COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – New Mexico United and Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC each scored in the second half as they played to a 1-1 draw at Weidner Field on Saturday night in a result that maintained New Mexico’s course toward the 2020 USL Championship Playoffs.

Following the opening minutes of the contest, between 7:00 and 8:46 of the match, players from both sides came together at the center circle, united against racism, and in support of equality, diversity and compassion.

In the game, the Switchbacks almost grabbed the lead in the 13th minute when Aidan Daniels’ run and pass set up a shot for Christian Volesky the forward rang off the crossbar and out from 20 yards before New Mexico’s defense was able to clean up the rebound. United’s first chance arrived four minutes later as David Najem’s chipped cross from the right side of the penalty area found Amando Moreno, but his free header slid wide of the left post.

Colorado Springs had a chance late in the first half to grab the lead only for New Mexico goalkeeper Cody Mizell to get just enough on George Lebese’s close-range finish. Then early in the second half the visitors threatened as well with a cleverly drawn up free kick that saw Andrew Tinari slide to the top of the penalty area behind a group of runners into the box and be picked out by a pass from Chris Wehan Tinari’s shot found its way on target, but was saved by Colorado Springs goalkeeper Sean Melvin.

New Mexico was handed a golden chance to take the lead in the 53rd minute, though, as Romeo Parkes was brought down in the left side of the penalty area by Colorado Springs defender Adrian Diz Pe. Moreno stepped up and sent his finish to the left corner, sending Melvin the wrong way to put the visitors ahead.

But the lead wouldn’t last long as the Switchbacks hit back through Daniels five minutes later. Hiroki Kurimoto found the Canadian wide on the left, and Daniels proceeded to cut inside across the top of the penalty area and curled a fine strike just inside the right post to make the game all square.

New Mexico was reduced to 10 men with 15 minutes to go as Ryan Williams was sent off for his second yellow card in the span of 10 minutes, but the Switchbacks weren’t truly able to take advantage of their numerical superiority. A late strike by Daniels that flew wide of the left post was the closes Colorado Springs came to a winner as New Mexico held on for a point to move a little closer to their playoff goal.

USLChampionship.com Man of the Match

Amando Moreno, New Mexico United – Moreno kept his cool from the penalty spot and completed 10 of 13 passes while winning 5 of 6 duels and making three recoveries as United took another point on the road.