Seaside, Calif. – After a hard-fought 1-0 home victory over Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, New Mexico United has not lost a match since May 20. Dennis Sanchez’s side will look to make it a double-digit streak as they head west to take on Monterey Bay FC this Saturday at 8:00 PM MDT. The Black and Yellow chasing a historic unbeaten stretch, and Monterey Bay coming off a short week 1-0 loss to El Paso Locomotive and looking to defend their home field – what more could you ask for?
Steady as She Goes
With three games in hand and four wins in a row, New Mexico United is in their best form so far this season. New Mexico has won two of their last three against Monterey Bay, but narrowly escaped defeat in the last meeting of the two sides. Luther Archimede subbed on in the 70th minute and scored the equalizer just seventeen minutes later – an important reminder that no match in this league is a given. The Black and Yellow will look to dissuade all doubts this time around, stay dialed in, and improve on a 3-3-1 record on the road.
Smooth Sailing
“The Burque Backline” as they’ve come to be known, have allowed just two goals in New Mexico United’s last five matches, whilst the attacking side posted ten goals through the same stretch. Goalkeeper Kris Shakes will look to continue his Golden Glove campaign this week after posting a six-save shutout against Colorado Springs, his seventh clean sheet of the season. Chris Gloster will also look to play a major part in the seaside quest for three points this week. The 26-year old left-back has been flying around the field for the Black and Yellow, earning Pepsi Co-Man of the Match honors last week after facilitating plenty of scoring opportunities and earning just as many defensive takeaways.
Wasted Away in Monterey Bay
Sebastian Lletget, a newcomer to the USL and a bright spot for Monterey Bay, will be a stiff test for New Mexico United’s backline. The seasoned soccer veteran has a stint with West Ham and a long career in the MLS to his name, with nearly 200 appearances for the LA Galaxy. Lletget added a goal and an assist in his team’s recent match against Lexington SC. Despite his heroics, Monterey lost that battle 3-2. The California side will hope to get back on track this week after a quick turnaround, having fallen 1-0 to El Paso on Wednesday, August 5. Head coach Alex Covelo, who took over the club in April, will have just three days to get his squad ready for a red-hot New Mexico United.
