November 19, 2022 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – New Mexico United News Release
Day Three of the USL Academy Playoffs saw New Mexico United Academy fall behind early and storm back for the second straight match. United, once again, never gave up, and earned a well-fought draw with Indy Eleven Academy.
Indy would record their first tally inside of 20 minutes, as a turnover on United’s back line resulted in a 19th-minute putaway and a 1-0 lead for Eleven. Just eight minutes later, Cisneros evened the score. Slotting home from close range to even the score at one.
As the first half drew to a close, a pair of penalties just minutes apart gave Indy new life. Just before halftime, Eleven turned a 1-1 score into a 3-1 advantage after converting both spot kicks. At halftime, United Head Coach Luke Sanford made two key changes – bringing on forward Alex Waggoner and midfielder Andres Robles. Both would make key contributions in the comeback. A brilliant set piece delivery from Robles found its way to the foot of Dane Gallegos, just two minutes into the half. Gallegos took a touch before slotting past the keeper to bring New Mexico within one.
United continued to press, and in the 53rd minute, the equalizer came off the calm right foot of Waggoner, who slotted a perfectly-placed slow roller past the keeper, off the far post and in for his tournament-leading fourth goal and an even score. Four minutes later, Indy were reduced to 10 men for the remainder of the match, after Jamal Bynum was taken down, earning a second yellow for an Indy forward.
New Mexico continued to push, and nearly found a winner, but settled for a point in the end. They return to action tomorrow for their final match of the tournament. Opponent and kick-off time are still TBD.
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