Monterrey Rayados defeats Colorado Rapids by 2-0 margin in Day One matinee
Albuquerque, N.M. – Day One of the inaugural Somos Unidos Cup, presented by Clark’s Pets Emporium, was as exciting as it was meaningful, as four of the top soccer academies in North America came together at the First Financial Training Center in Albuquerque. The New Mexico United Academy took on the Atlanta United Academy in the nightcap - charging back with four unanswered goals, after Atlanta scored first.
“I’m really proud of the effort that the guys put in,” said United Academy Head Coach Luke Sanford. “I thought they came out aggressive, and they didn’t show any fear, which I think is the most important thing. That’s what we talked about leading up to this - just playing, being ourselves, and true to ourselves, and being the aggressor.”
Atlanta United Academy got on the board first in this match, as Owen Barnett found his way behind the defense on the left side and side-footed home a through ball for the 1-0 lead in the 30th minute. That lead would last just ten minutes, though, as New Mexico’s Denilson Velasquez evened the score on the stroke of halftime, tapping home a through ball of his own for an even score at the midpoint of the match.
Then, the flood gates opened. As New Mexico’s Aaron Cisneros gave United a lead they wouldn’t relinquish, and Jace Sais doubled it, giving the Black & Yellow a twogoal margin via goals in the 52nd and 53rd minute, respectively. 14 minutes later, Cole Lobitz sealed the deal with his first goal of the tournament in the 67th minute, for a final score of 4-1 over their MLS Academy foes. Earlier in the day, Liga MX’s Monterrey Rayados earned a 2-0 victory over Colorado Rapids Academy in the tournament’s opening match.
The victories for New Mexico and Monterrey Rayados set up an exciting Day Two of the tournament on Saturday. The first match - scheduled for 3:30 PM MT - will feature the two clubs that lost on Day One. If Atlanta United wins that match, New Mexico will be playing for the Somos Unidos Cup title when they take on Monterrey Rayados in the 6:00 nightcap. The reverse will be true if Colorado Rapids Academy wins the early match, as Rayados will then have the chance to clinch the title. Mixed results in those matches will set up a Championship Sunday, as Monterrey Rayados and Atlanta United will face off at 9:00 AM MT, and New Mexico United and Colorado Rapids will do battle at 11:00 AM.
To learn more about the New Mexico United academy, please visit: https://www.somosunidosfoundation.org/ac ademy
About New Mexico United
New Mexico United, the state’s first professional soccer franchise, brings the most popular sport in the world home to the Land of Enchantment. Fueled by a passion for community, New Mexico United’s promise is to provide a platform that brings New Mexicans together for a unique sporting experience, celebrating the unity and excitement inherent in world-class soccer. www.newmexicoutd.com About New Mexico United Academy New Mexico United Academy kicks off in 2021, and will provide the highest level of youth soccer instruction and training at no cost to any participant. Travel, equipment, training and registration are all included in scholarships provided for each participant. To learn more about our goal of providing the best possible soccer education for every New Mexican, visit somosunidosfoundation.o rg/academy
About USL
The USL is one of the most successful professional soccer leagues in the world, reaching a population of more than 84 million and fueling the growth of the game across North America. Headquartered in Tampa, Florida, the USL provides unparalleled club support with a growing team of more than 50 professionals across 17 departments, ranging from operations to marketing, communications, and sponsorship. The USL has a national media partnership with ESPN, wherein all league matches are broadcast on ESPN+, ESPN3 and across linear channels. The league also operates USL Productions, which includes a state-of-the-art facility that produces and distributes more than 500 league matches and more than 1,000 hours of original content to national partners, local affiliates and international markets throughout the 2018 season. www.usl.com