2026 Season

New Mexico United today announced its preseason roster ahead of the club’s training trip to Tucson, Arizona, where United will compete in the 2026 Desert Showcase. The roster combines returning core contributors with new additions as the club opens preseason preparations.

The Black & Yellow will depart for Tucson this weekend, where the squad will train, compete in preseason matches, and continue building momentum under Head Coach Dennis Sanchez.

2026 Preseason Roster

Goalkeepers
#13 Kris Shakes
#56 Raiko Arozarena

Defenders
#16 Will Seymore
#19 Zico Bailey
#15 Ousman Jabang
#3 Chris Gloster
#4 Kipp Keller
#27 Maliek Howell

Midfielders
#8 Marlon Vargas
#6 Gedion Zelalem
#21 Valentin Noël
#18 Sofiane Djeffal

Forwards
#5 Dayonn Harris
#10 Greg Hurst
#9 Justin Rennicks
#29 Luther Archimède
#17 Jake LaCava

Technical Staff

Dennis Sanchez – Head Coach
Luke Sanford – First Team Assistant Coach
Armando Quezada – Director of Goalkeeping Efficiency
Daniel Bruce – First Team Assistant Coach
David Estrada – First Team Assistant Coach
Itamar Keinan – Sporting Director
Alex Mansfield – Director of Operations
Samer Mabrouk – Head Athletic Trainer
Jose Marmojelo – High Performance Director
Anthony Cassaro – First Team Analyst 

New Mexico United will play the first of three preseason matches in Tucson on Feb. 3 against Louisville City FC at 12 p.m. 

New Mexico United Desert Showcase Schedule

Feb. 3 | 12 p.m. vs. Louisville City FC

Feb. 5 | 6 p.m. vs. Vision FC

Feb. 8 | 12 p.m. vs. Colorado Springs Switchbacks

The team will return to Albuquerque for its first home preseason match on Feb. 15 at 1 p.m., taking on Utah Valley University at Santa Ana Soccer Complex.

For fans, the offseason can feel long and quiet without matchdays at The Lab. Inside New Mexico United, though, it’s one of the most important parts of the year.

High Performance Director José Marmolejo says the offseason is all about preparation. While supporters may picture players on vacation, the reality is structured work designed to get them ready for the next season.

The break lasts about seven weeks, starting with two weeks of mental reset in mid-to-late November. Players are encouraged to spend time with family, step away from soccer, and recharge. After that, training ramps up with a five-to-six-week buildup program. Each week includes two high-intensity and two low-intensity training days, with rest built in. During Christmas week, workouts are optional, but guidance is still provided.

At the beginning of preseason, players go through five to six detailed fitness tests, including mobility, strength and power assessments, conditioning, and body composition. The data helps staff create individualized plans. “Being a professional athlete is a full-year job,” José said, emphasizing the need to maintain a strong fitness base.

If a player returns behind schedule, the focus is support, not punishment. Staff meet with the player, identify the issue, and place him in a specialized group that may include extra conditioning, nutrition work, or additional sessions.

Communication is steady throughout the offseason. José sends players a full program with instructions and videos before training begins and checks in weekly or biweekly. Some players are self-driven, while others need more encouragement. “It’s important to give them space, but also to follow up,” he explained.

Body composition is a major focus. Players are grouped based on whether they need to gain muscle, lose body fat, do both, or maintain. The goal is for most of the squad to arrive in the maintenance group by preseason. Nutrition guidance centers on habits and long-term routines rather than strict meal plans.

New Mexico United’s offseason isn’t downtime, it’s the foundation. By preseason, players are expected to be mentally refreshed, physically ready, and prepared to push for the year ahead.

New Mexico United welcomes Anthony Cassaro to the technical staff as the club’s first-ever First Team Analyst. Cassaro returns to United after spending the 2025 season as an intern, earning a full-time role through his dedication, attention to detail, and impact within the technical group.

In his new role, Cassaro will support the first team through video analysis, match preparation and performance review, working closely with the coaching staff to help inform game planning and player development.

Cassaro’s promotion highlights New Mexico United’s commitment to developing people and players, as well as creating opportunities to grow within the club and from the local community. 

New Mexico United announced today that the club has signed midfielder Sofiane Djeffal ahead of the 2026 USL Championship season, pending league and federation approval.

“Sofiane is a proven midfielder with a wealth of experience across MLS and USL,” said Sporting Director Itamar Keinan. “His quality fits perfectly with our style, and we’re thrilled to welcome him.”

Djeffal, 26, joins the Black & Yellow following a strong 2025 season with Lexington SC, where he started 19 matches and logged 1,603 minutes during the regular season. A reliable presence in midfield, he recorded an 88.7 percent passing accuracy, highlighting his ability to maintain possession and facilitate play under pressure.

Born in Nantes, France, Djeffal began his development in the FC Nantes academy before continuing his career at Oregon State University. At Oregon State, he established himself as one of the top players in college soccer, earning Pac-12 Player of the Year honors in 2021 and being named to the All-Pac-12 First Team in three consecutive seasons.

Djeffal was selected 36th overall by D.C. United in the 2022 MLS SuperDraft and made 28 appearances during his rookie season. He later joined Austin FC after being selected first overall in the 2023 MLS Re-Entry Draft, appearing in nine matches across all competitions, including the CONCACAF Champions League.

Djeffal joins New Mexico United as the club continues preparations for the 2026 USL Championship season.

Kipp Keller has successfully undergone surgery to repair a sports hernia, the club announced today. The procedure was completed without complication, and Keller is expected to be sidelined for approximately 5–6 weeks as he recovers.

Keller will begin a structured rehabilitation program immediately and is projected to make a full return following the recovery period.

The organization wishes Kipp a smooth and speedy recovery and looks forward to welcoming him back on the field soon

New Mexico United announced today the club has signed winger Jake LaCava ahead of the 2026 season, pending league and federation approval.

LaCava, 25, joins United from San Antonio FC, bringing experience, versatility, and attacking depth to New Mexico’s frontline. A right winger by trade, LaCava stands 6-foot and adds pace and work rate on the flanks.

“Jake is someone we’ve wanted to see in Black and Yellow for quite some time, and we’re thrilled to finally make it happen,” said Sporting Director Itamar Keinan. “He’s a talented attacking player with the ability to create opportunities for himself and his teammates.”

During the 2025 season, LaCava appeared in 20 total matches, started 12, played 1,133 minutes and registered two goals and one assist across all competitions, providing consistent width and movement in the attacking third.

Originally from New York, LaCava has built a strong USL Championship résumé over his career. Across 164 professional appearances, he has totaled 10,081 minutes, scoring 31 goals and adding 21 assists. His attacking output includes 101 shots on target and 108 chances created, highlighting his ability to both finish and create opportunities.

LaCava joins United ahead of the 2026 season as the club continues preparations for the upcoming USL Championship campaign.

New Mexico United announced today the club has signed goalkeeper Raiko Arozarena ahead of the 2026 season, pending league and federation approval.

Arozarena, 28, joins United following a standout 2025 campaign with Las Vegas Lights FC, where he appeared in 25 matches and logged 2,234 minutes.

“Raiko has proven himself as a top goalkeeper in our league and is coming off an excellent season with 10 clean sheets,” said Sporting Director Itamar Keinan. “We’re thrilled to bring him to New Mexico.”

Standing 5-foot-11, Arozarena brings a proven résumé in the USL Championship. Over his career, he has made 56 league appearances, totaling 5,054 minutes, while recording 20 shutouts and 160 saves. 

In addition to his USL Championship experience, Arozarena spent time on loan with Forward Madison FC during the 2022 season in USL League One, further adding to his professional development.

At the international level, Arozarena has represented Cuba, most notably competing in the 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup, gaining valuable experience against top national teams from across the region.

His club honors include being part of the Tampa Bay Rowdies’ 2020–21 USL Championship Regular Season title-winning squad, bringing championship pedigree to New Mexico United’s roster.

Arozarena will join United ahead of the 2026 season as the club continues preparations for another competitive campaign in the USL Championship.