New Mexico United lost 5-2 to FC Tulsa in an away match on Saturday night in Oklahoma. The game began with Taylor Calheira scoring a penalty for Tulsa in the 17th minute, putting the home team ahead. New Mexico United equalized in the 33rd minute when Greg Hurst scored after working through a challenge in the box.
Mukwelle Akale nearly gave United the lead in the 37th minute, but his shot was saved by Tulsa goalkeeper Johan Peñaranda. Three minutes later, Ousman Jabang scored for United, giving them a 2-1 advantage going into halftime.
Tulsa responded quickly at the start of the second half. Defender Harvey St. Clair scored just 45 seconds after play resumed to tie the match at 2-2. Five minutes later, Marcos Cerato put Tulsa ahead with another goal. Kalil ElMedkhar extended Tulsa's lead to 4-2 in the 53rd minute, and Alexander Dalou finished off the scoring for Tulsa with a goal in the 82nd minute.
The match statistics showed that New Mexico United had more shots (14) than FC Tulsa (10), and both teams recorded six shots on goal each. United's goalkeeper made four saves compared to one by Peñaranda. Corner kicks favored Tulsa two to one, while New Mexico committed nine fouls to Tulsa’s six.
Yellow cards were issued to Abdoulaye Cissoko (Tulsa, 13’), Gedion Zelalem (United, 45’), Marcos Cerato (Tulsa, 54’), and Taylor Calheira (Tulsa, 61’).
New Mexico United will return home for their next match against Las Vegas Lights on Saturday, August 16 at Rio Grande Credit Union Field at Isotopes Park during Zozobra Night.
