New Mexico United played to a 2–2 draw against Las Vegas Lights FC on Saturday night at Rio Grande Credit Union Field at Isotopes Park, with an announced attendance of 11,581. The result moves New Mexico United down to sixth place in the USL Championship Western Conference standings.
The match began with an early goal from Valentin Noël of New Mexico United in the fifth minute. Noël’s strike put the home team ahead 1–0.
Las Vegas Lights FC equalized quickly. In the 12th minute, Anthony Herbert, who is originally from New Mexico, scored after taking advantage of a defensive error. Both teams remained level for the rest of the first half.
In the second half, Las Vegas took the lead in the 74th minute through Nighte Pickering. However, New Mexico United responded late when Thomas Amang scored a header three minutes before regulation time ended, bringing the final score to 2–2.
The game statistics show that New Mexico United had 12 shots compared to Las Vegas’ 13. Las Vegas had four shots on goal while United had two. United’s goalkeeper made two saves; Las Vegas made none. Corner kicks were nearly even at five for New Mexico and four for Las Vegas. Fouls were called more often against United (15) than against Las Vegas (9).
There were several yellow cards issued during the match: Gennaro Nigro and Christopher Pearson received cautions for Las Vegas; Christopher Gloster and Kristopher Shakes received yellows for New Mexico; Talen Maples was shown both a yellow and then a red card within five minutes; Nighte Pickering was also booked for Las Vegas, while Greg Hurst and Younes Boudadi saw yellow cards late in stoppage time for New Mexico.
Next up, New Mexico United will play away against Louisville City FC on Saturday, August 23 at 6:00 p.m. MT. They will return home to host Sacramento Republic FC on Friday, August 30 for Indigenous Peoples Night at Rio Grande Credit Union Field at Isotopes Park.
