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New Mexico United Dominate at Home, Climb to Third in the Western Conference

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New Mexico United (9-9-3, 33 pts) continued their late-season surge on Saturday night with a resounding 4-0 victory at home, marking their second consecutive win and propelling them into third place in the USL Championship’s Western Conference. A crowd of 7,347 fans at Rio Grande Credit Union Field at Isotopes Park witnessed one of the club’s most complete performances of the season.

From the opening whistle, United set the tone. In just the 5th minute, midfielder Zico Bailey stunned the stadium with a spectacular 55-yard strike from midfield, catching the goalkeeper off his line to open the scoring in dramatic fashion.

United doubled their lead in the 20th minute as Chris Gloster calmly finished a rebound inside the box.

The momentum continued into the second half. In the 70th minute, Greg Hurst rose high to meet a pinpoint corner from Dayonn Harris, heading home United’s third goal of the night.

The dominant performance was sealed in stoppage time when Valentin Noël broke free on a counterattack and slotted the ball past the keeper, capping off the 4-0 rout and sending the home crowd into celebration.

With back-to-back wins and five goals scored across two matches, New Mexico United are finding form at the perfect time as the playoff race heats up. The victory not only lifts the Black & Yellow into the top three but also builds critical momentum ahead of their final stretch of the regular season.

Momentum Builds in the West as United Secures Crucial Win

United’s latest victory delivered more than just three points—it sent a strong message to the rest of the Western Conference. With their trademark aggressive style, the Black & Yellow continue to surge forward in their late-season campaign.

Standout Performer: Alex Tambakis

Goalkeeper Alex Tambakis played a pivotal role in the win, setting the tone early with critical saves that shut down Detroit City’s scoring opportunities. He recorded five saves on the night and earned yet another clean sheet—his 58th career shutout—tying the all-time league record. The performance further cements Tambakis’s status as one of the most dependable goalkeepers in league history and reinforces the Greek Goats’ growing legacy between the posts.

Stats Summary: NM/DET

Shots: 6/9

Shots on Goal: 3/2

Saves: 0/5

Corners Won: 6/1

Fouls: 12/17

Misconduct Summary:

NM: Alex Tambakis (Yellow Card – 21’)

DET: Ryan Williams (Yellow Card – 53’)

NM: Dayonn Harris (Yellow Card – 74’)

NM: Marlon Vargas (Yellow Card – 74’)

DET: Michael Bryant (Yellow Card – 90’)

Up Next:

New Mexico United continues their home stretch on Saturday, September 13th to host FC Tulsa. The match is set for 7:00 PM MT and will feature the club’s annual Meow Wolf Night, promising a vibrant and immersive game day experience for fans.

Tickets are available NOW

New Mexico United Aims to Carry Momentum into Clash with Detroit City FC

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New Mexico United returns to Rio Grande Credit Union Field at Isotopes Park on Wednesday night for a key cross-conference clash with Detroit City FC. Following a hard-fought victory on the road in San Antonio, the Black & Yellow currently sit sixth in the USL Championship’s Western Conference and will look to build on that momentum as they continue their push toward the postseason.

Wednesday’s match marks the first meeting between the two clubs this season. The last encounter came in September 2024 in Detroit, where United narrowly fell 1-0 in a tightly contested battle. With playoff implications at stake, United will aim to even the series and strengthen their position as the regular season enters its final stretch.

Standout Performers: Shakes and Harris

Goalkeeper Kris Shakes has been a steady presence between the posts, recording multiple clean sheets thanks to his sharp reflexes and sound decision-making. His recent performances have provided a sense of stability at the back, and we’ll be relying on him once again to help keep Detroit’s attack in check.

On the other end, winger Dayonn Harris has really found his form. He’s been a constant threat going forward, using his pace and creativity to stretch defenses and generate chances in the final third. His ability to take on defenders one-on-one will be a crucial factor against Detroit’s back line.

Chasing History: Tambakis and Rivas Nearing Milestones

Goalkeeper Alex Tambakis remains just one clean sheet away from tying the USL Championship’s all-time record of 52 regular-season shutouts. While Kris Shakes has recently featured between the posts, Tambakis’ pursuit of history remains a key storyline for United supporters this season.

Midfielder Sergio Rivas is also closing in on a significant career milestone. The Albuquerque native is just over 100 minutes away from reaching 10,000 regular-season minutes in the USL Championship—a testament to his durability, consistency, and vital role at the heart of United’s midfield.

Detroit City Brings Defensive Grit

Detroit City FC arrives in Albuquerque boasting one of the league’s most disciplined defensive units. Anchored by veteran defender Stephen Carroll and a reliable goalkeeping duo of Carlos Herrera and Carlos Saldana, Detroit has recorded eight clean sheets this season. Their compact and organized style has proven effective in frustrating opposing attacks and limiting quality chances.

Offensively, forward Darren Smith has been a key contributor, tallying 10 goals and three assists while proving dangerous from all areas of the pitch. His versatility and finishing ability make him a constant threat for opposing back lines.

Looking Ahead: Meow Wolf Night Set for Saturday

Following Wednesday night’s matchup, New Mexico United returns to Rio Grande Credit Union Field at Isotopes Park this Saturday for a showdown with FC Tulsa. The match is set for 7:00 PM MT and will feature the club’s annual Meow Wolf Night, promising a vibrant and immersive game day experience for fans.

Get tickets HERE

United Stand Strong, Hold League Leaders to Scoreless Draw

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New Mexico United earned a hard-fought 0-0 draw on the road against Louisville City FC, the top team in the USL Championship.

The match was defined by disciplined defending and a standout performance from goalkeeper Kris Shakes, who came up with two critical saves—one in first-half stoppage time and another in the dying moments of the match—to secure the clean sheet.

It was a night of milestones and fresh faces for United. Sergio Rivas made his 150th USL Championship appearance, while Kipp Keller made his club debut, earning a start and delivering a composed performance on the back line. In the 72nd minute, Luther Archimède made his debut, bringing fresh energy to the pitch.

United stood firm under pressure and walked away with a valuable point in one of the league’s toughest environments.

Stats Summary: LOU/NM

Shots: 20/5

Shots on Goal: 4/1

Saves: 1/3

Corners Won: 12/5

Fouls: 13/10

Misconduct Summary:

LOU: Arturo Ordóñez (Yellow Card – 32’)

Up Next: 

New Mexico United returns home on Saturday, August 30, for Indigenous Peoples Night as they host Sacramento Republic FC at Rio Grande Credit Union Field at Isotopes Park.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. MT, and tickets are available now.

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

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

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

New Mexico United Bests El Paso Locomotive FC, 1-0, in Home Opener in Front of More than 11,000 Fans

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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.

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