Albuquerque, NM. – WDWDWWWWWW. No, that wasn’t an accidental smashing of the keyboard, that’s New Mexico United’s last ten match results. The Black and Yellow have been having a sublime summer: undefeated since May 20th in all competitions, the longest streak in the club’s history. Head coach Dennis Sanchez and his team are hitting their stride, and will get a chance at redemption this week for the 0-3 loss to FC Tulsa in last year’s Western Conference final – and this time, New Mexico is playing host. New Mexico will take on FC Tulsa this Saturday, August 15th for Indigenous Peoples’ Day, kicking off at 7:30 MST at Rio Grande Credit Union Field at Isotopes Park.
Get Your Kicks on Route 66!
The Black and Yellow’s matchup against the FC Tulsa Scissortails will no-doubt have major implications for the Western Conference standings. New Mexico sits third in the conference, just one spot and one point above Tulsa. As the USL postseason draws ever closer, both sides will be looking for a statement win this Saturday. Tulsa has been a bit of a white whale for New Mexico United, the last time the Black and Yellow bested the Scissortails in Isotopes Park came in 2023.
A Well-Oiled Machine
With 14 goals through their last five matches, New Mexico United’s momentum seems to be hitting new highs every week. A major contributor to the side’s recent form has been midfielder Valentin Noël. The Frenchman enjoyed a brace by the beach in a 5-2 victory at Monterey last week, scoring two and tacking on an assist to Greg Hurst for good measure. On the back line, Niko Hämäläinen will be key to stuffing any scoring attempts from FC Tulsa. The flying Finn completed 55/65 of his passes against Monterey (one of them good for an assist to Dayonn Harris), and logged five clearances. There have been bright spots everywhere for this New Mexico United squad, and their chemistry appears to be unmatched right now. Three points against Tulsa would put the Black and Yellow in prime position for both the Player’s Shield and the top of the Western Conference table.
Is it Tulsa Time, or Will United Continue to Shine?
The story has been a bit different for FC Tulsa thus far. After a rough stretch of four losses from June to July, the Oklahoma side seemed to be getting back on track, posting single-score victories against Pittsburgh and Sacramento. But the Scissortails dropped a 1-0 loss to Detroit City FC this past week, despite dominating both possession and shooting statistics the entire match. Tulsa, led by head coach Luke Spencer, will be hitting the road to Albuquerque hungry for a win. Much of Tulsa’s scoring runs through one man: Jamie Webber. The South African midfielder has logged a goal or an assist in seven of his last ten appearances, and will be eager for an attempt to spoil the league-best streak being enjoyed by New Mexico United.
Where to watch
In Person: Rio Grande Credit Union Field at Isotopes Park
TV: MY50 & Estrella
Streaming: KRQE.com & ESPN+
Radio: 101.7 The Team
Match Previews are presented by Ezee Fiber
Match preview written by Ben Montoya
