United is back in action: Here's what to watch Saturday vs. Sacramento Republic
Elijah Orona sports New Mexico United face paint during a friendly against Sunderland AFC on July 19. United fell 3-2 in that exhibition
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Saturday night at Isotopes Park could have something of a red-carpet feel.
Needing a win to climb back into a playoff position, New Mexico United will host USL Championship Western Conference-leading Sacramento Republic FC. United (7-7-4) is riding a four-game unbeaten streak in league play, but has not played a USLC match since July 8 and slipped into a three-way tie for eighth in the conference standings during the interim.
United figures to have its hands full against Sacramento (9-2-8), which ranks among the league鈥檚 best in numerous statistical areas. None of that is lost on United coach Eric Quill.
鈥淭hey鈥檝e got some weapons up front and they鈥檙e very stingy defensively,鈥� Quill said, 鈥渙nly 12 goals allowed, one of the top defenses in the league. It鈥檚 a very good Sacramento team.鈥�
Republic FC has not always been at its best on the road (2-1-5) and figures to face a loud and rowdy contingent of United fans Saturday night. Adding to an attractive on-field matchup, it will be New Mexico鈥檚 annual Meow Wolf Night, with players sporting special alternate uniforms and many fans likely showing up in costume or new alternate-style jerseys.
United has also had ample time to prepare. Most of its front-line players sat out at least half of Wednesday鈥檚 international friendly against Sunderland AFC, and defender Milo Garvanian 鈥� who scored in NMU鈥檚 3-2 loss 鈥� is looking forward to facing a first-place foe.
鈥淲e鈥檝e been really focused in training,鈥� Garvanian said. 鈥淲e had a little time off and I think everyone鈥檚 refreshed and sharp for Saturday. I think we鈥檙e ready.鈥�
Here are five things to look for before during and after Saturday鈥檚 showdown.
FANS, FLAGS AND FIREWORKS: Spectators undoubtedly will be hoping for on-field entertainment, but additional drawing cards are in place. The first 3,000 fans entering Isotopes Park will receive Meow Wolf Night flags and a postgame fireworks display is scheduled. Republic FC is used to playing in front of large crowds, ranking third in USLC average home attendance (9,740 per game). United (9,951) is second to Louisville (10,516).
DE-FENSE! New Mexico will face a challenge trying to solve Republic FC goalkeeper Danny Vitiello, who has posted seven clean sheets in 18 appearances this season, the league鈥檚 second-best total.
Quill remained optimistic.
鈥淲e鈥檙e creating a lot of chances right now,鈥� Quill said, 鈥渉igh-quality chances. If we continue to do that, we鈥檙e going to score goals.鈥�
Quill was more concerned about shoring up his team鈥檚 defense and said he鈥檚 not satisfied with only three clean sheets this season. On the upside, two of those shutouts came in United鈥檚 last three matches, and goalkeeper Alex Tambakis has played well of late.
Vitiello and Tambakis are tied for ninth in the USLC with 46 saves apiece.
LAS VEGAS LOANER: Fans will not see forward Josh Dolling Saturday as NMU last week agreed to send him to Las Vegas Lights on loan for the rest of the season. Dolling set a club record with three assists in an April 29 match against Orange County but he had not appeared in a match since June 21.
STEADY PACE: Sacramento is tied with Pittsburgh for the fewest losses (2) in USLC play. Republic FC also is tied for the second-most draws in the league (8) and has tied its last three contests. Only Rio Grande Valley has more draws (9) this season.
FLASHY THREADS: Fans began lining up outside the United team store on Friday morning to purchase the new Meow Wolf jerseys, which went on sale in the afternoon. They鈥檒l also be sold on the concourse during Saturday鈥檚 match and online beginning Sunday.
