HERRIMAN, Utah – New Mexico United completed a two-game sweep of its trip to Utah, and dealt Real Monarchs SLC another serious challenge to its USL Championship title-defense, with a 2-1 victory at Zions Bank Stadium on Saturday night.

Coming off a victory on Wednesday night in the first meeting between the teams, New Mexico got out to a flying start in the second encounter by taking the lead after just five minutes. Awarded a free kick on the right side, United’s Chris Wehan delivered a driven ball into the center of the penalty area that Amando Moreno got on the end off to volley home from eight yards.

The Monarchs almost hit back immediately as a turning shot by Ryan Sierakowski was palmed wide by United goalkeeper Cody Mizell two minutes later, and on the half-hour mark Noah Powder also went close on a free kick from 25 yards that just flew over the top-left corner of the net.

New Mexico added to its lead three minutes into the second half, however, as a chipped cross by Josh Suggs toward the top of the penalty area was headed away by Monarchs defender Taylor Peay, only to fall to Wehan 25 yards from goal. The standout playmaker controlled and then struck a curling left-footed shot that picked out the left corner of the net for a two-goal advantage.

That marker proved key as Sierakowski pulled a goal back in the 53rd minute. Bode Davis found Sierakowski in space as he approached the top of the penalty area, and the forward produced a perfect, arcing lob that just dropped under the crossbar and into the net after Mizell had come off his line to confront the one-on-one chance.

Both Moreno and Wehan went hunting for their second goals of the night for the visitors as Moreno fired high of the crossbar in the 61st minute and Wehan matched the effort six minutes later from a narrow angle on the right. As time ticked down, however, the hosts were unable to find a clear chance to equalize and New Mexico was able to see out a six-point week that extended its lead at the top of Group C.

USLChampionship.com Man of the Match

Chris Wehan, New Mexico United – Wehan had a goal and assist, including what proved to be the game-winner, while completing 24 of 27 passes overall and recording two key passes and three shots.