New Mexico United came from behind to beat Las Vegas Lights FC 2–1 on the road in USL Championship action Saturday night. Greg Hurst equalized in the 34th minute after Oalex Anderson had opened the scoring for the hosts, and Kipp Keller struck the winner late in the second half to secure all three points for New Mexico.
Las Vegas started the brighter of the two sides, and Anderson rewarded their early initiative with a goal in the 29th minute to put the Lights ahead. The lead lasted just five minutes. Hurst pulled New Mexico level in the 34th, restoring parity before the break.
The first half ended with a booking for New Mexico's Luther Archimède in the 44th minute, but both teams headed into halftime at 1–1 with everything still to play for.
The second half was a more cagey affair until Keller broke the deadlock in the 79th minute, finishing from a Niko Hämäläinen delivery to put New Mexico ahead for the first time. It was a decisive blow, and Las Vegas struggled to mount a meaningful response.
The closing stages grew testy. Zico Bailey was cautioned in the 85th minute, Kristopher Shakes followed him into the book two minutes later, and Johnny Rodriguez picked up a yellow for the Lights in the 90th. Tyler Blackett added one more New Mexico booking deep in stoppage time. The flurry of cards suggested Las Vegas were pressing and New Mexico were doing whatever they could to see out the result.
They managed it. The win gives New Mexico United valuable points in the Western Conference standings as the regular season enters its final stretch.
USL Championship