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.
2025 Season
New Mexico United Falls to Charleston Battery 2-1 at Home
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+
New Mexico United vs. Charleston Battery Match Preview
New Mexico United returns home Saturday night, for a showdown against Eastern Conference foe Charleston Battery. After a 1-0 defeat on the road to Pittsburgh last weekend where United conceded a late goal, they look to bounce back in the Land of Enchantment.
United has been strong at home this season, posting a 4W-1L-1D record in front of nearly 10,000 fans per match. With the playoff race heating up, United can have a chance to make a statement. The Black and Yellow continue to lead the USL in average possession (62.7%), and rank second in clean sheets behind the steady hands of goalkeeper Alex Tambakis and his backline. New Mexico’s Defense has made their presence known throughout the year.
United’s attack has been quietly productive this season. Winger Mukwelle Akale has amassed as many goal contributions as he did last year just halfway through this season – 10 in 18 games. Another player to spotlight is fellow winger Fernando, coming off a USL Championship Player of the Month nomination for the month of June. The Brazilian leads the side in goals (4), making his mark early in his United debut season. Other honorable mentions include attacking midfielder Marlon Vargas, who bagged two goals in his last four appearances, and super-sub McKinze Gaines, who assisted Fernando in United’s game-winning goal against San Antonio FC.
Milestone Watch
Tambakis is two clean sheets away from setting the record for most shutouts in USL Championship regular season history. The Greek Goat is just one shy from tying the all-time leader Evan Newton, who sits at the top with 58. On another note, two saves would extend Tambi’s USL Championship all-time saves record to 650.
Albuquerque’s own Sergio Rivas is on the brink of hitting 10,000 USL Championship regular season minutes. Rivas is 327 minutes away, meaning he won’t achieve the milestone in this match. However, significant minutes this Saturday can draw him one step closer.
About Charleston Battery
Charleston Battery enters Saturday’s match second in the Eastern Conference, showcasing one of the league’s best offenses. The Battery averages a league-high 2.1 goals per match, and big chances created (42) in the Championship. Forward Cal Jennings and attacking midfielder Juan Torres make up for 24 of Charleston’s goal contributions across 16 matches. The duo up top is the most dangerous attacking pair in the USL this season.
Up Next for United
After Saturday’s showdown with Charleston, New Mexico United heads back on the road to Connecticut to face 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 tickets to the match HERE.
New Mexico United Releases Camo Merchandise Collection
For the first time in the club’s history, New Mexico United is
releasing a limited edition “Salute to Service” merchandise collection. The special edition collection
was released on the club’s social media channels today and you can now view and purchase from
the collection HERE.
The player jersey consists of a green camouflage pattern throughout the garment, a white puma cat
on the right chest, a bold black & white New Mexico United Shield on the left chest and the bold
white logo of the jersey’s partner, Sandia Resort & Casino, in the center of the jersey. The back of the
jersey, underneath the nape of the neck, displays the Tribal Band of the Pueblo of Sandia. The rest of
the ‘Camo Collection’ includes an Orange Camo Goalkeeper Jersey and a Black & Green Camo
Pattern 1⁄4 zip jacket that is available online now and will all be available in the United Retail Store
starting this Saturday 7/5.
“This collection is being introduced to honor all of our nation’s service members, veterans and their
families,” said United President Ron Patel. “We see it as a way to give back to the community and the
families that have sacrificed everything for all of us .”
A portion of the proceeds from the Camo Collection will be donated to Paws & Stripes, a non profit
organization who are, in their words, “Saving Lives, Two at a Time!” Paws & Stripes offer a variety of
programs to fit the needs of the Veteran community. From their 12-month Veteran service dog
program to their six-week companion animal program, or their ongoing individual therapy options,
Paws & Stripes offers low cost/no cost services to Veterans and their families suffering from the
trauma, depression, PTSD, traumatic brain injury, military sexual assault, chronic pain and sucidality.
“When I first looked at this kit, I felt a sense of pride to be able to represent a fraction of what the
military does for us. ” said Talen Maples, United’s Co-Captain and son of a Retired Chief Master
Sargent in the United States Air Force. “It will definitely be a meaningful game for me while playing in
that kit. We just want to show our gratitude to those who help protect our freedom.”
The Black and Yellow (or in this case Black & Camo Green!) return to action on the road tonight, as
they take on Pittsburgh Riverhounds at Highmark Financial Stadium in the Steel City. Kick-off is
scheduled for 5pm MT and the club will wear the Camo Kit in the match tonight! Fans can watch
tonight’s match on CBS Sports Golazo (in English) or on Estrella TV, Channel 7.2, (in Spanish)
United’s next home match is July 12th against Charleston Battery, where United will also wear the
Camo Collection on the pitch! Fans can purchase tickets to see their first-in-the-West New Mexico
United battle Eastern Conference foe Charleston HERE. Kick-off is scheduled for 7:00 PM on July
12th, and United will honor past and present service members, as we celebrate ‘Soccer Salutes
Service.’”
New Mexico United Announces Extension of Star Defender Talen Maples
New Mexico United is thrilled to announce that the club has signed star defender and captain Talen Maples to an extension to remain in Black & Yellow through the 2027 season.
“Since his arrival, Talen has been a terrific defender, and wonderful leader on and off the pitch,” said New Mexico United Sporting Director Itamar Keinan. “Talen leads by example, and has been phenomenal at every turn. We are thrilled to have him in New Mexico for two more seasons, and know that he’ll continue to make a difference at every opportunity.”
Maples joined United ahead of the 2024 USL Championship season, quickly becoming a leader on the pitch and in the locker room. In his inaugural season with United, he led the team, and was among the league leaders with 141 clearances and 30 blocks. In 2025, Maples was chosen to be a co-captain alongside fellow center back Kalen Ryden. Since his arrival, no United defender has more clearances, blocks, tackles, or tackles won.
This extension is part of a larger strategy employed by Keinan to set New Mexico United up for long-term success. The club finished first in the USL Championship Western Conference in 2024, and is currently at the top of the West again, having brought back a terrific core and adding key difference makers in the offseason. New Mexico United is committed to competing at the highest level, fighting for championships for years to come.
New Mexico United Beats Union Omaha, 2-0, in Jägermeister Cup Debut
New Mexico United earned yet another clean sheet on Saturday night, shutting out reigning USL League One winners Union Omaha by a 2-0 score in front of 9,495 fans at Rio Grande Credit Union Field at Isotopes Park. Talen Maples scored from the penalty spot, and Marlon Vargas put the icing on the cake in second half stoppage time to see United take all three points in their first ever Jägermeister Cup match.
Things were fairly buttoned up defensively in the early going in this one. Half an hour in, the two clubs had totaled a combined 0.03 xG, with just one shot on goal between them. The only chance of the first half hour came off the foot of former United midfielder Isidro Martinez, who caught United’s Alex Tambakis off his line and fired from midfield. The long-range shot hit off the crossbar, allowing Tambakis to clear the danger.
But the breakthrough came in the 42nd minute, as United’ Marlon Vargas was brought down in the Omaha box, earning a penalty for the Black & Yellow. McKinze Gaines initially collected the ball, before handing off to captain Talen Maples, who slotted home from the spot for a 1-0 lead.
The goal opened the game up in the extreme. In the second half, United continued to push the pace, and Omaha had no choice but to open up and attempt to score a goal of their own. That open play favored the home side, as United totaled a season-high 3.77 xG, 18 shots, and 12 shots on goal. Several United players had big chances turned aside by Omaha goalkeeper Rashid Nuhu, who was terrific on the evening. But in the 94th minute, Vargas took a terrific through ball from Mukwelle Akale and passed into the back of the net for the final 2-0 scoreline.
New Mexico United Wins Fifth Straight, Earns Share of First Place
New Mexico United earned their fifth straight victory on Wednesday night, finishing the evening even with San Antonio on points at the top of the USL Championship Western Conference. Ousman Jabang scored the winner for New Mexico – his first career goal – as the Black & Yellow cruised to their fourth straight clean sheet, each by a 1-0 scoreline.
For just the second time in league play this season, United scored in the first half, taking a 1-0 lead in the 29th minute. Marlon Vargas played a short corner to Mukwelle Akale, who crossed toward the back post, aiming for Jaylin Lindsey. The ball was intercepted, but not cleared, by a Monterey defender, squirting out to Jabang, just outside the six-yard box, who one-timed a right-footed shot past Monterey Bay goalkeeper Nico Campuzano for the only score of the match.
Alex Tambakis earned his fourth consecutive shutout in the victory, leaving him just two away from the all-time USL Championship record for clean sheets. Tambakis didn’t need to make a save in this one, as Monterey Bay did not manage a shot on goal, but he was off his line several times to claim crosses and long balls, and keep United in front.
New Mexico United returns to action this Saturday night at Rio Grande Credit Union Field at Isotopes Park. They’ll venture into Jagermeister Cup play for the first time, taking on reigning two-time USL League One winners Union Omaha.
New Mexico United Bests El Paso Locomotive FC, 1-0, in Home Opener in Front of More than 11,000 Fans
New Mexico United claimed all three points in their home opener on Saturday afternoon, topping rivals El Paso Locomotive FC by a 1-0 margin. Greg Hurst scored the winner – his third goal in as many matches – to lead the Black & Yellow to their second straight victory. 11,005 fans attended the match.
The first half was fairly quiet both ways, with United registering a few shots – two on frame – and Locomotive FC unable to get a shot away, at all. The second half, in contrast, was a much more competitive affair. But it wasn’t until the final ten minutes or so that things really heated up. A lovely ball from Sergio Rivas from around the center circle found a streaking Mukwelle Akale on the left side. Akale – ever patient – cut diagonally back toward the penalty spot, dribbling around two defenders before finding a perfectly-positioned Hurst, who fired into the roof of the net from fifteen yards out for the only score of the match.
The win gives United six points on the season, good for third in the table in the very early going. El Paso remains winless through three matches.
United Soccer League Adopts Promotion and Relegation System, Ushering in a New Era for American Soccer
League Owners Approve Historic Move to Align with Global Standards and Elevate Competition Nationwide
TAMPA, Fla. (March 19, 2025) – The United Soccer League (USL) announced today that a supermajority of club owners voted to implement a promotion and relegation system, marking a groundbreaking decision that will reshape the future of professional soccer in the United States.
The USL becomes the first professional sports league in the U.S. to adopt this global model, creating an interconnected three-tiered men’s professional soccer system, where teams earn promotion to a higher division or face relegation to a lower division based on their performance during the season. With this historic step, the USL aligns with the world’s top leagues—including the English Premier League, La Liga and Bundesliga—where promotion and relegation raises the stakes of every match, drives fan engagement, and elevates the overall competition of the game.
“A new chapter in American soccer begins. The decision by our owners to approve and move forward with this bold direction is a testament to their commitment to the long-term growth of soccer in the United States,” said Alec Papadakis, CEO of the United Soccer League. “This is a significant milestone for the USL and highlights our shared vision with our team ownership to build a league that not only provides top-tier competition but also champions community engagement. Now, just as it is in the global game, more communities in America can aspire to compete at the highest level of soccer. It’s time.”
Last month, the USL announced plans to launch a new Division One league in 2027-28, a pivotal step in its vision to establish a fully integrated three-tier professional system. As defined by U.S. Soccer Federation sanctioning standards, Division One is the highest level of professional soccer in the United States. With the USL Championship (Division Two) and USL League One (Division Three) already providing a strong foundation for player development and competition, the addition of a Division One league completes the structure. All three leagues will be interconnected through a structured promotion and relegation system, where more matches matter, rewarding performance and unlocking new opportunities for clubs, players, and fans.
“Promotion and relegation transforms the competitive landscape of American soccer,” said Paul McDonough, President and Chief Soccer Officer of the USL. “With the 2026 World Cup and other major international events approaching, we have a unique opportunity to build on that momentum and create a sustainable future for the sport in the U.S. Fans and stakeholders have been clear—they want something different. They’re drawn to the intensity of high-stakes competition, where more matches have real consequences—just like we see in European leagues. This shift challenges the status quo and brings a level of excitement and relevance that can elevate the game across the country.”
More details about the implementation and structure of promotion and relegation will be shared in the coming months. For updates, please visit uslsoccer.com.
About United Soccer League
Founded in 1986, the United Soccer League (USL) is the largest and fastest-growing soccer organization in the United States, impacting more than 200 communities nationwide. The USL is the first and only organization to offer a comprehensive youth-to-professional pathway for both men and women under one ecosystem. This structure includes four men’s leagues: the newly announced, top-tier professional Division I league, the USL Championship (Division II), USL League One (Division III), and USL League Two (pre-professional). The women’s pathway includes the top-tier USL Super League (Division I), which debuted in 2024, and USL W League, the country’s leading pre-professional women’s league. The USL also oversees USL Academy, a progressive talent development platform, and USL Youth, a premier national youth platform.
With multi-year national and international media rights agreements across various platforms including CBS Sports, ESPN and Peacock, the USL is the most widely accessible soccer league in the country.
