Match day: Las Vegas Lights FC at New Mexico United

4. THERE’S A NEED, A NEED FOR 3: New Mexico missed a chance to add three points to its Western Conference standings total Wednesday when El Paso’s Diego Abitia scored an 86th-minute equalizer.

And three points on Saturday would go a long way for United, which is still 10th in the West with seven points, one behind Las Vegas.

But a win would also have another benefit — the club simply won’t be seeing a loss or draw.

New Mexico’s last USL win came against Orange County in the beginning of April. Of course, United hasn’t gotten many chances. The club has played a league-low six matches. Still …

Key matchup

United forward Greg Hurst vs. Lights keeper Jared Mazzola

Let’s go with the obvious choice here, because why not? Hurst notched his first two goals of the season Wednesday, ending a nine-match scoreless streak dating to last season’s conference semifinal. Las Vegas offers an opportunity for more. Lights are second in the USL in goals allowed with 16 and Mazzola has conceded 14 of those.

Player of the week

United defender Niko Hämäläinen

He leads New Mexico in clearances (23) and is tied for the lead in blocks (5). He should be helpful in trying to limit Rodriguez.

By the numbers

6/21/25: The last time Las Vegas won consecutive USL matches, a stretch of 24 games. Lights beat Lexington SC 2-1 last Saturday.

3: Las Vegas has conceded at least three goals in its four losses.

5: Lights are fifth in the USL in goals scored with 13 to go along with those 16 allowed.

0-4-1: Las Vegas’ road record. A good sign for United?

David Glovach covers New Mexico United and other sports for the Journal. Reach him at dglovach@abqjournal.com or via X @DavidGlovach.

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