ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – It was the first place team against the second place team in the USL Western Conference. No. 1 New Mexico United defeated Sacramento Republic FC Wednesday night 3-1. With the victory United became the first team in the Western Division to clinch a playoff spot. A scoreless first half gave way to a United explosion in the second half. A header by Abdi Mohamed started the scoring in the 61st minute, giving United a 1-0 advantage. It wasn't long before Greg Hurst would find the net on a sprint to the goal in the 66th minute. Hurst would find the net again in the 74th minute. Muwkelle Akale hit Hurst with a pass as Hurst was in a full sprint. He took a shot and it hit the top shelf for another United goal, making it a 3-0 game. "I think it's massive," said Hurst. "I think a lot of people were probably watching us tonight to see if we really have what it takes. I think we proved that we can go toe to toe with the best in the league and come out on top." Sacramento avoided a shutout by converting on a late goal, but the damage was already done. "Everybody's initial goal is to reach the playoffs and that's accomplished, but we got bigger ambitions," said NM United head coach Eric Quill. "We're striving for homefield and we know we're in a heated race until the end." United will return to the pitch Sunday to face Loudoun United FC. The game has a 2 pm start time. United and Sacramento Republic FC will meet again Sept. 29 in Sacramento.