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USL New Mexico United

New Mexico United Remain Unbeaten, Earn Important Point against Reigning Champs Orange County SC

March 27, 2022 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
New Mexico United News Release


New Mexico United earned a big point against reigning USL Championship title holders Orange County SC Saturday afternoon, by virtue of a 1-1 draw in front of 10,676 yellow-and-black-clad fans. Harry Swartz scored his second goal in as many home matches on the season before OCSC netted a stoppage time equalizer.

Statistically, the two clubs were relatively close in most major categories. United outshot Orange County by a 12-11 margin, but OC has one more shot on goal (5-4). There was just one offside call in the match, and it was an important one, as Tabort Etaka Preston slid home a lovely ball from Chris Wehan in the 5th minute, but was just a step beyond the defender, and the flag went up. United won the possession battle for the first time this season, albeit barely, by a 51.1% to 48.9% total.

Twelve minutes later, another Wehan pass found a great scoring opportunity, as a through ball to Neco Brett was fired on frame from about 20 yards out. Orange County goalkeeper Patrick Rakovsky was tall to the task, though, palming the shot over the bar for a United corner kick. Just before halftime, OCSC's Milan Iloski had his chance from distance, but United goalkeeper Alex Tambakis took his moment to shine, palming the shot away himself, and keeping the match scoreless into halftime.

It would remain that way until the 78th minute. Sam Hamilton found Daniel Bruce near the top right corner of the Orange County box. Bruce took two steps in and launched a curling cross toward Swartz, who's diving header would be the game's first tally.

United held that lead until stoppage time, when - after making another terrific save off of a flicked header from close just seconds earlier - Alex Tambakis was beaten off of a set piece. Cubo Torres's cross to the back post was headed toward frame where Milan Iloski headed it home for the final score of 1-1. Iloski was subsequently booked for taunting United fans.

New Mexico United remains unbeaten through their first three matches. Seven points through three matches make this the best start in the club's history. United's next game is at home to Oakland Roots on Wednesday, tickets are on sale now: tickets.newmexicoutd.com.

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