New Mexico
NM United wins opening round playoff match
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – New Mexico United is advancing in the USL Championship playoffs. The black and yellow took down San Antonio 2-0 on Saturday night to clinch its spot in the conference semi-finals.
The postseason magic started in the magic minute. During the traditional celebration, United was on the attack. After a shot from United and a deflection from the San Antonio keeper, the ball fell to Mukwelle Akale who promptly scored with an empty net.
In the second half, United kept the pressure on. Val Noel broke free and gave the club a 2-0 lead in the 58th.
“I think that there were some things that we talked about throughout the week,” said head coach Dennis Sanchez. “Emotional control, fast start, you know knowing who San Antonio is, and the weight of the game, and what the game meant. I though the guys handled it well. We did what we needed to do, secure a shutout and more importantly secured another really strong team performance and win.”
United will now play the winner of Sacramento and Orange County next week.