New Mexico United reached a milestone by advancing to the USL Championship Western Conference Final for the first time in club history, following a 2-1 victory over Orange County SC at Rio Grande Credit Union Field at Isotopes Park. The match drew more than 10,000 fans and featured late drama as United secured their win in stoppage time.
Orange County began the match with strong pressure, but New Mexico goalkeeper Kris Shakes made two important saves in the first half to keep the score level. In the 49th minute, Greg Hurst scored after his initial header hit the crossbar and he finished on the rebound. This goal was Hurst’s 26th for New Mexico United, moving him into second place on the club’s all-time scoring list and marking his eighth goal of the season.
Orange County equalized in the 68th minute from a corner kick. However, in stoppage time, Dayonn Harris scored after receiving a pass from Valentin Noël, giving New Mexico United a decisive lead. The final whistle prompted celebrations among fans as scarves were waved and smoke filled the stadium.
The team will now travel to Oklahoma to face FC Tulsa in the Western Conference Final on Saturday, November 15 at 6:30 PM MT.
“Dayonn Harris wins it for @NewMexicoUTD in the DYING MINUTES!!!#USLPlayoffshttps://t.co/hyVMcxVwMRpic.twitter.com/oj9LiL9wEw,” stated USL Championship (@USLChampionship) on November 9, 2025.
