Draw up a title: United locks up conference crown in Tulsa

For one night only, a draw was as good as a win for New Mexico United.

United secured its first-ever USL Championship Western Conference title on Saturday night after playing to a draw with FC Tulsa. The resulting point was all New Mexico needed to lock up the No. 1 seed and home-field advantage for as long as it advances in the conference playoffs.

NMU coach Eric Quill is not often satisfied with a draw, but circumstances made Saturday night an exception.

“We’re proud of our achievement,” Quill said in a postgame interview. “We’ve still got a long way to go, but this is a big step. Proud of the guys.”

Jacobo Reyes cashed in the critical goal for New Mexico, briefly giving the visitors a 1-0 lead in the 55th minute at ONEOK Field. Reyes finished after Sergio Reyes and Daniel Bruce headed the ball forward to spring Reyes for a running shot and his fifth goal of the season.

The tally broke a lengthy drought for NMU, which had found the net only once on a penalty kick over its previous three matches. It also came after NMU (18-10-4) missed the frame on numerous opportunities Saturday in a contest where it outshot Tulsa 15-11.

But FC Tulsa (8-13-11) desperately needed a win to keep its faint playoff hopes alive and battled to the final whistle. The home team got even on a well-executed goal in the 68th minute. Aaron Bibout one-timed a rocket into the net off a cross from Harvey St. Clair near the end line to keep Tulsa’s hopes alive.

But as the minutes dwindled, United became willing to play for the draw and the resulting point, sending long balls into the offensive corner and milking as much time as possible off the clock on throw-ins and free kicks.

Saturday’s outcome came with some mixed emotions because NMU defender Arturo Astorga suffered what appeared to be a significant leg injury during second-half stoppage time. Astorga left the field on a stretcher after a lengthy delay before the final five-plus minutes of the match were completed.

“it’s bittersweet because of (Astorga’s injury),” Quill said. “Our hearts and prayers go out to Arturo Astorga. He’s a big part of this team and a big reason whey were in this position right now.”

As things turned out, United got the benefit of two draws Saturday night, playing to its own tie in Tulsa and getting a little help in the standings elsewhere. Just minutes before NMU’s match reached full time, Sacramento Republic FC and Memphis 901 completed a scoreless draw that effectively clinched the conference title for New Mexico, although NMU’s players were not aware of it at the time.

United has two regular-season matches remaining, next Saturday at Orange County SC and Oct. 26 at home against Memphis 901 FC. New Mexico still has an opportunity to improve its standing against some of the Eastern Conference leaders, which could determine home field if NMU advances to the USLC championship match.

United could also play a role in deciding which teams advance to the playoffs and which ends up as the No. 8 seed. United will host the No. 8 seed in round one of the Western Conference playoffs on Nov. 3.