New Mexico United is excited to announce that midfielder Justin Portillo is returning to the club for the 2023 USL Championship season. Portillo, the club’s 2022 Newcomer of the Year and Most Valuable Player, led the team in scoring (8 goals scored, 7 via penalty), and assists (5).
In addition to his top scoring record, Portillo was among United’s leader in passes completed (1st – 1,616), passing accuracy (2nd – 82.3%), shots on target (3rd – 14), tackles (3rd – 45), and tackles won (27), and minutes (2,812).. He was voted by his teammates, United fans, United staff, and members of the media as the club’s Newcomer of the Year, and Most Valuable Player. Portillo appeared in 34 matches this season, starting 32 of them.
Prior to joining the Black & Yellow, Portillo played seven years professionally with the Charleston Battery, Real Monarchs SLC, and Real Salt Lake.In eight years as a pro, Portillo has amassed:
- Played 216 professional matches
- Played 17,287 professional minutes
- Scored 32 goals
- Assisted 28 goals
- Scored 10 goals from set pieces
Portillo will be entering the second year of a multi-year deal with New Mexico United.
