Matchweek 3 Review: Flagship Go Top in the Southwest

by NFPL


MATCHWEEK 3 REVIEW:
New Mexico Flagship FC Outlasts Colorado Futsal Academy in 8-6 Victory

New Mexico Flagship FC secured a crucial 8-6 win over Colorado Futsal Academy on Saturday night, bouncing back from their Matchweek 2 loss to Santa Fe Gloom. In a game that saw momentum swing wildly, Flagship used a dominant second-half surge to build a commanding lead and held off a late rally by Colorado to claim the victory.

The game began with Colorado’s Carlos Caro (#8) finding the net early to give the visitors a 1-0 lead, setting the tone for a competitive first half. However, New Mexico quickly found their rhythm, with Marcos Ramíres (#4) and Elio Luna (#19) leading the charge. Luna's clever finish and Ramírez’s decisive strike helped Flagship take control of the game. José Ituarte (#6) added another to give Flagship a slim 3-2 lead at halftime, with Caro keeping Colorado in it by scoring both of their goals.

The second half saw Flagship explode out of the gates with an impressive attacking flurry. Eduardo Saucedo (#8), Ramírez, and Luna each added to the scoreline, extending New Mexico’s lead to 6-2. At that point, the hosts looked untouchable, displaying the kind of offensive firepower that has become their hallmark this season.

Colorado refused to go quietly, as Emmanuel Vivas (#12) and Jorge Castellanos (#2) each struck twice to keep their side within striking distance. Despite the pressure, Flagship’s late-game composure proved vital. Luis Gonzalez (#15) and Christopher Santos (#25) stepped up to score critical goals in the closing moments, sealing the victory at 8-6 and keeping the Albuquerque fans on their feet until the final whistle.

This win showcased Flagship’s ability to manage a game when under pressure, combining early attacking brilliance with timely defensive resilience to secure the result. Marcos Ramíres and Elio Luna were standouts, each scoring twice, while Luis Gonzalez’s late goal proved to be the dagger.

For Colorado, Carlos Caro’s first-half brilliance (2 goals) and the combined efforts of Vivas and Castellanos in the second half gave Flagship plenty to think about. However, their defense struggled to contain New Mexico’s relentless attack in the game’s critical moments.

Full stats are available on the NFPL website. Full game replay is available on the Official NFPL YouTube Channel.

A LOOK AT THE TABLE AFTER MATCHWEEK 3:

With this win, Flagship moves to 2-1 on the season and heads into conference play on a high note. Meanwhile, Colorado showed promise but will need to shore up their defense to turn competitive performances into wins.

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