New Mexico United’s Saalih Muhammad does a brief meditation after scoring a goal in his side’s win over Rio Grande Valley on Wednesday. (Mike Sandoval / for the journal)
Something unexpected and something very familiar: New Mexico United got both on Wednesday night.
Saalih Muhammad scored his first goal of the season, Chris Wehan scored for the third straight time and United claimed a much-needed 2-0 win over Rio Grande Valley FC at Isotopes Park.
It was the third win in a row for the NMU (10-8-7), which rose to the playoffs in the Mountain Division of the USL Championship. New Mexico started the game tied with RGVFC (9-10-7) on 34 points, two points behind fourth-placed Austin Bold, who was idle on Wednesday. (Click here for updated league results, here for game details.)
By the time the lights went out at Isotopes Park, United had 37 points and control of their postseason hopes with seven regular season games remaining.
New Mexico United goalkeeper Alex Tambakis stops a shot. (Mike Sandoval / For the diary)
“Big win for us,” said NMU coach Troy Lesesne of his team’s first career win against Rio Grande Valley in four attempts. “Our history with RGV speaks volumes about what a tough team they are to break.”
The two-goal lead on Wednesday was a little misleading, as Wehan’s decisive goal only landed in the last minute of stoppage time in the second half. Previously, United spent much of the second half fending off threats from the Rio Grande Valley in front of the announced 5,377 nervous fans.
New Mexico goalkeeper Alex Tambakis and his defenses were up to the task, conceding their second straight goal and seventh this season.
“I always feel confident,” said Tambakis. “For me, I play behind the best team in the league, so it’s all about communication and willingness.”
The Toros shot against NMU 16-8 and struck seven shots at the two of New Mexico – but Muhammad and Wehan let their chances count.
Muhammad’s 18th-minute goal was something of an unexpected bonus, scored in his first appearance since returning to United in late August. It also came on his second career shot, a missile from inside the RGVFC box at a ball that was directed back to Muhammad by David Najem.
“(Najem) is such a smart player and he set it up perfectly,” said Muhammad. “I don’t score that many goals so I’m really happy to be able to help the team.”
Muhammad is now 2 for 2 converting shots after scoring on his lone attempt last season.
New Mexico led 1-0 at halftime and could easily have kept a bigger lead. An apparent goal from Amando Moreno was blocked in a controversial offside and New Mexico shot several shots just over the bar before the break.
Wehan then fired over an open frame in the 56th minute before the toros began to apply constant pressure. The guests were rarely able to penetrate United’s defenses, but Tambakis was in position when needed. He weighed a low shot from RGVFC’s Frank Lopez in the 79th minute, one of the guests’ best scoring chances.
“We kept zero in the last two games,” said Lesesne, “and we were just so solid on the defensive. Scoring a second goal tonight was just the icing on the cake. “
Wehan made sure of it, who shot a shot past Toros goalkeeper Tyler Deric after an assist by Andrew Tinari. It was Wehan’s ninth goal overall that season and the fifth in eight games since returning to United in August.
New Mexico continues its busy stretch of five games in 15 days on Sunday with a visit to Louisville City FC. United then host Hartford Athletic on Wednesday.
Comments are closed.