Runners grab first home win

New Mexico team moves to third in Mountain Division after victory

RIO RANCHO — The New Mexico Runners indoor soccer team grabbed its first home win of its inaugural season in front of 703 fans at the Santa Ana Star Center on Sunday.

The Runners (2-5) defeated the Colorado Rumble, 14-13, in a back-and-forth battle.

Jaime Rodriguez scored the game-winning goal for the Runners. He finished with five goals. Colorado dropped to 2-5. Back home for their seventh regular season game, the Runners ended their three-game home losing streak and Sunday’s win bumped them to third in the Mountain Division.

New Mexico opened the game on a 2-0 run with both defender James Urbany and midfielder Jacob Gandarilla finding the net in the early minutes.

The Runners’ defense, led by goalkeeper Casey Gasson, who collected 13 saves on 26 total shots, came alive in the second quarter, shutting down the Rumble’s offense.

Rodriguez also helped the Runners in the first half with three goals, including a penalty kick, to give New Mexico an 8-4 lead.

Urbany finished with three goals for the Runners. Luis Loera added three goals and an assist for New Mexico.

The Runners continue their homestand as they face the Colorado Inferno FC on Sunday at 3:05 p.m. at the Santa Ana Star Center.