United advances: Harris' last-minute rocket sends NMU to 2-1 playoff win

Dayonn Harris knew he couldn’t wait.

With time running out in second-half stoppage time, New Mexico United’s speedy midfielder let a rocket fly from just inside the 18-yard box late Saturday night.

To the delight of 10,150 energized fans, Harris’ shot found the net, sending New Mexico United to a 2-1 win over Orange County SC in a dramatic USL Championship Western Conference semifinal.

Harris’ game-winner also earned United a spot in its first Western Conference Final. Third-seeded NMU will travel to face No. 1 Tulsa next Saturday at 6:30 p.m.

“Time was ticking down,” Harris said, “and I was hoping (Valentin Noel) would get me the ball. He’s a great teammate, got me the ball and I just took the shot.”

Asked if he could recall hitting a bigger shot in a bigger moment, Harris grinned.

“Don’t think so,” he said. “That was probably the biggest goal of my career.”

Few in the raucous crowd would have disagreed. Harris, who returned midseason from an ACL tear suffered in 2024, took a drop pass from Noel and ripped it from the left corner of the box. The ball tipped off the outstretched hand of OCSC goalkeeper Colin Shutler and into the net in the fourth minute of stoppage time, prompting a huge roar from the crowd.

Greg Hurst, who netted United’s first goal, shook his head when asked about the crowd response.

“I’ve never heard anything like it,” Hurst said. “In my whole career, this is one of the best nights in terms of result and atmosphere. It was amazing.”

For NMU coach Dennis Sanchez, it was a second straight Western Conference semifinal win at Isotopes Park. Sanchez coached Las Vegas Lights to a 1-0 win at the Lab last season, ending United’s playoff run before switching franchises in the offseason.

Saturday’s win in front of the home fans may have been a bit more satisfying, Sanchez said.

“A lot of thoughts and emotions right now,” he said. “I’m so happy for Dayonn and just really proud of the group.”

Both teams had their opportunities in the first half but neither was able to put a ball in the net. It remained 0-0 until the 49th minute, when Hurst gave the rowdy throng something to cheer about. Hurst got his head on a chip from Jaylin Lindsey, but his shot banged off the left post.

Undaunted, Hurst collected the rebound and slipped the ball between Shutler and the post to put NMU up 1-0. It was Hurst’s team-leading eighth goal of the season.

“I’ve had a couple close calls the last couple weeks,” Hurst said. “With the header I thought it was in for sure, but luckily the ball came back to me and I was able to put that one in.”

Upstart No. 7 seed Orange County answered in the 69th minute off a well-executed corner kick. Ousmane Sylla’s serve sailed over the crowd in front of the net to the feet of Malik Pinto, who bounced a shot inside the far post to even the score.

“When we were up 1-0 it seemed secure,” Sanchez said, “but goals change games and when you give one up like that, sometimes you can lose your momentum. The guys did a good job fighting that off and staying in the moment.”

And just when it seemed Saturday’s match was headed to extra time, Harris made his moment count.

“This place was crazy,” he said of the response. “Guys don’t get many moments like that. I really just wanted to savor it.”

United could have another opportunity to play at home should it win next week in Tulsa. The winner of that match will be in position to host the USL Championship Final.

“I wish we could come back here next week,” Sanchez said, “but we’ll see these fans again.”