A sluggish, new-look Riverhounds team couldn’t overcome Greg Hurst’s 44th-minute goal Saturday afternoon, falling 1-0 to New Mexico United in a low-event season opener on the road.
New Mexico United got its goal just before halftime after dominating possession throughout the first half. Midfielder Jacobo Reyes slid a through ball past the Riverhounds defense, and Hurst pounced on it, dribbling around goalkeeper Eric Dick before poking the ball into the net for the first goal of the young season.
The Riverhounds couldn’t muster up many chances to tie the game, finishing with just 34% possession, five total shots and zero big chances, according to FotMob. Perhaps it will take time for the rebuilt roster to jell. Three of the starting 11 players made their Riverhounds debuts, as did three players off the bench. Those players will be relied upon this season to replace the production of three of the team’s best players from a season ago — Albert Dikwa, Arturo Ordonez and Jahmali Waite, all of whom moved to different clubs over the offseason.
The Riverhounds will return to action at 7 p.m. next Saturday, March 16 for their home opener against Orange County SC. Orange County SC finished second in the Western Conference last season.
First Published: March 9, 2024, 11:18 p.m.
