New Mexico United draws with Birmingham, extends lead over West to 6 points

July 20, 2024 – United Soccer League Championship (USL)
New Mexico United Press Release

Albuquerque, NM – New Mexico United and Birmingham Legion FC played out a 1-1 draw on Saturday night, extending New Mexico United’s lead in the Western Conference standings to six points with games in hand against their rivals. A goal from Sergio Rivas in the 60th minute was the goal that made the difference for the Black & Yellows, as excellent defensive performances from Will Seymore, Alex Tambakis and Nanan Houssou secured the point.

United maintained possession of the ball for the entire game at around 65-70%, ultimately finishing the game with 66%, as Legion FC was content to sit back, absorb pressure and counterattack. That recipe led to a scoreless first half, despite big chances for Greg Hurst and Mukwelle Akale in the frame, and Arturo Astorga nearly opening the scoring.

Instead, it was Rivas who scored first for the Black & Yellows – taking a superb diagonal pass from Akale at the top of the penalty area and firing past Birmingham’s Trevor Spangenberg for the opening goal. United would hold out for the next 21 minutes, until AJ Paterson – who had come on just three minutes earlier – was first from a corner in the 81st minute, heading past Tambakis for the equaliser that would ultimately share the points.

The draw leaves United six points clear at the top of the Western Conference, with three games left and one game in hand over Oakland Roots SC and Sacramento Republic FC, who are in second place, along with all other teams.

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