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New Mexico United

We're In! New Mexico United Clinch Playoff Berth in 3-2 Win Over LA Galaxy II

October 12, 2022 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
New Mexico United News Release


A 3-2 victory over LA Galaxy II on Wednesday night earned New Mexico United a berth in the 2022 USL Championship Playoffs - their third such playoff berth in just their first four seasons of existence. The win - combined with a 3-1 El Paso Locomotive FC loss to the Tampa Bay Rowdies earlier in the evening - secured the berth for United. Up next, New Mexico welcomes Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC to Rio Grande Credit Union Field at Isotopes Park on Saturday, with visions of clinching the first home playoff match in club history.

Misfortune struck first in this one, as a back-pass from United's Kalen Ryden to goalkeeper Alex Tambakis snuck under Tambakis's foot for an own goal and 0-1 lead for Los Dos in the sixth minute. That lead would last just seven minutes, as a cross from Harry Swartz would hit the hand of a Galaxy II defender, earning United a penalty that Justin Portillo would calmly slot home for a 1-1 score.

Michael Salazar would retake the lead for Galaxy II on a slick through ball from Josh Drack that was slotted low past Tambakis. But after that, the match became the Harry Swartz show. In the 49th minute, Swartz stole the ball just outside the box and dodged two defenders before finding Amando Moreno, who laid a perfect flat ball for Swartz to run onto and finish from just outside the box. Swartz earned a brace just five minutes later. A Justin Portillo free kick from the left sideline was punched away by the Los Dos keeper Lopez, but Swartz's rainbow kick looped over the keeper and defenders, giving United the score that would take them to the postseason.

The win keeps New Mexico's dreams of hosting a playoff match for the first time in their history alive, but they will need a little bit of help to get it done. First, they must beat Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC on Saturday. Kick-off for that match is set for 7:00 PM MT. In addition, San Diego Loyal SC must beat Sacramento Republic FC on Saturday. Kick-off for that match is scheduled for 8:00 PM MT. Tickets for Saturday's regular season finale can be purchased at tickets.newmexicoutd.com.

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