San Antonio FC

Playoff Race Heats Up: New Mexico United Faces San Antonio on the Road

September 5, 2025 by Gavin Hauenstein

New Mexico United travels to Texas on Saturday to face Western Conference rival San Antonio FC. The Black & Yellow currently sit in ninth place in the USL Championship Western Conference standings and are looking to strengthen their playoff push as the season winds down.

This will be the second meeting between the two sides this season. The first came in June at The Lab, where United earned a thrilling 4-2 victory in front of the home crowd. With the postseason approaching,

United will aim to sweep the season series.

Standout Performers: Ryden and Noël Key for United

Defender Kalen Ryden made his return to the lineup last week for the Black & Yellow, coming off the bench for 16 minutes. Known for his aerial dominance and ability to organize the back line, the captain brings veteran leadership and stability—qualities that have been noticeably missed since his injury. His presence will be crucial against San Antonio’s physical attack.

Midfielder Valentin Noël has emerged as an offensive spark for United, providing creativity, energy, and a sharp eye for goal. His knack for finding pockets of space and linking up play in the final third gives United a dangerous edge against San Antonio’s compact defense.

Chasing History: Milestones for Tambakis and Rivas

Goalkeeper Alex Tambakis remains just one clean sheet shy of tying the USL Championship’s all-time record of 52 regular-season shutouts. While Kris Shakes has recently taken over the starting role, Tambakis’ pursuit of the milestone remains one of the key storylines of United’s 2024 campaign.

Midfielder Sergio Rivas, an Albuquerque native, is also closing in on a major career milestone, with 9,865 regular-season minutes played—just 135 away from reaching the 10,000 mark. His consistency and durability continue to anchor United’s midfield.

San Antonio Aims to Defend Home Turf

San Antonio enters the weekend looking to solidify their own playoff position. Known for their physical style and compact defensive shape, they remain one of the toughest teams to beat at home. Forwards Jorge Hernández and Luke Haakenson lead the attack with a combined 15 goal contributions this season, while their midfield thrives on disrupting opponents’ rhythm and sparking counterattacks.

Up Next

Following Saturday’s clash in San Antonio, New Mexico United will return home to Rio Grande Credit Union Field at Isotopes Park on Wednesday, September 10 at 7 PM MT, to host Detroit City FC.

Get tickets HERE

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

July 25, 2025 by Gavin Hauenstein

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.

LUIZ FERNANDO IN STOPPAGE TIME FOR @NEWMEXICOUTD! pic.twitter.com/qMQP51HPl6
— USL Championship (@USLChampionship) June 22, 2025

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

New Mexico United Bests North Carolina FC in Dramatic Fashion, Amang Scores Winner in Debut

April 13, 2025 by juana

New Mexico United bested North Carolina FC in dramatic fashion on Saturday night, winning 1-0 on a 93rd minute goal from debutant Thomas Amang in front of 10,291 fans at Rio Grande Credit Union Field at Isotopes Park. The win was the fourth straight for the Black & Yellow, moving them to joint-top of the USL Championship Western Conference with 12 points, even with San Antonio FC, who have played one match more than United.

United goalkeeper Alex Tambakis earned his third consecutive clean sheet in the victory. He now sits just three shutouts away from the all-time USL Championship record. Kalen Ryden had a standout performance, as well, with five clearances, 10 final third entries, and 91% passing accuracy. United dominated possession, holding a 77% – 23% advantage.

New Mexico United are back at home – this time at the UNM Soccer & Track & Field Complex – as they take on hated rival El Paso Locomotive FC. United have played El Paso more than any other opponent, but this will be the first time they have met in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, a tournament that United has reached the quarterfinal twice in, in four appearances.

NEW MEXICO UNITED LAUNCHES 2024 USL CHAMPIONSHIP SCHEDULE

December 18, 2023 by Delmy Barillas

New Mexico United is thrilled to unveil their 2024 USL Championship Regular Season schedule. The sixth season in United history kicks off on March 9th – six years to the day that United first took the field against Fresno FC. In addition to unveiling the schedule today, United also revealed the club’s theme nights ahead of 2024, which include some new, exciting activations, as well as some returning favorites.

Following the March 9th opener, United travels east to take on Rhode Island FC in Rhode Island’s first competitive match in club history.

This season’s format includes the league divided into two 12-team conferences, with New Mexico United once again competing in the USL Championship Western Conference. Each team will play it’s conference foes home and away (22 matches), as well as non-conference foes home OR away, (12 matches), to comprise a 34-match regular season schedule.

Check out New Mexico United’s 2024 USL Championship Regular Season schedule, as well as the club’s theme night activations below:

A link to the full schedule can be found HERE.

NEW MEXICO UNITED FALLS TO REIGNING CHAMPS San Antonio BY 0-3 MARGIN

August 12, 2023 by Delmy Barillas

New Mexico United fell by a 0-3 margin to reigning USL Championship champions San Antonio FC on Saturday night, in a match that saw Rida Zouhir score a pair of incredible goals from distance. 9,740 fans were in attendance, as United lost their third straight match.

Zouhir’s wonder strike in the second minute got things going for San Antonio early, and United didn’t have much to offer in response. Zouhir doubled the lead 27 minutes later with a terrific curling free kick from about 30 yards out and San Antonio never looked back.

Santiago Patino scored the third goal in the 40th minute for a 3-0 halftime lead. That score would hold for the remainder of the match.