New Mexico United Academy Comes Back from 3-0 Down, Falls 4-3 in Academy Playoffs

November 18, 2022 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – New Mexico United News Release

Day Two of the USL Academy Playoffs saw New Mexico United Academy fall behind by three goals inside of 25 minutes, but the team never gave up – mounting an incredible comeback over the remaining time. Goals from Alex Waggoner, Denilson Velaquez, and a final-minute equalizer from Ivan Moore made this match a thrilling affair from start to finish. New Mexico showed true grit, emblematic of the state they represent.

The Black & Yellow got their first goal back in the 32nd minute through Waggoner – his tournament-leading third goal of the postseason – and some high press and a deflection. At the start of the second half, Velasquez got his first score of the playoffs to cut the deficit to one. Immediately following that score, United continued to press and earned five corners in succession, that included a terrific header on goal from Jamal Bynum that was tipped over the bar.

New Mexico continued to push through the second half, and they finally got their equalizer in the last minute of regular time, as Ivan Moore sent home a low shot at the far post. United thought they’d earned a crucial point, but in the resulting stoppage time, Tampa bay quickly marched down and scored on a header to take all three. New Mexico can still take the group’s top spot – and a place in the final – with a win tomorrow, and a draw or win for AC Connecticut against Tampa Bay.

For post-match interviews with players and coach visit here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1aqVFzMgY9CcdrT1xf3wNAaFuM61abpCN?usp=share_link

To learn more about the New Mexico United academy, please visit: https://www.somosunidosfoundation.org/academy

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