Momentum and confidence are two of the most important things for any sports team. Over the past month, New Mexico United’s confidence and health had been rising. They also had momentum, coming off a dominant 4-0 win in Cup play over Phoenix Rising. Orange County has quietly made their way up the table into second place in the West, stringing together four positive results in their last five league outings.
United wasn’t afraid to come out swinging. In the opening minute of the match, the Black & Yellow pushed forward and hoped to take an early lead. Just outside of the area and left of center, Niko Hamalainen squared up and sent a curling cross into the box. Reminiscent of Kalen Ryden, Kipp Keller made a dove for a header in the 2nd minute. The contact was quality, the direction was perfect, and the pace was too much for Alex Rando as the ball shook the back of the net with United ahead at home, 1-0.
The goal by Keller was the fastest ever scored by United at home in club history, and was the second fastest goal ever scored by the club. That record is still held by Devon Sandoval for the goal he scored during the play-in round of the 2019 playoffs against Sacramento Republic FC. Assisted by Santi Moar, Sandoval scored in the 14th second of that match…