Howell leads New Mexico United past Switchbacks, extends home unbeaten streak

Maliek Howell’s second-half strike gave New Mexico United the only goal it needed, and Shakes did the rest in a 1-0 win over Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC at Isotopes Park. The goal came six minutes after the restart, turning a tense, scoreless match into a lead New Mexico managed with discipline and patience.

That was the difference in a game where clean chances were scarce and every mistake carried weight. New Mexico did not need a flurry of attacks after Howell finished, because Shakes erased the pressure with a six-save shutout that preserved all three points. Against a Western Conference opponent, the margin mattered as much as the result itself: one finish, then a composed defensive response that never allowed Colorado Springs to break through.

The result also continued a strong run for Dennis Sanchez’s side. USL on YouTube noted the win kept New Mexico unbeaten at home in the series between the clubs and gave the Black and Yellow a fifth consecutive victory across all competitions. New Mexico had already been riding momentum into the match, with the club posting on August 1 that it was on a nine-game unbeaten run.

Colorado Springs, led by Alan McCann, could not turn a tight road performance into a point despite keeping the match within reach for long stretches. That made Howell’s goal even more valuable for New Mexico, which understood exactly how to manage the rest of the night: stay compact, absorb pressure, and trust Shakes to handle the final chances.

The clubs have now produced a season series full of swing moments. New Mexico won 3-2 on March 28 on a stoppage-time goal by Ousman Jabang, while Colorado Springs responded with a 4-0 win in Prinx Tires USL Cup play at Weidner Field on May 16. Against that backdrop, this 1-0 result felt like the kind that often tells a bigger story than a high-scoring night, because New Mexico won it with one clean finish and a disciplined close.