New Mexico United experienced another late flashback on Saturday night – but this one was something to smile about. Finally a win on the road for NM United By Ken Sickenger Journal Staff Writer
New Mexico United experienced another late flashback on Saturday night – but this one was something to smile about.
Chris Wehan scored a goal in the 84th minute and United pulled off a 1-0 away win over San Antonio FC at Toyota Field.
NMU (9-8-7, 34 points) took its first road win since 4th New Mexico tied with Rio Grande Valley (a winner over Atlanta United 2 on Saturday) for fifth place in the Mountain Division, but came up on points Austin Bold (36 points) back two points to fourth place.
United also gained ground against third-placed San Antonio (11-7-7, 40 points), who will play in Albuquerque on October 20. New Mexico has eight games left to land one of the division’s four playoff positions. The win on Saturday was a big step.
“We needed that,” said New Mexico coach Troy Lesesne in a telephone interview after the game. “If we want to reach the playoffs, we have to win a few games away and our boys know that. I thought we did a great job setting the tone early on and keeping our focus throughout the game. “
In flashback terms, Wehan’s goal brings back memories of last year’s Western Conference match at Toyota Field – a 1-0 win in New Mexico where Wehan scored in extra time.
“We’ll take another one,” said Lesesne.
This time, Wehan was at the end of a smooth pass from Amando Moreno. As Wehan made a strong run into the San Antonio box, Moreno patiently dribbled off the left wing and slipped a pass through the defense, where Wehan’s left foot got him past SAFC goalkeeper Matt Cardone.
“It was a really nice build for Amando to get to this point,” said Lesesne, “and it was special for him to see Beez (Wehan) do this run and bring the ball to him. Of course, Beez’s finish was great too. “
It was Wehan’s second green goal in as many games, his eighth goal of the season overall and his fourth since returning to United seven games ago.
New Mexico beat San Antonio 16:11 overall, 3-2 in shots on goal and kept a narrow edge (51%) in possession. United also had some good early scoring opportunities, including a shot through the penalty area by Daniel Bruce that Cardone missed but rolled just past the left post.
SAFC came even closer to breakthrough towards the end of the first half with two shots from Marcus Epps. NMU goalkeeper Alex Tambakis stopped the first – a header from close range – and the second bounced back to Tambakis from the left post in the 45th minute.
“That will happen,” said Lesesne, “especially against a solid team like San Antonio. You have to stay focused, stay together and sometimes even have a little luck to win along the way. “
Tambakis scored his sixth goal of the season and his first since the 0-0 draw in Tacoma on August 1. He received considerable help from his defense, which effectively brought SAFC to a standstill in the final minutes of regular time and stoppage time.
As a result, United avoided looking back on several late leads that were lost earlier this season.
“The boys are happy,” said Lesesne, “but they are already turning their attention to Wednesday night (a home game against Rio Grande Valley). As a coach, that’s exactly what you want to see. “
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