Goals from Swartz, Moreno, Hernandez delight more than 10,000 on Meow Wolf Night
ALBUQUERQUE, NM - New Mexico United were dominant on Saturday night, besting Sacramento Republic FC - the top team in the Western Conference - by a convincing 3-0 margin in front of 10,813 fans at Rio Grande Credit Union Field at Isotopes Park. Goals from Harry Swartz in the first half and Amando Moreno and Nicky Hernandez in the second half paced the Black & Yellow, who extended their unbeaten streak to five matches.
The first half was dominated by United in possession and pace of play, but despite creating several chances, United approached halftime without a goal to show for it. Until Moreno cut along the byline and fired a pass that was just behind Swartz. The Needham, Massachusetts-native turned and fired off the right foot for the first goal of the match, just before the break.
11 minutes into the second half, it was Moreno’s turn to get a goal for himself. The El Salvador National took a pass from Sergio Rivas near the top of the box, took two touches on his left foot, and fired through Danny Vitiello’s legs for his team-best sixth goal of the season. Two minutes later, Moreno nearly scored again, but was stonewalled by Vitiello twice.
It took just one more minute for New Mexico to earn their third goal. Daniel Bruce fired from close range, but the shot was blocked up and out toward Hernandez, who first-time volleyed off the right foot to the near post and through Vitiello for a 3-0 score that United would not relinquish.
In the eighth minute of tonight’s match, Josh Suggs became just the fifth player in USL Championship history - and strangely, the third of the evening - to reach 20,000 career minutes played.
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