Hurst's penalty kick lifts NM United past FC Tulsa

Greg Hurst did what he does every time he arrived for a post-match interview. The New Mexico United forward sprang up from the bench inside the visitor’s dugout at Isotopes Park and strolled over alone, ready to answer a variety of questions. At least, that’s what initially happened before it was agreed that Saturday was better for Hurst to do this round with a bit of extra support. In a manner of speaking, anyway. So, off he went and returned with “Little Greg” in tow. It was made from what looked to be black and yellow posterboard. It had Hurst’s last name painted on the back. It was more than a foot high and attached to some kind of pole so it could be held up and waived around. A young fan made it and presented it to Hurst after the match. The fan certainly picked a good time to bring some custom artwork. It was Hurst’s penalty kick, after all, that made the difference in United’s 1-0 win over FC Tulsa — the same club that took away New Mexico’s opportunity to play for the USL Championship title last season. It was a victory that not only extended United’s unbeaten streak — 12 overall and 11 against USL competition — but also moved it up in the Western Conference table. New Mexico (10-4-3) is now second in the conference with 33 points, one ahead of San Antonio FC and one behind Orange County SC. United started the day in third place. “(It’s) a great feeling,” Hurst said. Afterward, yes. Leading up to the penalty, not so much. Hurst had just hit the top of the Tulsa box in the 81st minute with a line to the net when Tulsa midfielder Alonzo Clarke clipped the back of Hurst’s heel just as goalkeeper Dan Jacomen came out to challenge the free run. Hurst went up in the air and landed on his shoulder. He spent a few minutes writhing around in pain. “I was lying on the ground and to be honest, I couldn’t feel my shoulder,” Hurst said. “I thought I fractured it, so I was kind of worried about that for a second.” Then came another issue. Initially, nothing else happened. Much to the chagrin of the United sideline, Hurst — once he got back on his feet — and the fans, who let their feelings be known rather loudly. New Mexico wanted a call. So did Hurst, who took to pleading his case with the officials. Tulsa (8-6-5), which had its only real scoring chance come and go after Logan Dorsey was called for a handball in the 26th minute, was just fine with nothing. Tulsa didn’t get its wish. “I heard I was going to be offside, so I was like, ‘Went through all this for nothing,’” Hurst said. “And then I heard the ref say (that wasn’t the case), so I was like, ‘OK. Time to switch on’ and got ready to take the penalty.” Still in pain, Hurst lined up 12 yards from the Tulsa goal in the 83rd minute. He hit the back of the net. Top-right corner. And there goes the tie. Much to United’s delight. Hurst sinks the penalty in the 83rd. United 1, Tulsa 0. That’s Hurst’s sixth regular-season goal. (He also scored in that friendly.) https://t.co/UQWRlnxAZxpic.twitter.com/aEXVOqGf3B — David Glovach (@DavidGlovach) August 16, 2026 “I’d have had to drag him off the field in order to not take the PK,” United manager Dennis Sanchez said. “That was completely up to him, but there's no way he’s not taking it in that moment.” Hurst seems to have had quite a few lately. Saturday marked Hurst’s sixth goal of the season (seventh if one opted to count the international friendly against Liga MX’s Atlante FC for statistical purposes). Four of those have now come over the past month — two at Lexington SC, one at Monterey Bay FC and one against Tulsa. It’s a notable change after he failed to score from the start of the season on March 14 until recording a brace on May 6 — a stretch of nine games. Another drought followed and he didn’t score again against USL competition until July 15. “You know, I’m not your typical (center-forward),” Hurst said. “But I know I play that role, so I’m going to be judged on goals. But I feel with the way we play, I have a lot to offer outside of scoring goals. But that is the job first and foremost. I think we’re creating more chances now, so some of the pressure is off.” Not that Hurst minds. He certainly didn’t Saturday. “You know when that guy steps up (to take the penalty), he’s going to score,” defender/midfielder Ousman Jabang said. “It was just a matter of putting it in the net. He did and we celebrated from there.” After the goal. After the final whistle blew, too. And that was the best part. Receiving “Little Greg” wasn’t bad, either. He stayed by Hurst’s side throughout Big Greg’s interview and left with him when he was finished. David Glovach covers New Mexico United and other sports for the Journal. Reach him at dglovach@abqjournal.com or via X @DavidGlovach. 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