New Mexico United

“We’ll be fine… it’s not the end of the world.” Says Captain Greg Hurst

Albuquerque, NM – The 2002 Oakland A’s won 20 games in a row, 2003-04 Arsenal went undefeated along with the 2007 Patriots but all of them lost their streak eventually. For United on Saturday night they learned that lesson too as their historic unbeaten run of 13 matches in a row came to an end like all great streaks sadly must do. 

The mood in the first base dugout at Rio Grande Credit Union Field at Isotopes Park wasn’t one of anger but rather of optimism following the club’s 2-1 loss to San Antonio FC. “I have so much belief in this group.” Said Head Coach Dennis Sanchez, “We have everything we need to lift the trophy this year.” That sentiment was echoed by Captain Greg Hurst and Pepsi Man of the Match Dayonn Harris who became the fastest player in United history to score a goal after subbing on in a match.

“We’ll be fine. You know, it’s not the end of the world.” Hurst said, “We built up a good position, a lot of momentum, and we’ll see a reaction.” When asked about this team Harris stated simply, “We’re a tight group. It’s like a family out there. We’re continuing to build that camaraderie and that fight for each other, I think there’s nothing that can stop us.” 

New Mexico United will have a chance to bounce back next Saturday in Las Vegas as they take on the Las Vegas Lights in what will be the Black and Yellow’s last match at Cashman Field. New Mexico will be back at Rio Grande Credit Union Field at Isotopes Park to play host to Indy Eleven on September 11th at 7:30 PM for Soccer Salutes Service Night. You can get your tickets at Seatgeek.com. 

Keller and Niall Reid-Stephen score within five minutes of one another

Albuquerque, NM – The Kings of Chaos have struck again and this time with a quick one two late into the match. After going down 1-0 early in the second half the Black and Yellow came storming back to extend their historic unbeaten run to 13 matches across league and cup play. 

During United’s run they have found almost every way possible to get points out of its matches. It shouldn’t be surprising considering how close this team is with one another. “It’s a brotherhood. There are so many leaders in the group,” Pepsi Man of the Match Kipp Keller said postmatch, “…everyone listens to one another. We all love each other genuinely. I think it’s probably one of the closest teams I’ve ever been a part of.” Keller’s third goal this season equalized things for New Mexico in the 73’. As the smoke bomb smoke started to clear, Niall Reid-Stephen slotted one home in the 78’ to give United the lead for good. “No matter what the game is giving us, or the opponent is giving us, we’re finding a way.” Head Coach Dennis Sanchez stated, “…I think that’s the art of being a champion.” 

The century mark was featured a lot tonight too at Rio Grande Credit Union Field at Isotopes Park. With this win New Mexico United has now secured its 100th regular season win in club history. Also hitting 100 was Zico Bailey who made his 100th career appearance with the Black and Yellow. “If you can play 100 games just as a professional in general, it’s a massive honor.” The Philippines National Team player stated, “That’s what you work your whole life for. So to play 100 games for one club, I think, is something I should be proud of.” Another 100 mark was for Head Coach Dennis Sanchez who managed his 101st match in the USL Championship.

New Mexico United will be right back at Rio Grande Credit Union Field at Isotopes Park to take on rival San Antonio FC. You can get your tickets at Seatgeek.com.

 Albuquerque, NM – Today New Mexico United announced that they have mutually parted ways with defender Will Seymore. Seymore joined the Black and Yellow ahead of the 2022 season. In his time with New Mexico Seymore played in 133 matches and scored four goals for United across all competitions. We’re grateful to Will for everything he gave to this club and our community, and he will always be part of the New Mexico United family. 

Albuquerque, NM. – WDWDWWWWWW. No, that wasn’t an accidental smashing of the keyboard, that’s New Mexico United’s last ten match results. The Black and Yellow have been having a sublime summer: undefeated since May 20th in all competitions, the longest streak in the club’s history. Head coach Dennis Sanchez and his team are hitting their stride, and will get a chance at redemption this week for the 0-3 loss to FC Tulsa in last year’s Western Conference final – and this time, New Mexico is playing host. New Mexico will take on FC Tulsa this Saturday, August 15th for Indigenous Peoples’ Day, kicking off at 7:30 MST at Rio Grande Credit Union Field at Isotopes Park. 

Get Your Kicks on Route 66!

The Black and Yellow’s matchup against the FC Tulsa Scissortails will no-doubt have major implications for the Western Conference standings. New Mexico sits third in the conference, just one spot and one point above Tulsa. As the USL postseason draws ever closer, both sides will be looking for a statement win this Saturday. Tulsa has been a bit of a white whale for New Mexico United, the last time the Black and Yellow bested the Scissortails in Isotopes Park came in 2023.

A Well-Oiled Machine

With 14 goals through their last five matches, New Mexico United’s momentum seems to be hitting new highs every week. A major contributor to the side’s recent form has been midfielder Valentin Noël. The Frenchman enjoyed a brace by the beach in a 5-2 victory at Monterey last week, scoring two and tacking on an assist to Greg Hurst for good measure. On the back line, Niko Hämäläinen will be key to stuffing any scoring attempts from FC Tulsa. The flying Finn completed 55/65 of his passes against Monterey (one of them good for an assist to Dayonn Harris), and logged five clearances. There have been bright spots everywhere for this New Mexico United squad, and their chemistry appears to be unmatched right now. Three points against Tulsa would put the Black and Yellow in prime position for both the Player’s Shield and the top of the Western Conference table.

Is it Tulsa Time, or Will United Continue to Shine?

The story has been a bit different for FC Tulsa thus far. After a rough stretch of four losses from June to July, the Oklahoma side seemed to be getting back on track, posting single-score victories against Pittsburgh and Sacramento. But the Scissortails dropped a 1-0 loss to Detroit City FC this past week, despite dominating both possession and shooting statistics the entire match. Tulsa, led by head coach Luke Spencer, will be hitting the road to Albuquerque hungry for a win. Much of Tulsa’s scoring runs through one man: Jamie Webber. The South African midfielder has logged a goal or an assist in seven of his last ten appearances, and will be eager for an attempt to spoil the league-best streak being enjoyed by New Mexico United. 

Where to watch

In Person: Rio Grande Credit Union Field at Isotopes Park

TV: MY50 & Estrella

Streaming: KRQE.com & ESPN+

Radio: 101.7 The Team

Match Previews are presented by Ezee Fiber

Match preview written by Ben Montoya

United scores four unanswered for longest unbeaten streak in team history

Seaside, Calif. – As the old saying goes, it’s not how you start; it’s how you finish… and boy did New Mexico United finish. 

After going down 2-1 early in the second half of play the Black and Yellow stormed back for a historic comeback the likes of which have never seen before in club history. Greg Hurst sparked the comeback with a shot from outside the box to equalize in Seaside, California in the 74th minute. Quickly thereafter, in the 78th minute Valentin Noël put the Kings of Chaos ahead with his second of the match. The beach party didn’t stop there with Dayonn Harris and Niall Reid-Stephen getting in on the good vibrations in the 87th and 90th +1’ minutes, respectively. As the full time whistle blew United had accomplished a multitude of things that no New Mexico team had ever done before. 

So how historic was this match for the Black and Yellow? 

This was New Mexico United’s first win in Monterey Bay in club history for starters. The paradise by the sea had been more of a Titanic-esque voyage than a nice sunset cruise with United entering the match with a 0-3-2 (W-L-D) record all time in Seaside. 

The four unanswered goals are the most goals scored by a United team after trailing. (Previous was three, set against San Antonio FC on October 20th, 2021) The five goals are the most United has scored in a road match in club history. (Previous was four, against Lexington SC this season)

This was also the second most goals United has scored in a league match as well. (For statistical purposes the most was seven against Phoenix Rising on May 24th, 2022) But the big one of the night is the one involving the unbeaten run. With this win this 2026 New Mexico United team now has the longest unbeaten streak in club history at 10. The previous record was nine set back last season. (The club does not count International Friendlies towards official records). 

New Mexico United will return home for a rematch of last year’s Western Conference Final against FC Tulsa on August 15th for Indigenous Peoples Night. Tickets are going quick and are available at Seatgeek.com. United is encouraging all fans to purchase their tickets online through Seatgeek ahead of time and arrive early to the match as another crowd of over 10,000 fans is expected.

  The Former UNM Lobo Scores his First Professional Goal

Albuquerque, NM – When Maliek Howell was in college at the University of New Mexico he dreamt about playing for New Mexico United at RGCU Field at Isotopes Park. “I remember sitting in the stands and watching guys like Kevaughn Frater and wanting to be out there,” Howell said at the start of the year. Well Maliek, take a bow you have finally done it. In a match that was massive for both sides Howell made his collegiate dreams come true and scored the match winning goal for the Black and Yellow in the 51st minute of play. 

As most New Mexico United and Colorado Springs Switchbacks matches go this one was a battle till the bitter end.  “Today was a tough match,” Co-Pepsi Man of the Match Chris Gloster said postmatch, “but we did everything we could to get three points.” Gloster continues to be a massive part of a New Mexico back line that has only allowed seven goals in USL Championship League play since May 6th. The New Mexico backline has been about as hot as a Chile roaster during September and October. A group that some have started to call “The Burque Backline” for their tough, Albuquerque-grit style of play has made sure that the praise goes around. “ I’m not too focused on myself,” Goalkeeper Kris Shakes said after logging six saves in another clean sheet effort. “Obviously it’s the whole team, right? Without them it’s impossible for me to get a clean sheet by myself.” This is Shakes seventh clean sheet of the season in 2026. That is two more compared to all of last season. 

New Mexico looks to keep the good times rolling as they head back to California to take on Monterey Bay FC next Saturday at 8:00 PM MDT. United will return home for a rematch of last year’s Western Conference Final against FC Tulsa on August 15th for Indigenous Peoples Night. Tickets are available at Seatgeek.com.