April 19, 2024

Ahmadi nets 5, Bandits fall to Runners in 1st game

Photo courtesy of the New Mexico Runners

DODGE CITY–Mershad Ahmadi scored five times Sunday, sparking New Mexico to an inspired 7-1 win at Kansas in the Bandits’ first-ever game at United Wireless Arena.

Ahmadi scored the opening goal with 11:55 left in the first quarter, and that was the start of a career day for the Afghan-born Runner. He once scored five in a game last year and led the Runners in scoring despite playing in just seven games.

Ahmadi went on to score twice in the second quarter and twice again in the fourth. Colton Oord and Vince Aragon notched the other two goals for New Mexico.

Kansas’s lone goal was scored by Dodge City native Alan Lopez early in the fourth quarter. 

The Bandits fall to 0-1 and return to action Friday when they travel to Wichita. Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m. CT.