Runners Cause Rumble to Stumble with a 15-4 Win

Rio Rancho, NM (January 4, 2020) – New Mexico continues to be undefeated at home as they take down the Colorado Rumble 15-4 on Saturday night at the Santa Ana Star Center.

After a frustrating road loss to the Austin Power back on December 28, 2019, the New Mexico Runners looked to continue their home field success against the Colorado Rumble FC. From the start, the intensity of this match was palpable and there was no question the Runners were ready for a dogfight.

Defense was on full display as neither team would hit pay dirt throughout the course of the first quarter. Forward Jaime “Chiva” Rodriguez posted 4 shots in the first quarter but came up empty handed.

The script did not change as the second quarter ticked on. The Rumble struck first as Forward Luke Burgard managed to sneak a shot past starting Goalkeeper Casey Gasson to give the Rumble the 1-0 advantage at the start of the second period.

Gasson had another slow night in the goalie box courtesy of the Runners’ defense registering six saves while allowing just two goals on 10 total shots. Fortunately for Runners fans, that would be the last time that the Rumble would lead the Runners.

The offense racked up three goals before halftime with Forward Isaiah Madrid, Midfielder Mario Matute and Rio Rancho’s own Gabe Legendre all firing unstoppable rockets at an overwhelmed Brando Bustos. Remarkably, Bustos still managed to make nine saves while allowing three goals on 16 total shots.

The scoring run carried through halftime into the third as New Mexico would go on to score six unanswered goals before forward Johnathon Moreno finally answered back.

After the unusual slow start, the Runners just kept running. They scored another three unanswered goals enroute to a 15-4 victory to sweep the series with the Rumble 2-0.

The victory extends the Runners home winning streak to three straight games and improves the team to 4-2 on the year which keeps New Mexico third in the league.

Saturday’s game was one for the history books with the Runners setting several impressive records. The Runners held their opponent to four scores, the fewest ever in franchise history. New Mexico also racked up 15 goals, the most scored by the offense in franchise history. These two historic performances combined to form the record setting 11 goal margin of victory.

New Mexico will be on the road next week travelling to Wichita, Kansas to face the Wings for the first time this season.new

The Runners will be back in action at the Santa Ana Star Center on February 1, 2020 as they look to extend their home winning streak against the Amarillo Bombers. Coverage begins at 5:15pm MST on the New Mexico Runners Facebook page.

The New Mexico Runners are New Mexico’s professional arena soccer team based in Rio Rancho, NM and current members of Major Arena Soccer League 2 (MASL2). The Runners play their home games at Santa Ana Star Center and season 2 season tickets are on sale NOW by calling 505.663.7RUN (7786). For more information on the Runners, visit http://www.newmexicorunners.com as well as LIKE, FOLLOW and SHARE on social media at @nmrunners.
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