New Mexico United blows 2-0 lead, settles for draw in Albuquerque

New Mexico United let a two-goal lead slip away Saturday night, settling for a 2-2 draw with Indy Eleven at home. The result left United’s head coach treating the outcome as two points lost rather than one gained.

United struck first in the 16th minute. A free kick created an opportunity in front of goal, and the ball bounced off the crossbar before Luther Archimède rose above the defense and headed it into the net. The goal gave United a 1-0 lead and marked Archimède’s first of the season.

Just two minutes later, Greg Hurst doubled the advantage with a strong individual effort, his eighth goal of the season, putting United in control early.

Indy Eleven eventually fought back, erasing the two-goal deficit to earn a point on the road.

“I think you have a 2-0 lead at home and you’re giving it up, and in fairness, they had chances to win the game,” United head coach Dennis Sanchez said.

Sanchez said United moved away from the style that built the early cushion.

“I think we went away from us. We went away from playing. We went away from control, with and without the ball, and we have to use this as a learning moment,” Sanchez said.

He was direct about how he viewed the night.

“Sure, it’s a point, but for me, it’s more that we dropped two points at home,” Sanchez said.

United returns to action Wednesday against Birmingham Legion FC. The team then comes home next Saturday to host the Colorado Springs Switchbacks.