New Mexico United ground out a 1–0 victory over Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC on Saturday night, with Maliek Howell scoring the only goal of the game early in the second half.

The first 45 minutes produced no goals but plenty of niggle. Zico Bailey picked up a yellow card in the 19th minute for New Mexico, and Colorado Springs' Brennan Creek followed him into the book in the 38th. Howell himself was cautioned just before the break, meaning he went into halftime walking a disciplinary tightrope.

That booking did nothing to dull his impact. Six minutes into the second half, Howell finished off a Cristian Nava delivery to put New Mexico ahead in the 51st minute — a goal made all the more notable given he was one foul away from an early exit. It proved to be the decisive moment of the contest.

Colorado Springs pushed for an equalizer but couldn't find a way through. New Mexico managed the game from there, though not without some tension. Kipp Keller was booked in the 81st minute as the hosts racked up three yellows on the night, a sign of the physical effort required to protect their slim lead.

The Switchbacks ultimately ran out of ideas, and New Mexico saw the game out without any late scares. It was a professional, if not pretty, three points for the home side.

The win keeps New Mexico United's momentum going in the USL Championship as the season enters the stretch run, while Colorado Springs will need to find more cutting edge on the road if they hope to stay in the playoff picture.