New Mexico United earned their first win of the 2022 USL Championship regular season by a 2-0 margin over Las Vegas Lights FC on Sunday evening. Goals from Harry Swartz and Neco Brett – both of their first goals for the club – and a strong defensive performance from the United back line and goalkeeper powered United to the victory.
Both goals on the evening came off of set pieces for United; the first from a corner kick in the 37th minute. Midfielder Justin Portillo – starting in his debut – put in a lovely corner kick toward the back post and found an open Harry Swartz, who headed home his first goal as a United player.
“I blacked out,” Swartz said when asked about his reaction to scoring. “Honestly, I don’t remember much. But, (Justin Portillo) put a perfect ball in, and I just put my big head on it. Once it hit the back of the net, I just lost it.”
United would double their advantage early in the second half, yet again through a set piece. Portillo – set up from about 30 yards out – fizzed a ball to the head of Kalen Ryden along the right side of the box. Ryden headed the ball back across goal where it found Brett’s right foot for a first time slam past Lights goalkeeper Tomas Romero for a 2-0 lead that would end up being the final margin.
The victory was the first of the Zach Prince era at New Mexico United. Prince has previously won two matches, and lost one, while serving as interim manager, but he has now begun his tenure as Head Coach and Technical Director with a victory.
Tonight’s attendance at Rio Grande Credit Union Field at Isotopes Park was 11,247.
