New Mexico United (13-10-6, 45 pts) earned a hard-fought point on Saturday night in a thrilling 3-3 draw against Oakland Roots SC at The Lab. The result extends United’s unbeaten streak to six matches as the club, having already secured a spot in the 2025 USL Championship Playoffs, now shifts its focus to improving postseason positioning with just one regular-season game remaining.
United struck early, opening the scoring in the 13th minute when Mukwelle Akale fired a precise shot past the keeper to give the home side a 1-0 advantage. Oakland quickly answered, converting a penalty in the 16th minute to level the match at 1-1.
Just three minutes later, the Black & Yellow regained the lead after an Oakland own goal made it 2-1. United continued to apply pressure and were rewarded again before halftime when Akale was brought down in the box. Defender Talen Maples calmly stepped up and buried the resulting penalty, extending the lead to 3-1.
Oakland responded by converting a second penalty in the 40th minute to cut the deficit to 3-2. The visitors found the equalizer in the 82nd minute, capping a determined comeback to level the match at 3-3. Despite several late chances from both sides, neither team could find a winner before the final whistle.
New Mexico United will now turn its attention to the regular-season finale, aiming to close out the campaign on a high note and carry momentum into the postseason.
Standout Performers
Mukwelle Akale was a constant attacking threat throughout the match, opening the scoring in the 13th minute with a composed finish. His relentless pressure continued to trouble Oakland’s back line, and just before halftime, he drew a foul in the box to set up a key penalty opportunity.
Defender Talen Maples stepped up to take that penalty and calmly converted, marking his sixth goal of the season. In addition to his offensive contribution, Maples delivered a composed performance defensively, helping steady United through a tense, back-and-forth contest.
Stats Summary: NM/OAK
Shots: 10/15
Shots on Goal: 2/8
Saves: 5/0
Corners Won: 2/8
Fouls: 11/10
Misconduct Summary:
NM: Gedion Zelalem (Yellow Card – 34’)
NM: Kalen Ryden (Yellow Card – 39’)
NM: Valentin Noël (Yellow Card – 53’)
OAK:Daniel Gomez (Yellow Card – 55 ’)
OAK: Jürgen Damm (Yellow Card – 82 ’)
NM: Kris Shakes (Yellow Card – 83’)
NM: Ousman Jabang (Yellow Card – 85’)
Looking Ahead:
New Mexico United closes out the regular season on Friday, October 24, with Blackout Night at The Lab against Rhode Island FC — a high-stakes clash with playoff seeding still up for grabs. With the postseason looming and momentum more important than ever, United will aim to deliver a statement performance and finish the regular season on a high note in front of a packed, energized home crowd.
Secure your seats for the final home match HERE
