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GAMEDAY REPORT: Wehan Leads New Mexico to Victory in OKC

By NICHOLAS MURRAY - nicholas.murray@uslsoccer.com, 08/01/20, 10:21PM EDT

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Records goal, assist as Moreno also nets first-half goal in 3-0 win against Energy FC

OKLAHOMA CITY – New Mexico United’s undefeated start to the resumption of the season continued on Saturday night as Chris Wehan recorded a goal and assist in a 3-0 victory against OKC Energy FC at Taft Stadium to earn another big road win.

Looking to add another victory after its last outing, New Mexico almost grabbed a lead in the third minute when Romeo Parkes got behind the OKC defense and in on goal but was unable to finish as Energy FC goalkeeper CJ Cochran made a good save. Energy FC also fashioned a good chance inside the opening 10 minutes when Jaime Chavez’s angled header off a cross from the left by Jonathan Brown was saved by New Mexico’s Cody Mizell.

It was the visitors that took the lead just past the half-hour mark, however, as Wehan was played into the right side of the penalty area by Parkes and delivered a cross to the top of the six-yard area that was met by Amando Moreno for his first goal for the club. Oklahoma native Kalen Ryden then almost added a second for United in the final minute of the half as his header from Josh Suggs’ angled free kick from the right was saved.

Before the halftime whistle blew, however, New Mexico had doubled its lead as Wehan added a goal to his earlier assist. Again, Parkes played facilitator as he moved into the penalty area on the right before holding for support. The Jamaican played a clever slipped pass to Daniel Bruce, who surged upfield from right back, and the low cross from Bruce offered Wehan a simple finish at the back post.

Energy FC tried to get back into the game as the second half began and was handed a golden opportunity five minutes after the break when it was awarded a penalty kick after a foul by Ryden in the penalty area. Chavez stepped up, but sent his shot wide of the right post.

The hosts persisted, and in the 56th minute Frank Lopez was sent into the left side of the penalty area by Jose Hernandez but had his shot denied by Mizell. Arun Basuljevic also threatened with 18 minutes to go with a rising shot from 25 yards that just went over the crossbar.

New Mexico put all three points away in second-half stoppage time, however, as second-half substitute Joris Ahlinvi found the net. Awarded a free kick centrally around 25 yards from goal, Ahlinvi’s initial effort went straight into the defensive wall, but he was first to react and fired a second shot that found its way into the left corner to complete the result.

USLChampionship.com Man of the Match

Chris Wehan, New Mexico United – Wehan continued his stellar start to 2020 with a goal and assist while finishing the night with three chances created and three shots overall.

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