New Mexico United looks to defend their home field and eight-game unbeaten streak
Albuquerque – New Mexico United returns to The Lab this week, facing Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC on Saturday, August 1st at 7:30 p.m. The match marks the Black and Yellow’s first home game in nearly a month. New Mexico United enters on the back of a hefty 4-1 road victory over Lexington SC. The team’s previously scheduled July 24 match against Birmingham was postponed to later in the season due to inclement weather. Saturday’s match marks New Mexico United’s “Girls in the Game” theme night, celebrating participation and representation in women’s sports.
A Western Conference Heavyweight Bout
Once again, the Black and Yellow will face a team on a similar streak of success to their own, as Switchbacks FC has also won its last four matches in a row. The matchup is also a crucial opportunity for both teams in the Western Conference standings: Colorado Springs sits in 3rd, earning 25 points through 16 games played so far, and New Mexico United sits in 4th, earning 24 points through a league-least 14 games played.
Hotter Chile…and a Hotter Streak
Looking to keep the Black and Yellow’s red-hot pace going will be Joseph Melto and Greg Hurst. Melto has strung together a multitude of strong performances since his first start came in the international friendly against Atlante FC, in which he volleyed in an absolute screamer of a goal. The young Liberian followed this up with goals against both El Paso Locomotive FC and Lexington SC, tacking on an assist to Greg Hurst against the latter. That would mark Hurst’s second goal in the Lexington match, after starting off the scoring frenzy with a top-bins finish from the penalty spot in the 43rd minute. Melto and Hurst have been phenomenal as of late for the Black and Yellow, and the pair are playing like they’re eager to keep the good times rolling.
United’s Brick Wall vs. Bennett
Sure to be on the radar of New Mexico United this week is Colorado Springs Switchbacks striker Khori Bennett. With 11 goals in 16 games this season, Bennett is the co-leader for scoring in the USL this season. New Mexico United’s defense has only allowed three goals in their last eight games, and will look to limit Bennett’s opportunities and earn three priceless points at home.
Where to Watch
In Person: Rio Grande Credit Union Field at Isotopes Park
TV: MY50 and Estrella TV
Streaming: ESPN+ and KRQE.com
Radio: 101.7 The Team
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Article written by intern Ben Montoya
