New Mexico United and Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC played to a 1-1 draw on Saturday night at Rio Grande Credit Union Field at Isotopes Park. A terrific, long-range goal from Marlon Vargas, and an unfortunate own goal from Kalen Ryden spelled 1 point apiece, as the Black & Yellow remained at the top of the USL Championship Western Conference, pending results from elsewhere in the West.
Vargas got the scoring started in the 21st minute for the Black & Yellow. Mukwelle Akale sent a terrific diagonal ball in from the right side toward McKinze Gaines at the top of the box. Gaines laid the ball off first-time to a creeping Vargas, who belted home from about 25 yards out. Switchbacks goalkeeper Christian Herrera was helpless to keep the strike out, and it was 1-0 New Mexico.
That lead would last until late in the first half. A wide ball played to Isaiah Foster ended with a low cross in. Ryden, attempting to clear the danger, accidentally tapped into his own net for a 1-1 score that would stand until full-time.
9,862 fans attended Saturday evening’s festivities.
