ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — On a night defined by rain, delays, intensity and playoff drama, New Mexico United delivered a performance worthy of the occasion.
Backed by 9,413 fans at Rio Grande Credit Union Field at Isotopes Park, the top-seeded club defeated rival Phoenix Rising FC 2-0 Sunday night in the Western Conference Quarterfinals, advancing to the USL Championship semifinals for the third consecutive postseason.
The match began two and a half hours late because of weather, but United wasted little time once play finally started.
Just seven minutes into the contest, Valentin Noel muscled past a defender on the right flank, raced to the end line and delivered a perfectly weighted ball into the box. Waiting for it was Greg Hurst, who buried the finish and ignited the home crowd.
The goal carried historic significance.
Hurst’s strike was his 39th for New Mexico United, making him the club’s all-time leading scorer. It was also his 13th goal across league and playoff competition this season, moving him within one of the club’s single-season scoring record.
Phoenix attempted to respond with sustained pressure midway through the first half. Chances from Diego Gomez and others tested United’s back line, but goalkeeper Kris Shakes and the defense held firm.
United nearly doubled its lead before halftime when Joseph Melto combined with Hurst for a dangerous opportunity, only to see Phoenix goalkeeper Chituru Odunze make a crucial save.
If the first half belonged to Hurst, the second belonged to Jake LaCava.
Just three minutes after the restart, an initial United attack was blocked inside the penalty area. The loose ball rolled out to LaCava more than 25 yards from goal. The defender advanced into space and unleashed a low right-footed strike that skipped into the bottom corner.
The goal pushed United ahead 2-0 and effectively changed the complexion of the match.
Moments later, Phoenix’s night unraveled.
In the 52nd minute, Jean-Eric Moursou was shown a red card after shoving United head coach Dennis Sanchez while attempting to retrieve a ball near the technical area. Rising later went down to nine players when Gunnar Studenhofft received a second yellow card following a challenge on Shakes.
Down two goals and two players, Phoenix struggled to mount a comeback.
The visitors thought they had found a late lifeline when Ihsan Sacko put the ball in the net, but the goal was waved off for offside. Shakes later denied both Sacko and Ascel Essengue in the closing minutes to preserve the clean sheet.
After the match, Sanchez praised his club’s ability to navigate the chaos of a physical playoff contest.
“Playoffs can create different types of games,” Sanchez said. “It wasn’t the prettiest game, but we found our way and we found our times to score goals.”
LaCava, whose goal earned him Man of the Match honors, credited the team’s resilience.
“Proud of the boys for getting it done,” he said. “It’s not been easy all season for us, but we’ve always found a way.”
The victory continues several impressive trends for United. The club has now scored in 12 consecutive home matches and has gone 24 straight USL Championship games without a loss when scoring first.
With the win, New Mexico advances to face Rocky Mountain rival Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC in the Western Conference Semifinals. The match is scheduled for November 7 at 7:30 p.m. in Albuquerque, with a place in the conference final on the line.
For one rain-soaked night, however, the focus remained on a team that embraced the elements, made history, and took another step toward the championship trophy that has long eluded it.
Match Summary
New Mexico United 2, Phoenix Rising FC 0
Goals
- NMU – Greg Hurst, 7′
- NMU – Jake LaCava, 48′
Attendance
- 9,413
Next Match
- New Mexico United vs. Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC
- November 7, 7:30 p.m.
- Rio Grande Credit Union Field at Isotopes Park
