Goal from Marlon Vargas, Own Goal from Kalen Ryden spell a draw in Albuquerque
Albuquerque, NM New Mexico United and Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC played to a 1-1 draw on Saturday night at Rio Grande Credit Union Field at Isotopes Park. A terrific, long-range goal from Marlon Vargas, and an unfortunate own goal from Kalen Ryden spelled 1 point apiece, as the Black & Yellow remained at the top of the USL Championship Western Conference, pending results from elsewhere in the West.
Vargas got the scoring started in the 21st minute for the Black & Yellow. Mukwelle Akale sent a terrific diagonal ball in from the right side toward McKinze Gaines at the top of the box. Gaines laid the ball off first-time to a creeping Vargas, who belted home from about 25 yards out. Switchbacks goalkeeper Christian Herrera was helpless to keep the strike out, and it was 10 New Mexico.
That lead would last until late in the first half. A wide ball played to Isaiah Foster ended with a low cross in. Ryden, attempting to clear the danger, accidentally tapped into his own net for a 1-1 score that would stand until fulltime.
9,862 fans attended Saturday evening’s festivities.