GAME DAY: NM UNITED AT HARTFORD ATHLETIC
Saturday, 5 p.m., 101.7 FM, Estrella TV,
ESPN+ (streaming) PLAYERS TO WATCH New Mexico (8-8-4): Will Seymore is not often one to steal the spotlight on offense. He’s attempted just four shots in 17 appearances this season and has yet to post a goal or an assist. But Seymore makes his presence felt on the defensive end and excels at doing the dirty work. The physical defender leads NMU with 25 interceptions and ranks second in numerous categories: clearances (47), duels won (93), aerial duels won (37) and fouls won (27). To those who’ve watched him play, it’s probably little surprise that Seymore also has a team-high six yellow cards. Midfielder Harry Swartz easily leads the club in fouls won (53) and grass stains acquired. Amando Moreno continues to pace New Mexico’s attack with six goals and 25 shots. Justin Portillo has a team-best 23 chances created. Hartford (3-14-4): It’s been a rough season thus far for Athletic, mired in last place in the USL Championship’s Eastern Conference. Defense has been the culprit. Hartford ranks dead last in the league with 46 goals conceded — five more than Loudoun United and nine more than anyone else. Goalkeepers Richard Sanchez and Joseph Rice have faced a barrage of shots (106 combined) and both have goals-against averages over 2.0. When its defense does hold up, Hartford has more than enough firepower to be dangerous. Prince Saydee has five goals, three assists and 30 shots, and United antagonist Elvis Amoh (Rio Grande Valley, Colorado Springs) has four goals on 31 shots. Midfielder Edgardo Rito is the top playmaker with 93 crosses (sixth best in the USLC) and 28 chances created. NOTEWORTHY: NMU goalkeeper Alex Tambakis is one of five players nominated for USL Championship Player of the Month for July. Tambakis recorded three shutouts with a 0.60 goals-against average for the month and 18 saves. Player of the Month winners are determined by fan vote at uslchampionship.com. Voting is open through Aug. 7.