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2025 Season

New Mexico United and Las Vegas Lights FC Battle to 2–2 Draw in Front of 11,581 Fans

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New Mexico United and Las Vegas Lights FC battled to a 2–2 draw on Saturday night at Rio Grande Credit Union Field at Isotopes Park, with 11,581 fans in attendance. The result sees United drop to sixth place in the USL Championship Western Conference standings.

The match got off to a fast start, as United’s Valentin Noël opened the scoring in the 5th minute with a powerful strike that beat the Las Vegas goalkeeper and gave the home side an early 1–0 lead.

Las Vegas responded quickly. In the 12th minute, New Mexico native Anthony Herbert capitalized on a defensive lapse and slotted home the equalizer to make it 1–1. The rest of the first half remained tightly contested, with neither side able to pull ahead before the break.

The visitors struck again in the 74th minute, as forward Nighte Pickering finished clinically to give Las Vegas a 2–1 advantage. But United continued to push forward, and with just three minutes remaining in regulation, Thomas Amang rose in the box to head home the equalizer from close range, sealing the 2–2 result.

Stats Summary: NM / LVL

Shots: 12/13

Shots on Goal: 2/4

Saves: 2/0

Corners Won: 5/4

Fouls: 15/9

Misconduct Summary:

LVL: Gennaro Nigro (Yellow Card – 23’)

LVL: Christopher Pearson (Yellow Card – 43’)

NM: Christopher Gloster (Yellow Card – 58’)

NM: Talen Maples ( Yellow Card – 63’)

NM: Talen Maples ( Red Card – 65’)

NM: Kristopher Shakes ( Yellow Card – 69’)

LVL: Nighte Pickering ( Yellow Card – 75’)

NM: Greg Hurst ( Yellow Card – 95’)

NM: Younes Boudadi ( Yellow Card – 95’)

Up Next for United:

New Mexico United travels to Kentucky to face Louisville City FC on Saturday, August 23, with kickoff set for 6:00 p.m. MT. The Black and Yellow return home the following week to host Sacramento Republic FC on Friday, August 30, for Indigenous Peoples Night at Rio Grande Credit Union Field at Isotopes Park.

Get tickets HERE

Preview: New Mexico United Hosts Las Vegas Lights

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New Mexico United returns home after six weeks on the road for a historic Western Conference clash against Las Vegas Lights FC. This match marks the club’s 100th home game at Rio Grande Credit Union Field at Isotopes Park—a milestone for both players and supporters.

United enters the weekend in fifth place in the USL Championship Western Conference standings, looking to build momentum after a challenging road stretch. The two sides last faced off in March 2025 at The Lab, where United secured a thrilling 3-2 victory.

A Reunion with history: 

This upcoming match against Las Vegas Lights will mark notable reunions, as Head Coach Dennis Sanchez, Assistant Coach Armando Quezada, and midfielders OuSman Jabang and Valentin Noël prepare to face their former club at home for the first time. Additionally, former Black & Yellow players McKinze Gaines and Tony Herbert are set to return to The Lab.

Players to Watch:

Forward Greg Hurst has been a consistent scoring presence for United, leading the team with four goals in only 8 appearances this season. His combination of pace and finishing ability makes him a constant threat up front.

Midfielder Mukwelle Akale has emerged as a key playmaker, tallying five assists to lead the squad. His vision and passing range will be vital in breaking down the Lights’ defensive structure.

Milestone Watch:

Saturday’s match marks the 100th home game in New Mexico United’s history — a significant milestone for the club and its dedicated supporters.

In another storyline to watch, goalkeeper Alex Tambakis is just two clean sheets away from breaking the all-time USL Championship regular season shutouts record. A clean sheet on Saturday would bring him into a tie for the top spot.

Midfielder Sergio Rivas, a proud Albuquerque native, is also closing in on 10,000 regular season minutes in the USL Championship — a true reflection of his consistency, commitment, and importance to the team.

About Las Vegas Lights FC:

The Lights enter the match in 12th place in the Western Conference but have demonstrated moments of attacking quality. Forward Johnny Rodriguez leads the team with seven goals in 19 matches, while midfielder Gennaro Nigro has been a key creative presence, contributing four assists this season. Defensively, goalkeeper Raiko Arozarena has faced significant challenges but has recorded seven clean sheets, helping keep the Lights competitive.

Up Next for United: 

Following this historic match, New Mexico United will continue their pursuit of a playoff position with a vital away game against Louisville City FC on Saturday, August 23, at 6:00 PM MT, in a pivotal contest within the Western Conference standings.

Get tickets HERE

New Mexico United Drops Road Match to FC Tulsa

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New Mexico United suffered a 5-2 defeat to FC Tulsa on Saturday night in Oklahoma. The scoring opened in the 17th minute when Taylor Calheira converted a penalty kick past United goalkeeper Kris Shakes. United responded in the 33rd minute, as forward Greg Hurst battled through a challenge in the box and calmly floated the ball into the net to level the score at 1-1.

In the 37th minute, the elusive Mukwelle Akale created space and fired a promising shot on target, but FC Tulsa goalkeeper Johan Peñaranda made a strong save to keep the match level. Just three minutes later, the Black & Yellow struck again—this time with a stunning effort from midfielder Ousman Jabang in the 40th minute, putting United ahead 2-1.

FC Tulsa opened the second half with a quick strike from defender Harvey St. Clair just 45 seconds in, leveling the match at 2-2. Five minutes later, midfielder Marcos Cerato found the back of the net to give Tulsa the lead. In the 53rd minute, Kalil ElMedkhar added another for the home side, extending the advantage to 4-2. Tulsa capped off the night in the 82nd minute with a final goal from forward Alexander Dalou, sealing a 5-2 victory.

Stats Summary: TUL / NM

Shots: 10/14

Shots on Goal: 6/6

Saves: 1/4

Corner Kicks: 2/1

Fouls: 6/9

Misconduct Summary:

TUL: Abdoulaye Cissoko (Yellow Card – 13’)

NM: Gedion Zelalem (Yellow Card – 45’)

TUL: Marcos Cerato (Yellow Card – 54’)

TUL: Taylor Calheira ( Yellow Card – 61’)

Up next, the Black & Yellow return home to face Las Vegas Lights on Saturday, Aug. 16, for Zozobra Night at Rio Grande Credit Union at Isotopes Park. Get tickets HERE

Match Preview: New Mexico United vs. FC Tulsa

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New Mexico United hits the road this weekend for a pivotal Western Conference showdown against FC Tulsa. The Black & Yellow currently sit fifth in the USL Championship Western Conference standings, following a recent loss to Hartford Athletic. United is aiming to snap a winless streak and secure their first league victory since June 21. The two sides last met in October 2024 at The Lab, where they played to a 1-1 draw.

Players to Watch

Midfielder Valentin Noël has made an immediate impression in his early appearances with New Mexico United. After scoring off the bench in his debut, Noël has brought energy and creativity to the midfield, quickly becoming a dynamic presence in the squad.

Defender Jaylin Lindsey is also one to keep an eye on. A consistent leader on the back line, Lindsey averages 1.1 successful tackles and 1.3 interceptions per 90 minutes, showcasing his defensive reliability.

Milestone Watch:

Goalkeeper Alex Tambakis is just two clean sheets away from setting the all-time record for most shutouts in USL Championship regular season history. A clean sheet on Saturday would see him tie the current record holder, Evan Newton.

“The Greek Goat” is also nearing another major milestone, as he’s set to break into the top ten for all-time minutes played in USL Championship history following Saturday’s match.

Meanwhile, Albuquerque native Sergio Rivas is closing in on 10,000 regular season minutes in the USL Championship—another testament to his consistency and impact for New Mexico United.

About FC Tulsa:

FC Tulsa enters the weekend at the top of the Western Conference and remains a solid force at home on ONEOK Field.

Leading the attack is forward Taylor Calheira, who has tallied a team-high nine goals this season and continues to be a key offensive threat. On the defensive end, goalkeeper Johan Peñaranda has anchored the back line with four clean sheets, conceding just 18 goals on the season.

Up Next for United:

Following their trip to Tulsa, New Mexico United returns home to host Las Vegas Lights FC on Saturday, August 16. The match will mark a historic milestone—the club’s 100th home game at Rio Grande Credit Union Field at Isotopes Park.

Get tickets HERE

New Mexico United Falls to Hartford Athletic

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New Mexico United fell to Hartford Athletic 4-0 on the road Wednesday night. Things unraveled quickly, as Hartford’s Mamadou Dieng scored twice inside the opening 25 minutes. Hartford’s Michee Ngalina added a third goal just two minutes later, putting United in a deep hole before halftime.

In the second half, United tried to build momentum but struggled to break down Hartford’s backline. Substitute forward Kyle Edwards capped off the night with a fourth goal in the 82nd minute.

Notably, Goalkeeper Alex Tambakis became the first keeper to record 650 saves in USL Championship history.

Up next, the Black & Yellow travel to Oklahoma to take on FC Tulsa on Saturday, Aug. 9, at 6:30pm MT. United returns home on Saturday, Aug. 16, for Zozobra Night against Las Vegas Lights. Get tickets HERE.

Match Preview: New Mexico United vs. Hartford Athletic

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New Mexico United faces off against Hartford Athletic in a cross-conference clash this Wednesday. The Black & Yellow are coming off a penalty shootout win against San Antonio FC Saturday in the final round of USL Jägermeister Cup group play.

United currently sits third in the USL Championship Western Conference table, and looks to pick their first league win since June 21. The last time New Mexico and Hartford met was in 2024, a match that ended in a 1-0 win for United in front of nearly 11,000 fans. With United’s aim to regain first place in the West and Hartford’s urgency to finish in playoff contention, the contest this Wednesday promises to be another intense affair for NMU.

Players to watch:

Newcomer Valentin Noël is a player to watch in this mid-week clash. The midfielder scored a crucial goal coming off the bench in his debut for the Black & Yellow last weekend against San Antonio FC in Jägermeister Cup action. Another player to keep an eye on is winger Dayonn Harris. The 27-year-old marked his return from an ACL injury that kept him on the sidelines for almost a year with a goal that took United to penalties. Thanks to his heroic contribution, United went on to win the game in the shootout.

Tambakis Milestone Watch:

Goalkeeper Alex Tambakis is one save away from becoming the first keeper to reach 650 saves in USL Championship history. The Greek Goat is also two clean sheets away from setting the record for most shutouts in USL Championship regular season history. If he notches one Wednesday, he will tie current clean sheet leader Evan Newton.

About Hartford Athletic: 

Hartford Athletic looks to find a rhythm after a string of inconsistent results. Despite sitting at the bottom of the table, they have shown flashes of danger in attack. The one-two punch striker pairing of Kyle Edwards and Mamadou Dieng has contributed nine goals this season. HFD’s defense has been aggressive, averaging a league high 9.1 interceptions per match.

Up Next For United:

After this midweek matchup, United travels to Oklahoma facing off against FC Tulsa. United’s next home match is on Saturday, Aug 16, against the Las Vegas Lights FC, which will mark New Mexico United’s 100th match at Rio Grande Credit Union Field at Isotopes Park.

Get tickets HERE

Jägermeister Cup: New Mexico United vs. San Antonio FC Match Preview

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New Mexico United returns to action Saturday night in Texas, squaring off against San Antonio FC in Round 4 of the USL Jägermeister Cup. The Black & Yellow look to claim all-three points to advance to the knockout stages.

United arrives at this fixture sitting third in Group 2, amassing a total of six points after three games. San Antonio and Phoenix sit ahead of New Mexico with nine points, and Phoenix with Seven. Moreover, the Black & Yellow must win their final group stage match in regulation – no penalty shootout – to finish first in the group, and guarantee a spot in the knockout round.

United Decision Day Outcomes

You can find the Black & Yellow potential outcomes heading into the fourth round of the Jägermeister Cup.

Win vs. San Antonio FC

A win against San Antonio means NMU would host the quarterfinal on Wednesday, Aug. 20, with a 7:30pm kickoff at UNM Soccer Stadium. The opponent could be one of about 10 different sides from USL Championship and USL League One.

Draw vs San Antonio, Win Penalty Shootout

A penalty shootout win versus SAFC would mean New Mexico finishes second in the group, with the potential for a “Wild Card” spot. If United were to secure the a Wild Card spot, they would travel to the Group 4 winner – Rhode Island or Hartford. This match would be played on Wednesday, Aug. 20. 

Draw vs. San Antonio FC – 2-2 or lesser scoreline

A draw against San Antonio – 2-2 or lesser scoreline – and losing the Penalty Shootout would mean United finishes third in the group due to tiebreakers, knocking them out from the tournament.

Draw vs. San Antonio FC – 3-3 or greater scoreline

Lastly, a draw versus SAFC – 3-3 or greater scoreline – and losing the Penalty Shootout would mean United finishes second in the group based on tiebreakers. This result would potentially earn NMU a “Wild Card” spot, depending on other results. If New Mexico earns the Wild Card slot, they would travel to take on Group 4 winner Rhode Island or Hartford. This match would be on Wednesday, Aug. 20. 

United Jägermeister Cup Stats

United’s attack has been their strength up to this point, amassing seven goals in three games. Six different players have claimed a goal, with captain Talen Maples leading the way with two from the spot. United leads the shots on target per match chart with 6.3, and is tied for third in goals per match with 2.3. The Black & Yellow has an average possession of 59.3%, ranking it fifth in the competition. The discipline from United has been strong, receiving four yellow cards through three matches.

Players to Watch

A player to look out for during this game is Maples. The Texan has proven to be an asset on both ends of the pitch, leading the team in goals and blocks per 90 (1.3) in the Cup. Another player to keep an eye on is winger Mukwelle Akale, who is nearly top three in every United attack category. His strongest suit is chance creation, leading the side with six. Lastly, striker Greg Hurst returned to action in United’s last competitive game after a 3-month absence. Having led the team in goals last year, the scotsman looks to hit the ground up and running this Saturday.

About San Antonio FC

San Antonio FC comes to Albuquerque having won their last four matches in all competitions. With attackers like Luke Haakenson and Jorge Hernández leading the front line, SAFC is known for their physical-high tempo play. The last meeting between the two sides ended in dramatic fashion, with United snatching a late winner courtesy of forward Fernando.

Expect San Antonio to seek revenge in what promises to be a physical, high energy battle.

Up Next for United

After the fourth round of the USL Jägermeister Cup, New Mexico United travels to Connecticut to face-off against Hartford Athletic on Wednesday, July 30. United’s next home match is on Saturday, Aug. 16, against the Las Vegas Lights FC, which will mark New Mexico United’s 100th match at Rio Grande Credit Union Field at Isotopes Park.

Get your tickets to the upcoming home matches HERE

Daniel Bruce Suffers Season Ending Injury

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New Mexico United forward Daniel Bruce (More commonly known
as ‘Brucey!’) recently suffered a season ending ACL & Meniscus injury during a training session.
Brucey, the only remaining member of the squad from the inaugural 2019 season, is a New Mexico
United staple around the state as a fan favorite and community champion.

“The love and encouragement from family, friends and the club has been amazing.” Remarked Brucey.
“I truly appreciate all the support in this challenging moment. Thank you New Mexico, Somos Unidos!”

Bruce’s pre and post-surgery preparations and recovery will be led by Adrian Gonzales with Elevate
Performance, Health & Wellness, and his surgery will be led by Team Doctor Douglas Allen, MD with
New Mexico Orthopaedics.

Everyone at the club wishes Brucey a speedy and full recovery.

New Mexico United Falls to Charleston Battery 2-1 at Home

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New Mexico United fell by a score of 1-2 in favor of Charleston Battery on Saturday night in front of over 11,000 fans. United maintained total possession with 56.7- 43.3 advantage, but Charleston’s powerhouse offense was able to break through New Mexico United’s defensive line to ultimately win the match. 

After an hour thunderstorm delay, Zico Bailey was quick to get the first shot of the game at the two minute mark that was just wide. Later during the 24th minute, United Forward Thomas Amang had a good look on goal that sailed over the crossbar. In the 30th minute, the first card of many was shown to United’s Marlon Vargas. In the 38th minute Charleston’s Juan Torres had a good look on target but was blocked by Alex Tambakis.

Three minutes into the second half Charleston broke the tie with an own goal from United’s Ousman Jabang. 

United would retaliate at the 62nd minute after a successful penalty scored by Captain Talen Maples to even it up the score. Just five minutes later, Charleston would respond with a header from Rubio Rubin, assisted by Cal Jennings. 

Greg Hurst made his return from injury, subbing into the match in the 76th minute of the game. Hurst had one shot on target in his 14 minutes on the pitch. 

Up next New Mexico United heads to San Antonio FC for the fourth round of the USL Jagermeister cup. In a crucial match up, New Mexico United will be eager to secure the win and all three points to advance to the knockout stages of the USL Jagermeister Cup.

New Mexico United vs. San Antonio FC will kick off at 7:00 PM MT on Saturday 7/26 on ESPN+

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