Runners Bested by Wings 5-15

by Andres Trujillo

Rio Rancho, NM (March 1, 2020) - In a battle to stay in playoff contention, the New Mexico Runners hosted the Wichita Wings on Sunday afternoon at the Santa Ana Star Center. It was a hard fought battle, but unfortunately the Runners were bested by the Wings 5-15.

The Runners are now 4-6 on the season and undoubtedly have the most challenging closing schedule in the league including a road double header against the league’s last remaining undefeated team the Chihuahua Savage.

The Runners started the game strong outscoring the Wings 3-2 in the first quarter. Midfielder Sergio Fuentes looked unstoppable racking up two goals on a couple of shots and an assist to Midfielder Edward Oropesa all before the first media timeout had been called.

A series of defense miscues lead to a 5-0 Wichita run leaving the Runners in a four-score deficit at halftime. Starting goalkeeper Casey Gasson was under fire all throughout the first half with the Wings racking up over 20 shots before the midway mark.

After struggling throughout the first half, Gasson was benched in favor of reserve Dominic Valenzuela. Valenzuela bolstered the defense making three straight saves to start the third and engaging the home crowd for the first time since the start of the game. Valenzuela finished with a career high ten saves while allowing just seven goals, his most impressive performance since joining the team.

Fuentes’ three goals also marked a season high in scoring for the second year midfielder giving the fans plenty to cheer for despite the lopsided final score. The loss drops the Runners to 4-6 on the year with an even 3-3 record at the Santa Ana Star Center.

The Runners will travel to Wichita Falls, TX to face the Falls Town Flyers next week on March 7th. The following weekend will be an international trip where they will travel south to Chihuahua for the road double header against the undefeated Savage.

The New Mexico Runners return home to close out their season 2 finale at the Santa Ana Star Center in Rio Rancho, NM on Saturday March 21st, 2020 hosting the Amarillo Bombers. The March 21st game will be donned First Responders Appreciation Night. Doors open at 4 PM with a 5 PM MT kick off. First responders are free and must show badge at the box office.

The New Mexico Runners are New Mexico’s professional arena soccer team based in 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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