USL Championship. Winless Oakland and El Paso are the only two clubs without conceding a goal this season. Still, Roots SC has a quality goalkeeper in Paul Blanchette, who ranks third in the league with 27 saves, and the club is coming off back-to-back solid performances – a 2-2 draw with San Antonio and a 1-0 defeat to MLS San Jose in the US Open Cup competition. On the offensive side, Oakland has been a bit like New Mexico in its philosophy of sharing the wealth. Johnny Rodriguez leads Roots SC with three goals and 13 shots. Nobody else scored more than once. Guillermo Diaz and Jeciel Cedeno were Oakland’s main playmakers, with 27 combined chances created. Diaz leads the team with two assists.
New Mexico (5-2-1): United continues to receive contributions from multiple sources and is coming off an impressive effort in Wednesday’s 4-2 U.S. Open Cup victory over Real Salt Lake. Zico Bailey was the man of the moment, scoring his first two goals of the season, but Bailey has been consistently solid in defense with 14 interceptions and 33 duels won. Veteran Daniel Bruce has also been present since returning from injury. Bruce got his first two starts of the season in wins over Las Vegas and Salt Lake and made an impact with his aggressive play on offense. Bruce scored two goals and an assist in those two matches. In the USLC competition, Bruce is one of nine NMU players to have an assist. Nobody has two. United scored 11 goals.
Of note: New Mexico will look to extend a run of dominance at home. Since last season, United have won seven consecutive home matches, six of them at Isotopes Park and one victory at Rio Rancho. Oakland is undefeated (1-0-2) in three games in Albuquerque and won both games against NMU last season. …Cards, anyone? Oakland has received the most red cards (3) among USLC clubs this season. NMU’s Bailey is tied for the league’s individual lead with five yellow cards.
