New Mexico United edged past Tulsa 1-0 in a Group Stage encounter at the first of August 2026, a result that keeps the hosts second on 37 points while the visitors remain fourth with 35 after 21 games.
The match stayed tight until the dying stages, when G. Hurst converted a penalty in the 83rd minute to break the deadlock. It was a decisive moment — and here's the thing — New Mexico had been content to let Tulsa come at them rather than chase the game.
Home substitutions came in pairs, with Ian and A. Ordonez both brought on in the 60th minute, followed by L. Dorsey and B. Sparks at the 75-minute mark. D. Sanchez picked up a yellow card in the 68th, and A. Clarke was booked five minutes later as the game grew physical.
New Mexico dominated possession at 70 per cent, registering 535 passes against Tulsa's 221. They created two big chances compared to the visitors' zero, and their nine shots produced just one goal — another sign that the final result didn't fully reflect the chances on offer.
Tulsa managed 102 attacks to 101 for the hosts, but their attacking output lacked sharpness. Three shots on target, two of which were saved, meant the goalkeeper worked hard to keep the scoreline honest.
The win extends New Mexico's run of five unbeaten matches, including victories over Monterey Bay and Colorado Springs in the past fortnight. Tulsa's recent form has been solid — four wins and a draw in their last five — but the away trip ended without a point.