Runners Fall To Power on the Road, 15-9

by Andres Trujillo

Austin, TX (December 28, 2019) – The New Mexico Runners had a tough loss against the Austin Power on Saturday night in the longest road trip of the season. New Mexico fell to the Power by a score of 15-9 and drop to a record of 3-2 on the season.

The 1st quarter was a defensive one with no team scoring for over 7 minutes until the Power drew first blood with 7:06 on the clock. It wouldn’t take long for the Runners to equalize as Midfielder Luis Fernando Martinez nailed a goal from 15 yards out. The first would conclude knotted up at one a piece.

In the 2nd quarter, Forward Jaime Rodriguez would laser one in to give New Mexico a 2-1 lead. Just three minutes later, Martinez would score his second of the evening with an assist from Miguel Garcia. The pressure was increased as Cleveland High School soccer star Midfielder Gabe Legendre helped propel a 4-1 lead over Austin with 9:37 left in the half. Legendre would go on to score just 3 minutes later to give the Runners a 5-2 lead. Austin would tie things up with three quick goals where the first half ended at a score of 5-5.

The 3rd quarter was a doozy for New Mexico which resulted in Austin scoring 5 unanswered goals. The Runners defense couldn’t get their bearings which lead to a 10-5 trail behind the Power at the end of the third.

Things just weren’t clicking in the chemistry department for New Mexico as the Power hit a goal right out of the gate in just 30 seconds into the 4th quarter. Garcia made a quick strike with an assist from Andres Robles to cut the Power lead to 12-6. It looked like there was some momentum as brother of Gabe Legendre, Nick Legendre, got a piece of the action with 8:35 remaining in the game and a score of 12-7. The quarter ended with Rodriguez and Defender Colton Oord scoring a goal apiece, but it wasn’t enough as Austin tacked on 3 more to close out the game by a score of 15-9.

The tough 11 hour road trip played a major factor in the fatigue the Runners displayed this road game, but remain optimistic as they refocus their efforts on the upcoming game at home.

The New Mexico Runners return home to host the Colorado Rumble on Saturday January 4th, 2020 with a 5 PM MT kick off at the Santa Ana Star Center. Doors open at 4 PM and next home game’s promotion is $2 beer night for fans 21 years and older.

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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