Runners Fall at Home, 11-2

Rio Rancho, NM (February 8, 2020) – With four starters down and a three way tie for third place in the M2 standings, the New Mexico Runners laced up their shoes for a rematch against the Colorado Inferno FC. New Mexico fell to Colorado Inferno 11-2 in a lopsided officiated game on Saturday night at the Santa Ana Star Center in Rio Rancho.

After Inferno took the first game earlier this season by a score of 11-4 in Colorado Springs, the Runners looked to even the score at one all with the series shifting back home to the Santa Ana Star Center in Rio Rancho. Unfortunately, Colorado Springs took control early and would not relinquish the lead, eventually topping the Runners 11-2.

Inferno FC is one of New Mexico’s most common opponents with the two having faced each other five times to date with the series now one to four in favor of the Inferno. Colorado ignited early scoring three goals in the first quarter. However, New Mexico’s defense held strong ensuring the lead didn’t grow to close the quarter.

The Runners offense struggled to get anything going, recording double digit shots before the end of the half but came up empty handed on nine separate shot attempted. Thankfully, New Mexico defender Patrick Pacheco managed to sneak a shot past goalkeeper Justin Dzuba to get their first goal of the night. Five different Runners registered shots on goal to combine for 15 on the night despite the lack of scoring.

New Mexico found themselves down 1-6 at halftime facing the worst halftime deficit of the season. The road did not get any easier in the second half as the Runners defense started to show signs of fatigue. Tempers flared up as Mario Matute received a red card for excessive force and dissent five minutes into the second half. Starting keeper Casey Gasson struggled to stop the offensive onslaught which resulted in five unanswered goals down the stretch to close the game.

The loss drops the Runners to 4-5 on the year with a 3-2 advantage at home. The Runners will be back in action at the Santa Ana Star Center on Sunday March 1, 2020 at 3 pm for a rematch against the Wichita Wings. Single game tickets can be purchased at the venue box office or at newmexicorunners.com.

The New Mexico Runners will host the Colorado Inferno FC at the Santa Ana Star Center in Rio Rancho, NM on Saturday February 8^th with a 5 PM MT kick off. Doors open at 4 PM for Faith & Family Night. Faith and church groups are invited to attend with a discounted group rate of $9 per ticket. Call 505-663-7786 to score this deal.

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.
###