Runners win 1st Home Game In History
Rio Rancho, NM (February 10, 2019) – New Mexico has made history with their first home win of their inaugural season. The Runners (2-5) defeated the Colorado Rumble (2-5) by a score of 14-13 in a back and forth battle that kept the fans on their feet all game.
Back home for their seventh regular season game the New Mexico Runners gave their fans a long-awaited home win and Sunday’s win brought an end to a three game home losing streak which bumped them to 3rd in the Mountain Division.
New Mexico opened the game on a 2-0 run with both Defender James Urbany and Midfielder Jacob Gandarilla finding net in early minutes. The Runners defense lead by goalkeeper Casey Gasson, who collected 13 saves on 26 total shots, came alive in the second quarter shutting down the Rumble’s offense. Colorado would close out the quarter with 4 total goals, of which only came during the defensive second quarter.
On the other side of the ball the Runners ran away with the lead scoring 4 unanswered goals heading into halftime. The run was spearheaded by New Mexico’s leading scorer Jaime Rodriguez who registered 3 during the drive including a penalty kick. The drive was capped off by a score from Midfielder Luis Loera off a cross field pass from Midfielder Seth Gordon to put the Runners up 8-4.
The Runners defense weathered the storm throughout the third, matching the Rumble’s two scores while extending their lead to five. New Mexico’s offensive displayed solid teamwork recording six assists on 14 total goals. Saturday’s game marked a new season high for most points scored by the Runners offense (14).
Despite the large lead Runners lead, Colorado continued to fight to stay in the game. The Rumble pieced together a 4-0 run coming with just over twelve minutes left to play. During the run, Colorado’s leading scorer Raul Elias racked up two of his 4 total goals within 40 seconds of each other. With less than four minutes to play, the Runners found themselves in an all too familiar situation where they needed to finish strong.
The Rumble’s comeback while impressive, was insufficient to overcome the Runners dominant performance. Scoring leader and first star of the game Jaimie Rodriguez scored the go ahead goal to put the Runners up 14-13 to close the match. New Mexico will return to action on Sunday, February 17, 2019 at the Santa Ana Star Center for a rematch against the Colorado Inferno FC.
The Runners continue their home stand as they face the Colorado Inferno FC. The match-up will take place on Sunday February 17th, 2019 with a scheduled 3:05 PM kick-off at the Santa Ana Star Center in Rio Rancho.
The New Mexico Runners are an arena soccer team based in Rio Rancho, NM and current members of Major Arena Soccer League M2 (MASL2). The Runners play their home games at Santa Ana Star Center and 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. ###