GAME DAY: SAN DIEGO LOYAL SC AT NM UNITED
PLAYERS TO WATCH
San Diego (6-2-1): Loyal SC has been everything New Mexico United has not thus far in 2022, leading the USL Championship in goals (21) and conversion rate (26%) while also ranking near the bottom of the league in goals conceded (16). San Diego’s front line of Kyle Vassell, Tumi Moshobane and Thomas Amang is as dangerous as any in the USLC and has accounted for nine goals on 41 shots. Vassell leads the way with five goals and 18 shots, while Moshobane has two goals, three assists and a team-leading 21 chances created. Midfielder Jack Blake also is an effective playmaker who scored the equalizing goal in Loyal SC’s 3-2 win over Tampa Bay last week. Goalkeeper Koke Vegas has 13 saves but has allowed 11 goals in eight appearances.
New Mexico (2-2-3): With its attack mired in a scoring slump, United has relied on its defense to keep matches close of late. Even with rotating goalkeepers, NMU’s back line has performed admirably. New Mexico has conceded just six goals (one of them on a penalty), the fourth fewest in United Soccer League Championship play. Defender Will Seymore has played particularly well of late, providing a physical presence and disrupting opponents’ scoring chances. Seymore won five of seven duels, had four clearances and effectively pushed the ball forward on numerous long passes in Wednesday’s 0-0 draw at Sacramento. Austin Yearwood and Rashid Tetteh also had strong outings, and Kalen Ryden’s return from injury provided a defensive boost.
NOTEWORTHY: New Mexico’s Chris Wehan surpassed 10,000 minutes played in USLC competition during Wednesday’s match. Wehan needs one assist to reach 30 for his career. … A sloppy playing surface at Sacramento’s Heart Health Park likely played a role in the scoreless result. Among the many slips and stumbles, United’s Justin Portillo and Republic FC’s Rodrigo Lopez both lost their footing and slid to the turf while attempting corner kicks, sending attempted crosses sailing out of bounds.