New Mexico United 2:1 Oakland Roots SC — Match Report

Gary RedknappFootball AnalystMATCH REPORT

Cristian Nava scored the opener and Zico Bailey netted a second as New Mexico United beat Oakland Roots SC 2-1 in USL Championship action, with Nava the standout performer in a win that sets up no immediate next fixture. It was a controlled, professional home performance that never really looked in doubt after the early goal settled any nerves.

The match turned inside the opening six minutes when Cristian Nava finished from Niko Hämäläinen's assist to put New Mexico ahead, and Zico Bailey doubled the lead four minutes before half-time, heading home Dayonn Harris's delivery. Oakland pulled one back through Peter Wilson in the 67th minute, but New Mexico's discipline held firm across a scrappy second half punctuated by yellow cards for Ousman Jabang, Kipp Keller and Maliek Howell for the hosts and Keegan Tingey and Thomas McCabe for the visitors.

New Mexico United deserved the win, having been the better side from the first whistle and maintaining that pressure throughout the second half. CheckLive's model rated New Mexico marginally ahead and the result confirmed that prediction, while the live signals backing the home side at 1.42 were also vindicated. There is no next fixture currently scheduled.

Questions & Answers

What was the final score of New Mexico United vs Oakland Roots SC?

New Mexico United 2-1 Oakland Roots SC (USL Championship).

Who scored?

Cristian Nava (6', assist Niko Hämäläinen) for New Mexico United; Zico Bailey (41', assist Dayonn Harris) for New Mexico United; Peter Wilson (67') for Oakland Roots SC.

Was New Mexico United's win deserved?

Yes — New Mexico United were on top for most of the match.

Were there any cards in New Mexico United vs Oakland Roots SC?

Yellow cards: Ousman Jabang (New Mexico United); Keegan Tingey (Oakland Roots SC); Kipp Keller (New Mexico United); Thomas McCabe (Oakland Roots SC); Maliek Howell (New Mexico United).

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