New Mexico United triumphed over Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC in a penalty shootout following a 2-2 draw in the Jägermeister Cup group stage, keeping their hopes alive for advancing to the knockout stages.
With an attendance of 10,747, the opening fifteen minutes saw Colorado Springs exerting pressure with dangerous deflected shots that narrowly missed. New Mexico United managed to withstand this early onslaught and scored against the run of play in the 24th minute when Thomas Amang finished off an assist from Fernando. However, Colorado Springs quickly responded four minutes later as Juan Tejada capitalized on confusion within United’s defense.
According to Biddulph, United regained the lead in the 31st minute after Talen Maples calmly converted a penalty despite attempts by Colorado to disrupt him. The lead slipped away again in the 65th minute when Anthony Fontana equalized for Colorado, and a near-winner for Fjeldberg in stoppage time hit the woodwork. The match proceeded to penalties, where Alex Tambakis made a crucial save and the crossbar denied Colorado’s final shooter, securing United’s victory.
This victory leaves New Mexico United three points behind San Antonio ahead of their final group-stage match in July. Only a win will keep their Jägermeister Cup aspirations alive. Before that, they will return to league play on July 4th against Pittsburgh Riverhounds.
New Mexico United is a professional soccer club based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Founded in 2018, it competes in the USL Championship, which is the second tier of U.S. soccer. The club is known for its passionate fanbase and community-driven mission, becoming a cultural touchstone in New Mexico with its black-and-yellow colors and "Somos Unidos" rallying cry.
Editor's note: The original article appears on https://www.1017theteam.com/, written by Seth Biddulph.
