New Mexico looks to get back on the right track
As the New Mexican skies light up with Hot Air Balloons New Mexico United and Phoenix Rising will battle it out on the pitch below. For both sides there is so much more on the line than just bragging rights in this Southwestern Derby. Here’s everything you need to know!
October Ball
The lights are always brighter in the month of October! United heads into this match looking to get back on the right track and get some good momentum going into the final five matches of the season. On Sunday however the Black and Yellow will have a chance to check off one of their goals from their 2026 list. If United picks up all three points they will clinch a playoff spot for the seventh time in the team’s eight seasons. A draw can do it as well, baring Las Vegas Lights FC and Oakland Roots SC failing to win on Saturday.
The Albuquerque Box
Kris Shakes quest for a gold glove this season continues on as he has now eclipsed 100 saves in the 2026 season. Shakes still leads the USL Championship in saves by 12 and is quickly approaching an 80% save rate this season. Shakes 102 saves is already the most in franchise history (87 by Cody Mizell in 2019 is second). His 77.9% save percentage would be a franchise record for a full time keeper in club history. The current record is 69.4% by Alex Tambakis in the 2021 season. Needless to say Shakes’ 2026 season has been nothing short of historic.
Up Up and Away
Ihsan Sacko’s 2026 season has kept Phoenix Rising in the playoff hunt. His 12 goals, four assists and 52 shots all lead Rising’s offensive categories. Fans may recall that two of his 12 goals this year came against the Black and Yellow in early April in United’s road loss to Phoenix.
Where to Watch
In Person: Rio Grande Credit Union Field at Isotopes Park
TV: NM50 and Estrella TV
Streaming: ESPN+, KRQE.com, and TUDN
Radio: 101.7 The Team and SiriusXM
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