New Mexico United Shuts Out Colorado Springs to Reach Western Conference Final

New Mexico United Dominates Colorado Springs to Reach Western Conference Final

New Mexico United is heading back to the Western Conference Final after a commanding 4-0 victory against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC on Saturday night at Isotopes Park. Greg Hurst led the charge with a pair of goals before 8,591 fans, while Joseph Melto contributed a goal and an assist to secure the top-seeded club’s second consecutive trip to the Western Conference Final.

The hosts did not waste time setting the tone. Just 91 seconds into the match, Melto slipped down the left flank and delivered a low cross toward the top of the six-yard area, finding Charlie Dennis for a crisp, first-time finish at the back post. That opening strike marked the fastest goal of the season for New Mexico.

Despite the shock of conceding so early, the fifth-seeded Switchbacks tried to find a foothold. Yet, New Mexico’s midfield quickly disrupted those ambitions just before the half-hour mark. Ousman Jabang forced a turnover in the center circle and immediately launched an attack, sliding a through-ball to Hurst. The Scottish forward calmly swept his shot into the left corner of the net.

Rio grande credit union field at isotopes park

Colorado Springs nearly clawed one back in the 36th minute when a flicked header sent Khori Bennett racing past his marker. United goalkeeper Kris Shakes read the play instantly, rushing off his line to smother the effort. Instead of a comeback, the hosts punished the visitors right before the break. Cam Wilkerson manufactured space in the penalty area with sharp footwork before setting up Hurst for another first-time finish.

Closing Out the Night at Isotopes Park

Holding a comfortable 3-0 lead coming out of halftime, New Mexico maintained its offensive pressure. Dennis nearly added to the tally twice, first testing the Switchbacks defense with a low shot and later forcing a diving save from goalkeeper Christian Herrera with a curling effort toward the right corner.

11.7.2026 | New Mexico United vs. Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC – USL Championship Game Highlights

The exclamation point arrived with 19 minutes left on the clock. Valentin Noël whipped a sweeping cross into the danger area, and as a visiting defender scrambled to clear the ball, Melto bundled it home to cap the 4-0 scoreline.

The result extends a stellar run for United, which has now logged three consecutive shutout wins and captured victories in five of its last six matches overall. Hurst’s two goals pushed his club single-season record to 15 tallies in the Championship, giving him three goals in the current postseason alone. For New Mexico, the night represented the fourth time this season the squad has scored at least four goals in a single fixture.

On the other side, the defeat brings an end to a campaign for Colorado Springs. The Switchbacks entered the match riding a club-record 10-game undefeated streak, harboring ambitions of securing their first victory at Isotopes Park. Instead, they managed only three shots on target out of 18 total attempts, unable to test Shakes consistently as their season came to an end.