Battle of Honey Springs

New Mexico United is an American professional soccer team based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Founded June 6, 2018, the team currently plays in the USL Championship, the second division of American soccer. The team is owned by Peter Trevisani, with head coach Eric Quill, and play their home games at Isotopes Park which has a capacity of around 13,500 people.

History

Former teams

The state of New Mexico gained its first professional soccer team in the 1990s, the New Mexico Chiles of the American Professional Soccer League and later the USISL.[1][2] The team was runner-up for the league title in 1995 and attracted an average home attendance of 3,854, but was folded by its owners in 1996.[3] The Chiles was replaced the following season by the Albuquerque Geckos, who entered USISL's Division 3 with new owners and played at a new soccer stadium shared with the collegiate New Mexico Lobos.[4][5] The Geckos won the Division 3 championship and were promoted to the second division A-League in 1998,[6] but struggled to win matches and were unable to pay players and creditors.[7] The team had an average attendance of 1,200 and announced their move to Sacramento, California in October 1998.[8][9]

A semi-professional team, the Albuquerque Sol, was established in 2014 to capitalize on the area's interest in soccer. The team's owners stated that their goal was to earn a USL expansion team within a few years and eventually move to Major League Soccer (MLS).[10] The Sol commissioned a study in 2016 to analyze a potential downtown soccer-specific stadium with 10,000 seats to support a USL expansion in 2018 and a MLS expansion by 2024.[11] The stadium study identified three potential locations in downtown Albuquerque for a stadium, which would cost $24–45 million.[12]

USL launch and inaugural season

New Mexico United's Chris Wehan takes a corner kick during a USLC match in 2019

On June 6, 2018, the USL announced an expansion club from Albuquerque that would begin play in March 2019.[13] The club announced its name, New Mexico United, and colors on October 9, 2018, following fan suggestions that generated 226 total names.[14][15]

The team played its opening match on March 9, 2019, with 12,896 fans in attendance at Isotopes Park. Devon Sandoval scored the team's first-ever goal in a 1–1 draw against Fresno FC.[16] New Mexico United enjoyed popular success in its inaugural season, leading the USL Championship in average attendance and selling out Isotopes Park with 15,023 spectators on May 5, 2019.[17][18] In the 2019 U.S. Open Cup, the team defeated two MLS clubs (the Colorado Rapids and FC Dallas) before losing in the quarterfinals to Minnesota United FC; for the match in Minnesota, the club organized a charter flight from Albuquerque that carried 180 away fans.[17][19]

Historical chart of New Mexico United's regular season performance within the American soccer pyramid

2020 season

In March 2020, the USL Championship postponed the 2020 season with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, after New Mexico United had played one game.[20] The season restarted in July 2020 with a modified format, placing teams into eight smaller regional groups. The club was placed in Group C with Four Corners opponents Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC and Real Monarchs, and nearby El Paso Locomotive FC. Due to statewide health orders and quarantine requirements, New Mexico United played all 15 of their regular season matches and both of their playoff matches away from home, earning the local nickname the "Road Warriors."[21] The team ended the regular season with a record of 8 wins, 3 draws, and 4 losses; a sixteenth planned match against Rio Grande Valley FC Toros was postponed, and eventually cancelled, due to cases of COVID-19 in the Rio Grande Valley organization.[22]

The club qualified for the USL Championship Playoffs by coming second in their group. In the Western Conference Quarterfinals, they defeated San Antonio FC in extra time, with Chris Wehan scoring the winning goal in the 101st minute. In the Conference Semifinal, the club lost to El Paso Locomotive 3-5 on penalties, after drawing 1-1 at the end of extra time.[23][24]

In March 2020, the club launched the Somos Unidos Foundation, a charitable nonprofit arm of the New Mexico United organization.[25]

2021 season

In May 2021, New Mexico United began its competitive season with a 1-0 loss away to Rio Grande Valley FC Toros. On August 21, then 17-year-old Cristian Nava became the first New Mexico United Academy player to sign a professional contract with the club.[26]

Club crest and colors

The club's branding draws inspiration from the Zia symbol, seen here on the state flag of New Mexico.

The New Mexico United crest is a simple yellow shield with four black lines that represent the Zia symbol, found on the state flag and used with permission from the Zia people.[15] The crest also has a black diamond with the number "18", representing the year the club was founded.[14] The yellow-and-black color scheme was colored to reference the state flag while differentiating itself from other local clubs.[14][15]

Sponsorship

Season Kit manufacturer Shirt sponsor
2019 Adidas Meow Wolf (home)[27]
KraneShares (away)[27]
2020 Puma[28]
2021–2023 Meow Wolf[29]
New Mexico True[30]
Electric Playhouse (third)[31]
2024–present Meow Wolf (home)
Sandia Resort and Casino (away)

Stadium

The entrance to Rio Grande Credit Union Field at Isotopes Park in 2005

The club plays at Rio Grande Credit Union Field at Isotopes Park, known as only Isotopes Park in 2019 and nicknamed The Lab, a baseball stadium that is primarily home to the Albuquerque Isotopes of the Pacific Coast League. New Mexico United will play at the facility until a soccer-specific stadium is built.[32] The Isotopes will remain the primary tenant and the USL team will schedule its home games during away games for the Isotopes.[33] The stadium seats 13,500 spectators for baseball games.[32]

In February 2020, New Mexico United announced that it would develop a home stadium and community culture center after being awarded $4.1 million in capital outlay funds by the state legislature.[34] A public poll of Albuquerque residents conducted in January 2021 found strong support for the construction of the stadium and culture center complex.[35]

On July 25, 2021, Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller announced a stadium financing plan that would involve selling $50 million in public bonds to fund part of the $65–75 million construction cost.[36][37] The team agreed to commit $10 million in upfront costs, and another $22 million in rent over the next 25 years.[38] The plan was forwarded to the City Council, which agreed to put it to a public vote on November 2.[39] The ballot measure was rejected by a 2–1 margin.[40]

Rivalries

New Mexico United has rivalries with El Paso Locomotive FC, with whom they contest the Derby Del Camino Real, and Phoenix Rising FC. [41]

Players and staff

Current roster

As of February 27, 2024[42]

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
1 GK Greece GRE Alex Tabakis
3 DF United States USA Chris Gloster
4 DF Trinidad and Tobago TRI Anthony Herbert
5 MF Canada CAN Dayonn Harris
7 MF Mexico MEX Sergio Rivas
8 MF United States USA Nicky Hernandez
9 FW Ghana GHA Abu Danladi
10 MF Italy ITA Marco Micaletto
11 MF United States USA Mukwelle Akale
12 DF United States USA Talen Maples
13 GK United States USA Kris Shakes
15 DF United States USA Arturo Astorga
16 DF United States USA Will Seymore
No. Pos. Nation Player
17 FW Scotland SCO Greg Hurst
19 DF United States USA Zico Bailey
20 MF United States USA Jacobo Reyes
22 DF United States USA Kalen Ryden
25 MF England ENG Daniel Bruce
27 DF United States USA Avionne Flanagan
33 DF United States USA Harry Swartz
42 FW United States USA Jace Sais ([A])
45 FW United States USA Cristian Nava
47 DF United States USA Jackson Dubois ([A])
48 MF United States USA Yuto Oketani ([A])
91 MF Ivory Coast CIV Nanan Houssou
  1. ^
    USL Academy Contract

Technical staff

Title Name
Head Coach Eric Quill
Sporting Director Itamar Keinan
First Team Assistant Coach and Director of Goalkeepers Nate Walzer
First Team Assistant Coach Luke Sanford
First Team Assistant Coach Matt Watson
Head Athletic Trainer and Director of Sports Medicine Carlos Olivas
Academy Head Coach David Estrada
Head Academy Scout Lucien Starzynski

Last updated: January 22, 2024
Source: New Mexico United

Front office

Title Name
Owner and CEO Peter Trevisani
President Ron Patel
Vice President, Media & Impact David Wiese-Carl
Vice-President, Business Development & Facilities Clint Gray
Chief Administrative Officer Desiree Kim
Executive Director of the Somos Unidos Foundation, Community Coordinator Linnea Romero

Last updated: January 22, 2024
Source: New Mexico United

Ownership

The club's majority owner and team president is New Mexico resident, Peter Trevisani. The club's other owners have ties to New Mexico and include investor Ian McKinnon, TEAM8, Ed Garcia, Ben Spencer, and Jason Harrington.[32]

Team records

As of match played April 23, 2022

Year-by-year total

Season Results League Pos Top Scorer 1 Club Captain
P W D L GF GA Pts 2 Player G
2019 40 13 15 12 69 71 54 10th, Western Jamaica Kevaughn Frater 17 United States Josh Suggs[43][44][45]
2020 17 9 4 4 25 18 31 2nd, Group C United States Chris Wehan 7
2021 32 12 10 10 44 40 46 5th, Mountain United States Chris Wehan 10
2022 34 13 12 9 49 40 51 5th, Western United States Justin Portillo 8 TBA
All-time results 3 All-time records
— 123 47 41 35 151 187 169 — United States Chris Wehan 37 —

^ 1. Top Scorer includes all competitive matches.

^ 2. Points assigns the same point values to knockout matches as the same result would receive in the league.

^ 3. All-time results includes all competitive matches.

USL Championship

Season USL Championship Play-offs Top Scorer 1
P W D L GF GA Pts Pos Player G
2019 34 11 13 10 59 57 46 10th, Western Conference Play-In Round Jamaica Kevaughn Frater 14
2020 15 8 3 4 23 17 27 2nd, Group C [46][47] Conference Semifinal United States Chris Wehan 6
2021 32 12 10 10 44 40 46 5th, Mountain Did not qualify United States Chris Wehan 10
2022 34 13 12 9 49 40 51 5th, Western Conference Quarterfinals United States Justin Portillo 8

^ 1. Top Scorer includes statistics from regular season league matches only.

USL Cup Playoffs

Season USL Cup Playoffs1 Top Scorer
P W D L GF GA Entered Exited Player G
2019 1 0 0 1 1 2 Conference Play-In Round United States Devon Sandoval 1
2020 2 1 1 0 2 1 Conference Quarterfinal Conference Semifinal United States Chris Wehan / Jamaica Romeo Parkes 1
2021 DNQ
2022 1 0 0 1 0 2 Conference Quarterfinals Conference Quarterfinals – –

^ 1. Following statistical convention, wins in extra time are recorded as wins. Wins in penalty shootouts are recorded as draws, and shootout goals are not counted as goals for or against.

U.S. Open Cup

Season U.S. Open Cup1 Top Scorer
P W D L GF GA Entered Exited Player G
2019 5 2 2 1 9 12 Second round Quarterfinals United States Devon Sandoval / Jamaica Kevaughn Frater 3
2020 Cancelled 2
2021 DNQ / Cancelled 3
2022 2 1 0 1 6 2 Second round Third round United States Jerome Kiesewetter 2

^ 1. Following statistical convention, wins in extra time are recorded as wins. Wins in penalty shootouts are recorded as draws, and shootout goals are not counted as goals for or against.

^ 2. The 2020 U.S. Open Cup was suspended on March 13, 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[48] On August 14, the 2020 edition was cancelled.[49]

^ 3. The USSF confirmed on March 29, 2021, that the previous season's Conference finalists would participate.[50] As Western Conference losing semifinalists, New Mexico United did not qualify. On July 20, 2021, the USSF cancelled the 2021 edition of the tournament.[51]

Head coaches

  • Includes USL Regular Season, USL Playoffs, U.S. Open Cup. Excludes friendlies.
Coach Nationality Start End Matches Win Loss Draw Win %
Troy Lesesne  United States August 13, 2018 November 5, 2021 89 34 29 26 038.20
Zach Prince  United States November 15, 2021 June 3, 2023 26 11 6 9 042.31

Average attendance

Year Reg. Season Playoffs U.S. Open Cup
2019 12,693 (1st in USL Championship) Did not play at home Did not play at home
2020 Did not play at home Did not play at home Cancelled
2021 7,863 (2nd in USL Championship)[52] DNQ Cancelled
2022 10,455 (after 13 home matches)[53] TBD 2,128 (1 match)[54]

Player records

Most goals

  • Players in bold are still active with New Mexico United; includes goals in all competitive matches
    • Includes regular season, playoffs, and domestic cup
  • As of July 23, 2022.[55]
Rank Player Nation Years active Goals
1 Chris Wehan United States 2019-2020, 2021–present 34
2 Devon Sandoval United States 2019–2021 25
3 Kevaughn Frater Jamaica 2019 17
4 Santi Moar Spain 2019 12
5 Amando Moreno El Salvador 2020–present 11
6 Neco Brett Jamaica 2021–present 7
7 Daniel Bruce England 2019–present 5
8 Josh Suggs United States 2019–present 4
10 David Estrada Mexico / United States 2019-2020 3
Andrew Tinari United States 2020-2021
Ilija Ilić Serbia 2021-present

Most appearances

  • Players in bold are still active with New Mexico United; includes all competitive appearances, including substitute appearances
    • Includes regular season, playoffs, and domestic cup
  • As of April 23, 2022[56][57]
Rank Player Nation Years active Apps.
1 Devon Sandoval United States 2019–2021 79
2 Josh Suggs United States 2019–present 76
3 Daniel Bruce England 2019–present 76
4 Chris Wehan United States 2019-2020, 2021–present 74
5 Juan Pablo Guzmán Colombia 2019–2021 73
Austin Yearwood United States 2019–present
7 Rashid Tetteh Ghana 2019–2022 69
8 Justin Schmidt United States 2019–2021 60
9 Cody Mizell United States 2019–2020, 2022 58
10 Sam Hamilton United States 2019–present 57

New Mexico United U23

Main article: New Mexico United U23

On January 23, 2020, New Mexico United announced that it will field a U23 team in the USL League Two for the 2020 season, intending for the U23 team to bridge the gap between the High Performance Youth Program and the first team.[58] The club was scheduled to compete in the Mountain Division. However, on April 30, 2020, the United Soccer League announced the cancellation of the 2020 League Two season due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States.[59] The U23 team did not participate in the 2021 USL League Two season.[60]

References

  1. ^ McAfee, Sean (April 30, 1992). "New League Hopes To Market Soccer Nationally". Albuquerque Journal. p. D5. Retrieved June 9, 2018 – via Newspapers.com.
  2. ^ McAfee, Sean (August 29, 1995). "Chiles Have Rare Chance". Albuquerque Journal. p. D1. Retrieved June 9, 2018 – via Newspapers.com.
  3. ^ "Corporation Folds Has Chiles in Limbo". Albuquerque Journal. September 4, 1996. p. D2. Retrieved June 9, 2018 – via Newspapers.com.
  4. ^ Wright, Rick (February 26, 1997). "Geckos Are Rushing to the Rescue". Albuquerque Journal. p. D1. Retrieved June 9, 2018 – via Newspapers.com.
  5. ^ Latta, Dennis (January 17, 1997). "Albuquerque Will Be Getting Another USISL Entry, After All". Albuquerque Journal. p. C1. Retrieved June 9, 2018 – via Newspapers.com.
  6. ^ Rosales, Glen (April 25, 1998). "The 'A' Game". Albuquerque Journal. p. C1. Retrieved June 9, 2018 – via Newspapers.com.
  7. ^ Wright, Rick (September 22, 1998). "Financial Mess Aside, Geckos Plan To Return". Albuquerque Journal. p. D1. Retrieved June 9, 2018 – via Newspapers.com.
  8. ^ Harrison, Randy (May 22, 1999). "New Mexico Slam Giving It a Go". Albuquerque Journal. p. D9. Retrieved June 9, 2018 – via Newspapers.com.
  9. ^ Rosales, Glen (October 15, 1998). "Financially Strapped Geckos Give Up, Head to Sacramento". Albuquerque Journal. p. C1. Retrieved June 9, 2018 – via Newspapers.com.
  10. ^ Smith, Mark (May 23, 2014). "Set to put on a show: Duke City team eager for home opener". Albuquerque Journal. p. D1. Retrieved June 9, 2018 – via Newspapers.com.
  11. ^ "Albuquerque soccer team hopes to go pro, build new downtown stadium". KRQE. March 21, 2016. Retrieved June 9, 2018.
  12. ^ Schmitt, Madeline (July 26, 2017). "Study pinpoints possible locations, price tag on soccer stadium for Albuquerque Sol FC". KRQE. Archived from the original on June 12, 2018. Retrieved June 9, 2018.
  13. ^ "United Soccer League Announces New Mexico Club". USL. Retrieved June 6, 2018.
  14. ^ a b c Seligman, Noah (October 9, 2018). "USL club will be known as New Mexico United". Albuquerque Journal. Retrieved October 10, 2018.
  15. ^ a b c "New Mexico United Unveils Official Name, Branding" (Press release). USL. October 9, 2018. Retrieved October 10, 2018.
  16. ^ Seligman, Noah (March 9, 2019). "NM United plays to a draw; 12,896 witness debut". Albuquerque Journal. Retrieved March 10, 2019.
  17. ^ a b Yodice, James (July 6, 2019). "NM United becomes major local attraction". Albuquerque Journal. Retrieved August 9, 2019.
  18. ^ Seligman, Noah (May 5, 2019). "New Mexico United fills up Isotopes Park, shuts out San Antonio, moves into first place". Albuquerque Journal. Retrieved August 9, 2019.
  19. ^ Greder, Andy (July 10, 2019). "Loons run in U.S. Open Cup continues with 6-1 win over New Mexico". St. Paul Pioneer Press. Retrieved August 9, 2019.
  20. ^ MLSsoccer Staff (March 18, 2020). "USL Championship, League One suspend seasons due to COVID-19 impact". MLSsoccer.com. Retrieved February 25, 2021.
  21. ^ "Remaining New Mexico United games will be played on the road". KRQE News 13 Albuquerque - Santa Fe. September 17, 2020. Retrieved January 25, 2021.
  22. ^ Sickenger, Ken (September 21, 2020). "New Mexico United, RGVFC postpone match because of RGVFCs positive COVID-19 test results". Albuquerque Journal. Retrieved February 25, 2021.
  23. ^ "San Antonio FC vs. New Mexico United - October 10, 2020 | USLChampionship.com". www.uslchampionship.com. Retrieved March 12, 2021.
  24. ^ "El Paso Locomotive FC vs. New Mexico United - October 17, 2020 | USLChampionship.com". www.uslchampionship.com. Retrieved March 12, 2021.
  25. ^ USLChampionship com Staff (May 14, 2020). "New Mexico United Announces Somos Unidos Foundation". USL Championship. Retrieved March 12, 2021.
  26. ^ USLChampionship com Staff (August 21, 2021). "New Mexico Signs Cristian Nava to Professional Contract". USL Championship. Retrieved August 21, 2021.
  27. ^ a b Davis, Ron (March 1, 2019). "Why NM's soccer team partnered with a national investment firm". Albuquerque Business First. Retrieved August 9, 2019.
  28. ^ Campbell, Jessica (January 20, 2020). "New Mexico United Becomes Only Current American Professional Soccer Team to Partner with PUMA". New Mexico United. Retrieved January 25, 2021.
  29. ^ @NewMexicoUTD (May 7, 2021). "Meow Wolf is still our sponsor, we'll alternate between the two!" (Tweet). Retrieved October 8, 2021 – via Twitter.
  30. ^ "New Mexico United Announces Historic Partnership, Jersey Sponsorship with New Mexico Tourism Department". New Mexico United. May 7, 2021. Retrieved May 7, 2021.
  31. ^ KOB Web Staff (April 18, 2021). "New Mexico United unveils new jerseys". Retrieved May 1, 2021.
  32. ^ a b c Seligman, Noah (June 6, 2018). "New United Soccer League team coming to Albuquerque". Albuquerque Journal. Retrieved June 9, 2018.
  33. ^ Davis, Ron (June 6, 2018). "New Mexico's kickin' it with addition of a new sports team". Albuquerque Business First. Retrieved June 6, 2018.
  34. ^ Davis, Ron (February 26, 2020). "NM United owner envisions a stadium that has more to offer fans beyond game day". Albuquerque Business First. Retrieved January 25, 2021.
  35. ^ "New Poll Shows New Mexico United Stadium & Cultural Center Proposal Draws Widespread Support". USL Championship. January 25, 2021. Retrieved January 25, 2021.
  36. ^ "City Gives Update on Multi-Use Stadium Facility Bond Resolution". City of Albuquerque. July 27, 2021. Retrieved October 6, 2021.
  37. ^ Carver, Adrian N. (August 17, 2021). "Not So United". The Paper. Retrieved October 6, 2021.
  38. ^ "New Mexico United Announces $10 Million Stadium Investment". The Paper. September 23, 2021. Retrieved October 6, 2021.
  39. ^ "Albuquerque City Council Moves Stadium Proposal to November Ballot". United Soccer League. August 17, 2021. Retrieved October 6, 2021.
  40. ^ Kaplan, Elise; Dyer, Jessica (November 2, 2021). "Soccer stadium pitch gets the boot". Albuquerque Journal. Retrieved November 5, 2021.
  41. ^ "10 USL Championship Rivalry Games to Circle in 2022". USL Championship. January 12, 2022. Retrieved January 15, 2022.
  42. ^ "2024 Roster". NewMexicoUtd.com. New Mexico United. Retrieved January 10, 2024.
  43. ^ Journal, Noah Seligman|For the. "NM United plays to a draw; 12,896 witness debut". www.abqjournal.com. Retrieved July 22, 2021.
  44. ^ Writer, Geoff Grammer | Journal Staff (August 19, 2020). "Unfamiliar lineup, same result as NM United wins again on road". www.abqjournal.com. Retrieved July 22, 2021.
  45. ^ 2021 NMU Captains, retrieved July 22, 2021
  46. ^ USLChampionship com Staff (June 24, 2020). "USL Championship Unveils 2020 Season Format". USL Championship. Retrieved June 30, 2020.
  47. ^ USLChampionship com Staff (June 25, 2020). "USL Championship Announces Western Conference Groups". USL Championship. Retrieved June 30, 2020.
  48. ^ "U.S. Soccer Temporarily Suspends 2020 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Due to Covid-19 Outbreak". www.ussoccer.com. Retrieved August 9, 2020.
  49. ^ Liljenwall, Ari (August 14, 2020). "Report: Lamar Hunt US Open Cup canceled due to COVID-19 pandemic". MLS Soccer. Retrieved August 15, 2020.
  50. ^ USLSoccer com Staff (March 29, 2021). "United Soccer League Announces Participating Teams for 2021 U.S. Open Cup". USL Championship. Retrieved April 6, 2021.
  51. ^ "Schedule Announced for Next Edition of Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup in 2022". www.ussoccer.com. Retrieved July 22, 2021.
  52. ^ "Schedule". uslchampionship.com. Retrieved July 1, 2021.
  53. ^ "New Mexico United Schedule". www.uslchampionship.com. Retrieved March 21, 2022.
  54. ^ "New Mexico United vs. Las Vegas Legends FC - 6 April 2022 - Soccerway". us.soccerway.com. Retrieved April 25, 2022.
  55. ^ "USA - New Mexico United - Results, fixtures, squad, statistics, photos, videos and news - Soccerway". us.soccerway.com. Retrieved March 10, 2020.
  56. ^ Staff. "New Mexico United 2019 Player Stats". www.uslchampionship.com. Retrieved August 8, 2020.
  57. ^ Staff. "New Mexico United Player Stats". www.uslchampionship.com. Retrieved August 8, 2020.
  58. ^ Staff, USL League 2 (January 23, 2020). "New Mexico United U23 Set to Compete in USL League Two". New Mexico United. Retrieved January 23, 2020.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  59. ^ "United Soccer League Provides Update on 2020 Seasons". www.uslsoccer.com. April 30, 2020. Retrieved July 1, 2021.
  60. ^ Staff, USLLeagueTwo com (February 25, 2021). "USL League Two Reveals Schedule for 2021 Season". USL League Two. Retrieved July 1, 2021.

External links

source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Mexico_United