New Mexico United clinches home playoff match with Albuquerque win

Charlie Dennis scored twice in Albuquerque Saturday night to secure a postseason hosting spot. The victory keeps the club in contention for the top Western Conference seed. The match ended in a 3-1 result over Monterey Bay FC at The Lab.

Dennis opened the scoring in the 18th minute of the match. That strike was his first goal in a New Mexico United uniform. He struck again nine minutes later.

The brace gave the Black and Yellow a 2-0 lead at halftime. Greg Hurst found the net in the 56th minute. That goal tied Chris Wehan for the club scoring record with 38 total goals.

Head coach Dennis Sanchez earned his 37th victory with the franchise. That total set a new club record for coaching wins. He praised his squad after defeating an eliminated opponent.

“It could have been very much a trap game,” Sanchez said. “Obviously Monterey is out of playoff contention, they are experimenting, they have guys that are vying for contracts, and I thought it was just a professional performance tonight.”

Hurst pointed to the team milestones after the final whistle. The club now has three regular-season matches remaining.

“I think moments like this, getting home playoff, you know Dennis getting the most wins of all time, like those are the things we should be looking at and realizing that we are a good team,” Hurst said.

The Lab serves as the home venue for soccer matches in Albuquerque. Regular-season standings determine which clubs earn hosting rights during postseason tournament rounds.

United plays next on the road. The squad faces San Antonio FC on Saturday at 6:30 p.m.