New Mexico Runners Make Debut in Exhibition Matchup

Rio Rancho, N.M. (December 1, 2018) – For the first time, the New Mexico Runners arena soccer team made an appearance in a live game setting. They fell in a high scoring matchup between the Colorado Inferno by a score of 14-10 in their pre-season exhibition matchup.

The Runners offense was aggressive right from the start outscoring the Inferno 3-0 in the first quarter. Three different Runners found the goal net in the first including: Jamie Rodriguez, Miguel Garcia, and Luis Fernando. The offensive showcase continued on into to the second quarter with Garcia scoring his second goal with a crucial assist from Mario Matute. While the offensive stayed strong, the defense struggled to stay ahead. The Runners allowed 6 goals in the second quarter.

New Mexico carried this momentum into halftime trailing by one with the score of 6-5 at the half. At the start of the second quarter, the Inferno flared up with Ismael Morales scoring two goals in just 21 seconds of play. The Runners struggled to respond in the third scoring just one goal to Colorado’s four. The Runners entered the fourth quarter with their largest deficit all game with a score of 10-6. However, the scoring slump did not affect the New Mexico fan base who were fired up in an attempt to fuel their team at the start of the final quarter.

Despite their sluggish third quarter, New Mexico brought the game back to within three with 2:24 remaining in the game.

In the face of their valiant effort the Runners ultimately fell to the Inferno 14-10. Although New Mexico didn’t come out on top, this game was a win for everyone in attendance. The Runners have firmly established themselves as New Mexico’s arena soccer team in a city that has adopted them. The Runners also showed themselves to be an unselfish team and finished with assists on half of all their goals. They will be back at home on Saturday, December 15^th with a 5:05 PM kick off at the Santa Ana Star Center against their instate rival the New Mexico Elite.

The Runners will play their first regular season home opener against the Santa Fe Elite. The matchup will take place on Saturday December 15^th, 2018 with a 5:05 PM kick-off at the Santa Ana Star Center (3001 Civic Center Circle Dr. NW, Rio Rancho, NM 87144). Tickets start at $10 and doors will open at 4:00 PM.