The Knighted Front: San Antonio will defend 210, New Mexico needs the win

Despite a one-man advantage, New Mexico and San Antonio ended their last match in a draw. New Mexico must overcome and win 3 points on the road.

By Chris Walker | Photo: Adam Nish

Next Battle: San Antonio FC (W-L-D, 8-9-7)

San Antonio FC is coming off a match with Rio Grande Valley Toros that ended in a 2-2 draw. San Antonio FC went up 2-0 early in the match and even had the one-man advantage. RGV scored a goal in 75th-minute and equalized off an own-goal in the 80th-minute.

The last time these two teams met was on Cinco De Mayo where New Mexico defeated San Antonio FC 3-0 at Isotopes Park. During that time, San Antonio FC was losing on the road. San Antonio FC has found their form at home lately. They are 6-2-5 at home.

Players to watch

Frank Lopez: Lopez since being loaned to the club has scored four goals and leads all scorers with10 goals.

Sword and Shield: New Mexico United: (W-L-D, 8-6-10)

New Mexico United is coming off a 2-2 draw with LA Galaxy II. New Mexico had a similar storyline as San Antonio FC. NM United had a man advantage and that didn’t change their fortune in the match.

New Mexico created several chances in this match, but couldn’t convert on them. The players displayed a very dejected look at the press conference.

New Mexico is 4-5-5 on the road. New Mexico’s last win was against El Paso on July 31 at Isotopes Park.

Players to Watch

Santi Moar: Moar is coming off the score against Portland, as well as, the assist to Chris Wehan in the match against Galaxy II.

New Mexico must limit SAFC’s clearances by taking the purpose shots that go on frame. Galaxy II had 26 clearances. New Mexico must win the second balls.

New Mexico Key Moments

New Mexico’s possession was in the high 60s and that would be a good number if they were defending a lead this would be a flattering number. New Mexico chance conversion and possession should balance out by the end of the match.

New Mexico took 22 with just 9 being on target. New Mexico has to get back to taking high-percentage shots on goal. They took 16 of their shots inside the box. New Mexico must finish those chances.

New Mexico must keep their defensive shape so the midfield line and the back line must step in to gaps and close down on the opposition.

New Mexico must keep movement off the ball. New Mexico can keep bad touches down by giving defenders options.

Details:

• New Mexico United at San Antonio FC
• Saturday, August 24 at Toyota Field at 6:30 pm MT