ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – New Mexico United returned to Isotopes Park on Saturday night to host North Carolina FC. It took until the 93rd minute for either team to find the back of the net, and it came from someone wearing black and yellow for the first time in his carrer.
Thomas Amang, who j
oined United in early March, checked into the match in the 84th minute and made his debut with the club. With the game moments away from the final whistle, United, and Amang, were on the attack.
New Mexico took two shots inside the box that were both deflected by North Carolina. Both times United regained possession. McKinze Gaines then took a shot, and Amang redirected it with his right knee into the goal.
"I think it was incredible what happened today for me, especially scoring the first goal in my first opportunity that coach gave to me," said Amang. "So, I took it and I am happy about it."
"We talk about being a protagonist all season long and I thought that we were in control tonight," said United head coach Dennis Sanchez. "When you have that, it wears on teams and I continue to believe in the collective process. It's another night that you have guys coming off of the bench that are elevating the group and helping the team win."
With the win, United's record improved to 4-1. The club's 12 points is currently enough for first place in the Western Conference.
Up next, New Mexico United switches gears to the US Open Cup. The black and yellow will host El Paso in the tournament on Wednesday night at the UNM soccer complex. ...read more read less
