New Mexico United emphatically topped Phoenix Rising on Tuesday night, finishing with seven goals en route to the most emphatic victory in the club’s history. Albuquerque-native Cristian Nava was the man of the match, scoring his first professional goal and assisting another. Justin Portillo scored two goals – his first two for United – from the penalty spot, assisted another, and nearly scored a third.
Nava was the first player in United history to be signed from the Academy to the First Team. The Albuquerque High alumnus’s first career goal was United’s sixth of the match; a through ball from fellow Albuquerque-native Sergio Rivas that Nava tapped around Phoenix’s Edward Delgado, sending Albuquerque into a frenzy. Joining Nava on the scoresheet tonight were Justin Portillo – who scored twice, Chris Wehan, Harry Swartz, Daniel Bruce, and an own goal from Darnell King.
In the second half, Devon Sandoval made his 2022 debut. United’s first-ever signing had to step away from the game in late 2021, after doctors discovered blood clots in his heart. Sandoval consulted several specialists and worked hard for the last seven months to earn his way back onto the pitch.
United travel to Indianapolis this Saturday to take on Mark Lowry and Indy Eleven. United’s U-23’s will play their first-ever match on Thursday at United’s Mesa del Sol training facility. Kick-off is slated for 6:00 PM.
