United clamps down on Lou City in scoreless draw

New Mexico United accomplished something Saturday night that only two other teams have managed to do this USL Championship season: come out of Louisville with a point.

And after the teams played to a scoreless draw, it was just the fourth time this season that Louisville City, the league’s highest scoring team, was held without a goal.

So while United’s winless streak stretches to eight games, New Mexico can take significant solace in that it has tied its last two games and done so under trying circumstances after rallying last week against Las Vegas for the late equalizer despite being down a man.

“As I told the guys after the game, a shift in momentum doesn’t always have to happen with a win,” United coach Dennis Sanchez said.

New Mexico managed the whitewash — after allowing 18 goals in its previous seven games — despite a revamped back line that saw newcomer Kipp Keller step into the center back slot after his addition to the team Friday on loan from Minnesota of Major League Soccer.

Joining the team in Kentucky, Keller had just one workout with United and played the entire match, replacing stalwart back Talen Maples, who was out after being sent off in the prior match.

“Sometimes it takes a bit to get into a rhythm,” Sanchez said. “But I thought he stepped in and showed everything that I remember from him. Good character, good mentality. Sometimes you just have to make lemonade with oranges.”

Indeed, the opening minutes were a bit shaky as United had normal backup goalkeeper Kris Shakes opening in net for Alex Tambakis.

This was just Shakes’ seventh professional start, Sanchez said.

“I thought Shakes was great,” the coach said. “He’s still young and learning, but he wants to grow. I thought he did really well being aggressive coming off the line. I was really pleased with his performance and the entire backline, really the entire team. We defended from front to back.”

New Mexico needed every bit of that full team defense, particularly in the second half as United contracted its alignment and conceded possession to Louisville. Lou City thoroughly dominated possession after the break, but it could not solve New Mexico.

The match’s best scoring chance came at the end of stoppage time in the first half when Ousman Jabang grabbed Kevon Lambert during a potentially dangerous run down the center. Aiden McFadden’s free kick from about 30 yards out came off the post and Shakes stuffed the subsequent rebound shot from Taylor Davila.

The game was gritty and physical from the outset, with Jabang consistently getting knocked around, finally leaving the game in the 69th minute. But it was important for New Mexico to maintain its mindset despite the nature of play, Sanchez said.

“If you show any type of being scared or a lack of aggression, Louisville is the type of club that will take advantage of that,” he said. “We suffered, but we didn’t give in. Guys were showing more than what they’ve shown in the past. Overall, a lot of positives.”

So New Mexico heads home with a crucial point in an away match and can now look forward to seven of its last 11 matches at home.

“These moments of adversity are a necessity to our success long term,” Sanchez said. “It’s better to go through this right now than at the end of the season or heading into the playoffs. I do think we’ve shifted in a really positive way. We’re resilient in areas that we need to be. I have full confidence in our identity.”