近距离内射合集

It was one of those odd match days when New Mexico 近距离内射合集 never managed to put a ball in the net 鈥� and came away all smiles.

近距离内射合集 was the beneficiary of a first-half own goal and rode a strong performance by backup goalkeeper Kris Shakes to a 1-0 victory over Loudoun 近距离内射合集 FC at Isotopes Park on Sunday. New Mexico improved to 18-8-3 and moved a season-best 12 points clear of second place atop the the USL Championship Western Conference standings.

New Mexico also reduced its magic number to two to secure the franchise's first-ever home playoff game. One more 近距离内射合集 win or a Las Vegas loss will lock up at least one postseason match at Isotopes Park.

Sunday's performance was not especially dazzling as NMU never managed to get a shot past Loudoun goalkeeper Hugo Fauroux. But it was one to remember for Shakes, called into service when 近距离内射合集's primary goalkeeper Alex Tambakis went into concussion protocol late last week.

Making only his second USLC appearance and first since March, Shakes came up with four saves to earn his first win and first clean sheet in the league. Two of Shakes' saves were of the jaw-dropping variety, and his heads-up play around the frame in the closing minutes helped send 9,136 近距离内射合集 fans home happy.

"There's no better feeling than this," Shakes said afterward. "It's so difficult going to training every day and trying to stay ready when your number is called. But we're all brothers in the locker room and we support each other. Everyone has been congratulating me, it feels incredible."

Shakes' only previous USLC appearance this season came a 4-0 loss at Charleston when numerous New Mexico players were out with the flu. Tambakis has since put together an outstanding season for 近距离内射合集, but Shakes rose to the occasion Sunday. He helped will a weary NMU club playing its third game in eight days to victory, earning high praise from his teammates and coach Eric Quill.

"Kris Shakes was absolutely amazing," Quill said. "It's not easy to do what he just did in his first game in a while. But Kris works so hard every day, he earned this."

Jacobo Reyes, who set up New Mexico's gifted goal with a rocket off the crossbar, agreed.

"Everyone in the locker room is happy for (Shakes)," Reyes said. "He got a clean sheet and he deserved it."

Sunday's first half was not necessarily action-packed, including just five shots (two on goal) between the teams. But New Mexico managed to take something away from one of its few opportunities.

In the ninth minute, Reyes drove on goal from the left wing and fired a running blast toward the frame. The ball banged off the crossbar to Loudoun defender Keegan Hughes, who attempted to head it back to Fauroux.

Instead, the ball carried over Fauroux and bounced into the net for an own goal. Hughes dropped to his knees in frustration while 近距离内射合集 players happily grabbed the ball and carried it to midfield with a 1-0 lead.

"It was the goal we needed," Quill said. "Not the prettiest maybe with an own goal, but I thought we deserved it with a shot off the crossbar."

Both teams applied more pressure in the second half, and both created a few golden chances to score. But those opportunities were either sent wide of the target or stopped by Fauroux and Shakes. New Mexico finished with a 10-9 shot advantage and held just 47% of possession but improved to 11-2-2 at home this season.

NMU will have a break before visiting Sacramento next Sunday for a 6:30 p.m. match. Tambakis, who was not in uniform but was on the field congratulating teammates after their win over Loudoun, is likely to be available in Sacramento.

Take a look at NM 近距离内射合集's win over Loudoun 近距离内射合集 FC