ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Harry Swartz and Neco Brett each found the net at New Mexico United took a 2-0 victory against Las Vegas Lights FC on Sunday evening before a crowd of 11,247 fans at Isotopes Park as the hosts claimed their first season-opening victory in club history to kick off the new campaign.

New Mexico had an early chance when Tabort Etaka Preston sent a finish just wide of the right post in the 12th minute, but the hosts took the lead on a well-designed set piece eight minutes before halftime that saw Swartz arrive late at the far post unmarked to head home a corner kick by Justin Portillo from the left. Another set piece provided United’s second as Portillo delivered an angled free kick from the right into the left side of the penalty area where Kalen Ryden headed back across goal for Brett to head home four minutes into the second half.

Comoros international Alexis Souahy almost added a third for the hosts with 10 minutes to go but was denied by a good save by Lights FC goalkeeper Abraham Romero. Lights FC was unable to find a way back into the game, though, recording only two shots in the second half overall as the hosts closed out the win late on.

USLChampionship.com Player of the Match

Harry Swartz, New Mexico United – Swartz scored the decisive goal late in the first half and had three shots and three key passes while completing 17 of 24 passes and winning 2 of 3 tackles.

Scoring Summary
NM – Harry Swartz (Justin Portillo) 37’
NM – Neco Brett (Kalen Ryden) 49’

Full Box Score