New Mexico United and San Diego Loyal SC fought to a 1-1 draw on Saturday night in front of 11,233 fans at Rio Grande Credit Union Field at Isotopes Park. An early goal from captain and midfielder Sam Hamilton got the evening started off on the right foot. While an equalizer in first half stoppage time from Evan Conway split the points.
United started brightly in this one; pressing high and sending in several dangerous crosses early on. One such cross came off the foot of Amando Moreno, and found Santi Moar just outside the six-yard box. Moar headed down and toward goal, but a terrific save from Loyal goalkeeper Jorge Ruiz Ojeda kept the Spaniard out of the net. The rebound would not stay out, however, as Hamilton first-timed a half-volley on his right foot off of Ojeda and in for his first score of the season.
The equalizer came in the first minute of first half stoppage time for San Diego, as Charlie Adams delivered a set piece curler that found the head of Conway, who sent the header across goal and past Alex Tambakis for San Diego’s only score.
Both sides would generate several chances in the second half, with United holding a 16-10 advantage in shots and a 4-3 advantage in shots on goal on the evening. United Head Coach/Technical Director Zach Prince praised the club’s defensive effort and “fighting football.”
Josh Suggs made his 241st USL Championship appearance tonight, which ties him for fifth in league history. Alex Tambakis surpassed 15,000 career minutes in USL Championship regular season play. Milo Garvanian made his professional debut when he was subbed on in the second half.
