NEW MEXICO UNITED STORM BACK TO EARN DRAW WITH LAS VEGAS LIGHTS FC

Jul 23, 2023

New Mexico United stormed back with two late goals to snatch a draw from the jaws of defeat on Wednesday night against Las Vegas Lights FC. The Black & Yellow were buoyed by a brace from Amando Moreno, and a late strike from outside the box from Will Seymore – his first goal of the season and second since joining United in 2022.

United scored first in this one, as Austin Yearwood beat a defender before sending a dazzling through ball to Moreno in the middle of the pitch. Moreno took a few touches and cut back to send the defender before tucking home with his right foot for the game’s first score.

Immediately following that tally, Las Vegas marched down the pitch and hit a quick shot on goal that was met with a spectacular low save from United goalkeeper Ford Parker. That save was parried out for a corner, which Las Vegas’s Marcelo Lage immediately jumped on and knocked home for a 1-1 score that would remain through the remainder of the half.

Early in the second stanza, Vegas scored twice – once from Tyler Bagley in the 51st minute, and teo minutes later from Danny Rios. Once United were down by two goals in quick succession, the fight seemed to return. In the 77th minute, Sergio Rivas brought the ball through center before chipping to Moreno, who – with his back to goal – chested the ball before turning and firing in one motion for his second tally of the night, and ninth score on the season to bring United to within one score.

The final goal of the night was just as spectacular, as a double-teamed Harry Swartz found his way out the corner by chipping toward Seymore, who took two touches to his right to beat two defenders, before firing with his right foot from the top of the box, past a diving Andre Zuluaga. The goal was Seymore’s first of the year, securing a crucial point for United.

New Mexico United returns home on Saturday, taking on Charleston Battery at 7 PM.