Kenyan midfielder Philip Mayaka lasted 73 minutes as his 10-man Colorado Springs fell 3-1 to New Mexico in a United Soccer League (USL) Championship clash on Saturday.The former St. Anthony’s Kitale skipper returned straight into the starting lineup after starting from the bench in the last clash against Real Monarchs which they emerged 3-1 victors.Real Monarchs was home to Kenyan international Joseph Okumu who left the side after an impressive performance in the 2019 African Cup of Nations to join Swedish side Elfsborg and recently sealed a move to Belgian giants KAA Gent.Back at home on July 17.#NMvCOS pic.twitter.com/2PHIHiK9ud— SwitchbacksFC (@SwitchbacksFC) July 10, 2021 Springs were looking to revenge their 3-1 loss 14 days ago while New Mexico were out to stop the rot that had seen them go on a three-game losing streak.New Mexico however broke the deadlock 16 minutes into the game courtesy of a well-worked freekick that looked straight off the training ground that ended with Sergio Rivas tapping the ball into an empty net.Hadji Barry who is fresh from signing a new contract with Springs showed why he is so crucial to the team as he restored parity three minutes after the half-hour mark capitalizing on a cardinal sin from the New Mexico backline.74′ – Two more changes!IN: @AndreLewis_LA & TorresOUT: @DBeckford10 & @philipmayaka#NMvCOS | 1-1 pic.twitter.com/kLFMOxTna2— SwitchbacksFC (@SwitchbacksFC) July 10, 2021 Sebastian Anderson had a moment of madness when he dragged down Daniel Bruce as New Mexico prepared to take a quick throw-in and he was handed his marching orders.Springs thought they had held on for a precious point but their sturdy resistance was broken in the 91st minute through Ugandan midfielder Micheal Azira who headed in Isidro Martinez’s well-struck corner.Ilija Ilic sealed all three points for New Mexico in the 93rd minute with Martinez again putting the ball on a plate for him with a delicious through ball.
