A spectacular 86th-minute bicycle kick from Diego Abitia rescued a point for El Paso Locomotive FC, securing a 2-2 draw against New Mexico United in the first league meeting of the season. The high-stakes encounter, known as the Derby Del Camino Real, delivered plenty of drama at Isotopes Park in Albuquerque, N.M., on Wednesday night.
Match Recap: A Tale of Two Halves
The match began with high intensity, as New Mexico United nearly took an early lead in the fourth minute when Ousman Jabang struck the right post with a shot from the top of the penalty area. However, it was El Paso Locomotive FC that drew first blood.
El Paso Strikes First
In the 12th minute, Rubio RubĂn gave Locomotive the lead. RubĂn turned onto a pass from Alex MĂ©ndez at the top of the penalty area and fired a low shot into the left corner, marking his sixth goal of the regular season.
New Mexico’s Rapid Response
The lead was short-lived. Just two minutes later, Greg Hurst leveled the score with a clever backheeled flick at the top of the six-yard area, converting a low cross from the right provided by Jake LaCava. This marked Hurst’s first goal of the season.
New Mexico continued to press and by the 24th minute, they had taken the lead. A run into the penalty area by Hurst created space for a pass from Ousman Jabang in the right channel, allowing the Scottish forward to shoot into the right corner for his second goal of the night.
The Dramatic Equalizer
After maintaining consistent pressure throughout the second half, El Paso found their breakthrough with only four minutes remaining in regulation. An angled cross led to a midair challenge, and the ball fell favorably for Diego Abitia. Abitia capitalized with a spectacular bicycle kick into the left corner to tie the game at 2-2.
Locomotive nearly stole all three points during stoppage time. Omar Mora delivered a through-ball to Rubio RubĂn, but RubĂn’s attempt from 12 yards sailed over the crossbar, leaving the rivals to settle for a draw.
- Final Score: El Paso Locomotive FC 2, New Mexico United 2.
- Standout Performer: Greg Hurst scored twice for New Mexico United, recording his first two goals of the season.
- Goal of the Match: Diego Abitia’s 86th-minute bicycle kick.
- Milestone: Rubio RubĂn reached six goals for the regular season.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Derby Del Camino Real?
The Derby Del Camino Real is the rivalry match between El Paso Locomotive FC and New Mexico United, representing a clash between two regional rivals in the USL Championship.
Where did the match take place?
The game was held at Isotopes Park in Albuquerque, N.M.
Who scored the goals in the match?
For El Paso Locomotive FC, the goals were scored by Rubio RubĂn and Diego Abitia. For New Mexico United, Greg Hurst scored both goals.
Looking Ahead
This draw keeps the rivalry balanced as both teams navigate their early-season campaigns. With El Paso showing they can fight back late in the game and New Mexico demonstrating clinical finishing through Greg Hurst, future meetings in the Derby Del Camino Real are expected to be equally contested.