On a magical evening, when Devon Sandoval’s strike sent nearly 13,000 rabid fans into a frenzy, and Cody Mizell, save one slip up, was a brick wall in front of goal, it would be forgivable to overlook 3 amazing rookie performances. Having said that, the first-match-craziness volume is now low enough that we can look back on those inaugural performances, and give them their proper due.
On a magical evening, when Devon Sandoval’s strike sent nearly 13,000 rabid fans into a frenzy, and Cody Mizell, save one slip up, was a brick wall in front of goal, it would be forgivable to overlook 3 amazing rookie performances. Having said that, the first-match-craziness volume is now low enough that we can look back on those inaugural performances, and give them their proper due.
3. Ryan Williams
The “Flyin’ Hawaiian” proved on Saturday evening that his nickname is more than a cliché. Number 7 for New Mexico United flew at every opportunity. He ran down balls that seemed uncatchable, he darted into the few cracks in Fresno’s defensive ranks, and as the clock ran down, he nearly put his head on a ball that would have surely found the net upon connection.
3. Ryan Williams
The “Flyin’ Hawaiian” proved on Saturday evening that his nickname is more than a cliché. Number 7 for New Mexico United flew at every opportunity. He ran down balls that seemed uncatchable, he darted into the few cracks in Fresno’s defensive ranks, and as the clock ran down, he nearly put his head on a ball that would have surely found the net upon connection.
If you know Ryan, you know that those few millimeters between his head and a potential game-winner are going to motivate him to elevate the already ridiculously high standards he has for himself.
If you know Ryan, you know that those few millimeters between his head and a potential game-winner are going to motivate him to elevate the already ridiculously high standards he has for himself.
2. Rashid Tetteh
When co-captain Sam Hamilton came up hobbled late in the first half, all eyes turned to Coach Lesesne’s bench. Who would replace the stalwart at center back? Rashid Tetteh, a rookie out of High Point University got the nod and seized his opportunity. Fresno’s equalizer early in the second half was a dagger, but Tetteh and the rest of the defensive unit scrapped and were instrumental in United securing its first point.
2. Rashid Tetteh
When co-captain Sam Hamilton came up hobbled late in the first half, all eyes turned to Coach Lesesne’s bench. Who would replace the stalwart at center back? Rashid Tetteh, a rookie out of High Point University got the nod and seized his opportunity. Fresno’s equalizer early in the second half was a dagger, but Tetteh and the rest of the defensive unit scrapped and were instrumental in United securing its first point.
It’s not easy to make your professional debut, especially when you’re replacing one of the pillars of a first-year team’s defense, but Tetteh handled it with poise and maturity.
It’s not easy to make your professional debut, especially when you’re replacing one of the pillars of a first-year team’s defense, but Tetteh handled it with poise and maturity.
1. The New Mexico United Faithful
The rookie performances on the pitch were laudable, but the first-year, first-match crowd was almost unfathomable. Wave, after wave of New Mexico United supporters poured through the gates – fans of every hue and background, decked in black and yellow, focused on one thing: Their soccer team. They weren’t just loud when the P.A. told them to be, or when Devon Sandoval fired a sublime ball to notch New Mexico’s first goal in history. They were loud for the entire match.
Is it just one game? Yes, but is it an amazing proof of concept? Absolutely. The black and yellow hoard’s emergence on Saturday was impressive but more impressive was it’s display of potential. We’re biased, we know – but, this fan base is definitely one to be watched.
1. The New Mexico United Faithful
The rookie performances on the pitch were laudable, but the first-year, first-match crowd was almost unfathomable. Wave, after wave of New Mexico United supporters poured through the gates – fans of every hue and background, decked in black and yellow, focused on one thing: Their soccer team. They weren’t just loud when the P.A. told them to be, or when Devon Sandoval fired a sublime ball to notch New Mexico’s first goal in history. They were loud for the entire match.
Is it just one game? Yes, but is it an amazing proof of concept? Absolutely. The black and yellow hoard’s emergence on Saturday was impressive but more impressive was it’s display of potential. We’re biased, we know – but, this fan base is definitely one to be watched.
New Mexico United's next bout is with defending Western Conference Champions, Phoenix Rising FC. The match will be on Saturday, March 16, and New Mexico United fans have already bought every single ticket that was reserved for the visiting supporters.
United are back in Isotopes Park, Wednesday March 20, for a tilt with Tulsa Roughnecks FC. The game will be broadcast on ESPN 3, and tickets can be purchased here.
New Mexico United’s next bout is with defending Western Conference Champions, Phoenix Rising FC. The match will be on Saturday, March 16, and New Mexico United fans have already bought every single ticket that was reserved for the visiting supporters.
United are back in Isotopes Park, Wednesday March 20, for a tilt with Tulsa Roughnecks FC. The game will be broadcast on ESPN 3, and tickets can be purchased here.
