ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Mukwelle Akale and Talen Maples each scored for a second consecutive game as New Mexico United took a 2-1 victory against Rhode Island FC before a crowd of 10,125 at Isotopes Park in the final regular season game for both clubs on Friday night.

New Mexico opened the game on the front foot and almost took the lead in the 11th minute when Greg Hurst broke in behind the RIFC back line and forced a good save from Koke Vegas. The hosts took the lead midway through the first half, however, as a swift move upfield saw Valentin Noël play in Akale for a sharp finish.

Rhode Island leveled seven minutes before halftime when Aime Mabika’s header off a free kick by Noah Fuson deflected off Hugo Bacharach before finding the left corner of the net, but shortly before the break Akale was brought down in the penalty area allowing Maples to convert from the spot to restore United’s lead.

The second half produced fewer opportunities, with Rhode Island’s Clay Holstad volleying an effort wide of the right post with 13 minutes to play before United’s Luther Archimede lifted a finish over the crossbar on a chance to bolster his side’s lead seven minutes later. New Mexico saw out the remainder of the contest, though, as it paid tribute to its all-time leader in appearances Daniel Bruce, who started the game before being substituted off after an on-field recognition of his career by the hosts.

Takeaways

New Mexico United: Already locked into the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference, United produced a positive display to end the regular season on a seven-game undefeated streak ahead of its postseason opener next Saturday night.

Rhode Island FC: The visitors welcomed JJ Williams back to the lineup as a halftime substitute but will now wait to see whether they end as the No. 7 or No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference, pending Detroit City FC’s result at the Tampa Bay Rowdies on Saturday.

Key moment

Talen Maples completed a perfect regular season from the penalty spot, scoring his seventh goal of the season to restore United's lead late in the first half to earn the hosts all three points.

Key stat

Daniel Bruce started his 171st appearance for New Mexico United before being withdrawn shortly after the opening kickoff to mark his final appearance for the club. Bruce ended his career as United’s all-time appearance leader across all competitions.

USLChampionship.com Player of the Match

Mukwelle Akale, New Mexico United – Akale scored the opening goal and recorded one chance created while completing 11 of 15 passes overall.

Scoring Summary
NM – Mukwelle Akale (Valentin Noël) 21’
RI – Hugo Bacharach (Aime Mabika) 38’
NM – Talen Maples (penalty kick) 44’