Nico Benalcázar scores equalizer for OCSC in 1-1 draw at Isotopes Park after early goal by Keller
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Orange County SC’s Nico Benalcázar answered an early finish by New Mexico United’s Kipp Keller as the sides played to a 1-1 draw at Isotopes Park on Saturday night as both teams extended their undefeated streaks in league play to three games.
Keller struck after just 99 seconds for the hosts, latching onto an angled cross from fellow center back Niko Hämäläinen from the left channel for a diving header that he tucked into the right corner of the net. Orange County hit back in the 18th minute when Chris Hegardt found space on the left and delivered a low cross to the top of the six-yard area that Benalcázar put home with a first-time finish.
New Mexico almost regained the lead in the second half when Ousman Jabang clipped the crossbar with a long-range effort, while Justin Rennicks also hit the woodwork for the hosts less than a minute later as his header off a corner kick flew off the turf and hit the crossbar before going behind. That proved to be the last big chance of the game as New Mexico’s undefeated run against OCSC extended to seven games…