Landon Donovan, Team USA Put on Show but Fall to Mexico 7-3

Rio Rancho, N.M. (August 24, 2019) – After five long months of quiet at the Santa Ana Star Center, the arena came to life once again to the exciting and action packed arena soccer match-up between Team USA and Mexico. Even though USA fell to Mexico 7-3, over 1,700 fans enjoyed the entertainment US Soccer legend Landon Donovan brought to New Mexico.

The highly combative defenses for both teams kept the score low, but with lots of entertaining plays that kept the crowd cheering.

Landon Donovan ensured the crowd got their money’s worth as he scored a goal on a breakaway run. Donovan tied things up at one a piece early in the match, but it was too much for Team USA as Mexico ran away with the game as it progressed.

Mexico’s roster featured the Runners’ very own league MVP Forward Jaime “Chiva” Rodriguez who led the MASL 2 in goals scored last season while also being the Runner’s leading scorer. Chiva added his name to the stat sheet late in the third quarter with a timely goal to give Mexico the 4-1 advantage.

Rodriguez did have a challenge on his hands facing familiar talent on the other side of the field. Midfielder Miguel Garcia gave Team USA great minutes down the stretch with his defense being instrumental during the US late game charge.

The familiar faces of Jaime Rodriguez, Sergio Fuentes, and Miguel Garcia gave the fans a small taste of what’s to come for New Mexico’s season 2 kicking off in December.

“I think it was awesome to have a soccer icon like Donovan put on a showcase for New Mexico.” Stated New Mexico Runners team Owner Andres Trujillo. “This was an excellent display of the excitement that fans can expect for the Runners in season 2.”

The New Mexico Runners wrapped up their inaugural season in March and are gearing up for season 2 in the Major Arena Soccer League 2 which is slated to start this upcoming December at the Santa Ana Star Center.

The New Mexico Runners are New Mexico’s first Major Arena Soccer League team based out of Rio Rancho, NM and current members of Major Arena Soccer League 2 (MASL2). The Runners play their home games at Santa Ana Star Center and season 2 season tickets are on sale NOW by calling 505.663.7RUN (7786). For more information on the Runners, visit http://www.newmexicorunners.com as well as LIKE, FOLLOW and SHARE on social media at @nmrunners.

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