Wikipedia

2021 New Mexico United season

The 2021 New Mexico United season was the third season for New Mexico United in the USL Championship, the second-tier professional soccer league in the United States. This article covers the period from November 1, 2020, the day after the cancellation of the 2020 USL playoff final, to the conclusion of the 2021 USL playoff final. The USL Championship 2021 season began on April 24, and New Mexico United played its first competitive match of the season on May 1.

New Mexico United
2021 season
Head coachTroy Lesesne
StadiumRio Grande Credit Union Field at Isotopes Park
Albuquerque, New Mexico
USL5th (Mountain Division)
USL Cup PlayoffsDNQ
Four Corners CupCancelled
Top goalscorerChris Wehan (10)
Highest home attendance10,418 (8/14 v. ELP)
Lowest home attendance5,593 (10/20 v. SAN)
Average home league attendance7,863
Biggest winNM 3–1 ATX (May 15)
COS 1–3 NM (May 21)
NM 2–0 SAN (June 16)
NM 3–1 COS (July 9)
NM 4–2 SAN (October 20)
Biggest defeatSAN 3–0 NMU (July 21)
← 2020
2022 →

Season in review edit

Off-season and pre-season edit

The club concluded the 2020 season with a loss to El Paso Locomotive FC in the Western Conference semifinal.[1] They ended the regular season in 2nd place in Group C.[2]

Six players departed in November after the conclusion of play. Romeo Parkes returned to Sligo Rovers at the end of his loan.[3] Chris Wehan and Saalih Muhammed transferred to Orange County SC and Oakland Roots SC, respectively.[4][5] Ryan Williams and David Estrada announced their retirements from professional football,[4][5] and Joris Ahlinvi was released at the end of his contract.[6] December saw Ilija Ilić, Harry Swartz, and Sergio Rivas join from Indy Eleven, Hartford Athletic, and Reno 1868 FC, respectively.[7][8][9]

In January 2021, the club announced the signings of Isidro Martinez from Rio Grande Valley FC Toros and semiprofessional defender Alex Touche.[10][11] February saw two players depart the club, Ben Beaury and Sammy Sergi; and two new signings, Micheal Azira and Brian Brown.

In March, first-choice goalkeeper Cody Mizell announced he would be departing New Mexico United for a club in Major League Soccer, later revealed to be New York City FC.[12] Later that month, on March 11 the club announced the signing of Alex Tambakis from North Carolina FC, where he had been first-choice for the prior three seasons.[13]

May edit

New Mexico United began its competitive season away at Rio Grande Valley FC Toros on May 1, beginning the campaign with a 1–0 loss. One week later, Devon Sandoval scored the first goal of the season in an eventual 1–1 draw away at El Paso Locomotive FC. The club won its first competitive game of the season on May 15 against Austin Bold FC, in their first game at home since the end of the 2019 USL Championship season.[14] Later that month, New Mexico United beat Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC 3–1, winning the first competitive match at the Switchbacks' new stadium. They ended the month with a 1–0 loss at home to Atlantic Division opponents Loudoun United FC, in which Austin Yearwood was sent off with a straight red card in the 23rd minute.

June edit

After an away win over Real Monarchs on June 4, the club played Austin Bold FC to a scoreless draw at home on June 12. The club announced contract extensions for both vice-captain Kalen Ryden and attacking midfielder Amando Moreno, both of whom signed deals through 2023.[15][16] After beating San Antonio FC at home on June 16, the club ended the month with two away losses to Four Corners Cup teams in 5 days. Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC won 3–1 on June 25, and Real Monarchs won 3–2 on June 30.

July edit

New Mexico United lost their first game of the month 1–2 away at El Paso Locomotive FC on July 3. Despite leading in the first half, Dylan Mares scored two goals 105 seconds apart.[17] This was the first time the club had lost 3 consecutive league matches. Returning home, on July 9 they beat Colorado Springs Switchbacks 3–1, with two goals after the end of regulation time. On July 12, they won a second consecutive match at home, beating Charleston Battery 2–1. Nine days later, they lost to San Antonio FC 3–0, making a streak of 7 matches in which the home side won. Returning home on July 24, the club played El Paso Locomotive FC to a scoreless draw. On July 28, the club announced the re-signing of Afghan international David Najem, who had left New Mexico United after making 13 appearances in the 2020 season.[18]

August edit

On August 1, New Mexico United drew 0–0 away at Tacoma Defiance. Returning home on August 14, the club drew El Paso Locomotive FC 1–1. On August 17, the club announced the return of Chris Wehan, who had transferred to Orange County SC.[19] Also on August 17, the Albuquerque City Council approved a ballot measure to finance construction of a soccer-specific stadium by gross tax receipt bonds. The measure will appear on the ballot of the 2021 Albuquerque mayoral election.[20] The next day, the club announced the signing of trialist goalkeeper Will Palmquist, who had previously played for the University of Denver.[21] On August 18, the club drew its fourth game in a row, playing Oakland Roots SC to a 1–1 result. The club finished the month with a draw away at Austin Bold FC and a 3–2 loss to Phoenix Rising FC.

September edit

New Mexico United began September with a 3–2 win at home over Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC on September 4. Near the end of that match, Switchbacks player Michee Ngalina was sent off after forcefully throwing a soccer ball toward a ball boy behind one of the goals. Ngalina was fined and suspended for 2 matches following the incident.[22] After a loss away to Austin Bold FC, the club won its three remaining matches that month at home to Real Monarchs, away at San Antonio FC, and at home to Rio Grande Valley FC Toros.

October edit

 
Smoke from a smoke bomb lingers in the San Antonio penalty area following the start of the October 20th, 2021 regular season match at Isotopes Park

The club lost the first of its 7 matches in October away at Louisville City FC, losing 3–1 as their captain Paolo DelPiccolo scored twice in the opening 15 minutes. They then drew 2–2 at home to Hartford Athletic on October 6, in their third and final match against Eastern Conference opposition in the regular season. Three days later, on October 9 they again drew at home, playing Rio Grande Valley FC Toros to a 1–1 draw. The club drew their third game in a row October 17 away to San Diego Loyal SC, which saw them move into 4th place. In the penultimate home match of the regular season, New Mexico United beat San Antonio FC 4–2. Chris Wehan scored a brace, just his third for the club and his first since July 31, 2019. Despite winning their final game of the season 3–1 at home to Real Monarchs, other results left the club 5th in the Mountain Division, and out of the USL Championship playoffs.

November edit

On November 5, after the conclusion of New Mexico United's season, the club announced the departure of head coach Troy Lesesne. Lesesne, who had coached the team since their inaugural 2019 season, chose not to renew his contract.[23]

Club roster edit

As of October 30, 2021[24]
No. Name Nationality Position(s) Date of birth (age) Season signed Previous club Apps. [note 1] Goals [note 2]
Goalkeepers
1 Alex Tambakis   GK (1992-12-08) December 8, 1992 (age 31) 2021   North Carolina FC 31 0
12 Will Palmquist   GK (1997-12-03) December 3, 1997 (age 26) 2021 — 0 0
27 Philipp Beigl   GK (1992-09-27) September 27, 1992 (age 31) 2020   TSV Landsberg 1 0
Defenders
3 Austin Yearwood   LB (1994-08-12) August 12, 1994 (age 29) 2019   Richmond Kickers 68 1
4 Sam Hamilton   DM/CB (1995-07-26) July 26, 1995 (age 28) 2019   Colorado Rapids 49 2
5 Josh Suggs   LB/CB (1989-04-24) April 24, 1989 (age 35) 2019   Colorado Springs Switchbacks 74 4
6 David Najem   RB/RM/LB (1992-05-26) May 26, 1992 (age 31) 2020   Tampa Bay Rowdies 27 0
15 Rashid Tetteh   CB (1995-07-14) July 14, 1995 (age 28) 2019   High Point Panthers 64 0
16 Alex Touche   CB (1999-06-02) June 2, 1999 (age 24) 2021   Lionsbridge FC 3 0
17 Justin Schmidt   LB/CB (1993-11-02) November 2, 1993 (age 30) 2019   Sacramento Republic 60 2
22 Kalen Ryden   CB/LB (1991-01-29) January 29, 1991 (age 33) 2020   Real Monarchs 46 2
Midfielders
7 Isidro Martinez   DM/CM (1997-03-15) March 15, 1997 (age 27) 2021   Rio Grande Valley FC Toros 30 1
8 Juan Pablo Guzmán   DM/CM (1988-08-31) August 31, 1988 (age 35) 2019   Oklahoma City Energy 73 0
11 Sergio Rivas   AM (1997-10-03) October 3, 1997 (age 26) 2021   Reno 1868 29 5
19 Saalih Muhammad   DM/CM (1995-08-25) August 25, 1995 (age 28) 2021   Oakland Roots SC (on loan) 43 2
20 Andrew Tinari   CM (1995-09-12) September 12, 1995 (age 28) 2020   Tampa Bay Rowdies 44 3
23 Micheal Azira   M/DM (1987-08-22) August 22, 1987 (age 36) 2021   Chicago Fire FC 28 1
25 Daniel Bruce   RW/RM (1996-05-13) May 13, 1996 (age 27) 2019   UNC Charlotte 49ers 68 5
33 Harry Swartz   RB/RM (1996-03-19) March 19, 1996 (age 28) 2021   Hartford Athletic 12 0
41 Chris Wehan   AM/CM/LM (1994-01-29) January 29, 1994 (age 30) 2021   Orange County SC 66 28
Forwards
9 Devon Sandoval   CF (1991-06-16) June 16, 1991 (age 32) 2019   Atlanta United 2 79 25
10 Amando Moreno   LW/RW/AM (1995-09-10) September 10, 1995 (age 28) 2020   Chicago Fire 36 11
14 Ilija Ilić   CF (1991-04-26) April 26, 1991 (age 33) 2021   Indy Eleven 22 3
45 Cristian Nava   CF (2003-09-02) September 2, 2003 (age 20) 2021 — 5 0

Transfers out edit

Pos. No. Player To club Exit date Ref.
MF 14   Chris Wehan   Orange County SC November 6, 2020 [25]
MF 7   Ryan Williams Retired November 17, 2020 [4]
MF 16   Saalih Muhammad   Oakland Roots SC November 24, 2020 [26]
FW 19  /  David Estrada Retired November 26, 2020 [5]
MF 26   Joris Ahlinvi Free agent November 28, 2020 [6]
GK 12   Ben Beaury   Oakland Roots SC February 1, 2021 [27]
FW 23   Sammy Sergi   Loudoun United February 11, 2021 [28]
GK 1   Cody Mizell   New York City FC March 3, 2021 [12]
DF 6   David Najem Free agent — [a]
  1. ^ Did not appear in the club's 2021 roster.

Loans out edit

Pos. No. Player To club Exit date Until Ref.
CF 99   Brian Brown   Oakland Roots SC August 27, 2021 End of season [29]

Transfers in edit

Pos. No. Player From club Date Ref.
FW 14   Ilija Ilić   Indy Eleven December 14, 2020 [7]
MF 2   Harry Swartz   Hartford Athletic December 18, 2020 [8]
MF 11   Sergio Rivas   Reno 1868 December 24, 2020 [9]
MF 7   Isidro Martinez   Rio Grande Valley FC Toros January 4, 2021 [10]
DF 16   Alex Touche   Lionsbridge FC January 12, 2021 [11]
MF 23   Micheal Azira   Chicago Fire FC February 1, 2021 [30]
FW 99   Brian Brown   Partizani Tirana February 8, 2021 [31]
GK 1   Alex Tambakis   North Carolina FC March 11, 2021 [13]
DF 6   David Najem Unattached July 28, 2021 [18]
MF 41   Chris Wehan   Orange County SC August 17, 2021 [19]
GK 12   Will Palmquist Unattached August 18, 2021 [21]

Loans in edit

Pos. No. Player From club Date Until Ref.
MF 19   Saalih Muhammad   Oakland Roots SC August 27, 2021 End of season [29]

Competitions edit

Exhibition edit

On March 1, United announced 6 preseason friendlies; three of which will be held in Albuquerque, and 3 of which will be held away.[32]

March 20 Preseason New Mexico United 1–2 El Paso Locomotive FC Albuquerque, New Mexico
3:00 pm Sandoval   37' (pen.)
  40'
Semelsberger   48'		 KRQE Report
ELP Report		 Herrera   40'
Trialist 1   45+2'
Carrijó   61'
  65'		 Stadium: Mesa del Sol - Training Facility
March 27 Preseason Colorado Rapids 1–0 New Mexico United Tucson, Arizona
TBA Shinyashiki   23' (Abubakar)
  43'
Namli   45'
Wilkerson   77'
Rosenberry   78'		 Report   31'
Guzmán   42'
Suggs   56'
  86'		 Stadium: Kino North Stadium
April 3 Preseason San Diego Loyal 1–2 New Mexico United Chula Vista, California
12:00 pm Stoneman   64' (Adams) NMU Report
SD Report		 Moreno   27'
 
Sandoval   86'		 Stadium: Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center
Attendance: closed door match
April 10 Preseason New Mexico United 4–2 Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC Albuquerque, New Mexico
12:00 pm Martinez   21', 84'
Moreno   44'
Swartz   45+3'		 Report   17'
  50'
Argueta   79'		 Stadium: Mesa del Sol - Training Facility
Attendance: 300
April 17 Preseason New Mexico United 3–1 FC Tucson Albuquerque, New Mexico
11:00 am Suggs   29'
Schmidt   48'
Moreno   72'		 Report   31' Stadium: Mesa del Sol - Training Facility
April 24 Preseason Phoenix Rising FC 0–4 New Mexico United Chandler, Arizona
1:pm MDT Swartz   7'
Martinez   62'
Brown   78'  		 Stadium: Wild Horse Pass Stadium

USL Championship edit

Main article: 2021 USL Championship season

On January 21, the USL Board of Governors announced the format for the 2021 season, which would divide the Eastern and Western Conferences into two smaller divisions. Teams will play 32 regular season matches, playing a quadruple round-robin schedule against teams in their division, and playing other opponents to reach 32 games played.[33] On March 2, the final division alignment was released, placing New Mexico United into the Mountain Division, alongside Austin Bold FC, Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, El Paso Locomotive FC, Real Monarchs, RGV FC Toros, and San Antonio FC.[34] As the only division with 7 teams instead of 8, the Mountain Division will play 24 regular season matches against division opponents, and 8 against regional or cross-conference opponents.

Group table edit

Mountain Division
Pos Team
 Pld W L T GF GA GD Pts Qualification
1 El Paso Locomotive FC 32 18 4 10 56 34 +22 64 Advance to USL Championship Playoffs
2 San Antonio FC 32 14 8 10 50 38 +12 52
3 Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC 32 13 8 11 61 48 +13 50
4 Rio Grande Valley FC Toros 32 13 11 8 49 42 +7 47
5 New Mexico United 32 12 10 10 44 40 +4 46
6 Austin Bold FC 32 10 10 12 32 42 −10 42
7 Real Monarchs 32 5 20 7 28 56 −28 22
Source: USL

Results summary edit

Overall Home Away
Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts W D L GF GA GD W D L GF GA GD
32 12 10 10 44 40  +4 46 9 6 1 29 15  +14 3 4 9 15 25  −10

Last updated: October 17, 2021.
Source: [35]

Results by matchday edit

Position in the Mountain Division
Round1234567891011121314151617181920212223242526272829303132
StadiumAAHAHAHHAAAHHAHAHHAAHAHHAAHHAHAH
ResultLDWWLWDWLLLWWLDDDDDLWLWWWLDDDWLW
Position65323332445333346666566645554445
Source: [36]
A = Away; H = Home; W = Win; D = Draw; L = Loss

Matches edit

Home team is listed first, left to right.

  Win   Draw   Loss   Postponed

Kickoff times are in MDT (UTC-06) unless shown otherwise

May 1 1 Rio Grande Valley FC Toros 1–0 New Mexico United Edinburg, Texas
6:30 p.m. MDT Riley   27'
Robinson   29'
Amoh   44',   65'		 Report Guzmán   7'
Ryden   17'		 Stadium: H-E-B Park
Attendance: 2,567
Referee: Elton Garcia (United States)
May 8 2 El Paso Locomotive FC 1–1 New Mexico United El Paso, Texas
7:30 p.m. MDT Yuma   7'
Rebellón   26'
Mares   75'
Carrijo   90+5'		 Report Sandoval   57',   87'
Guzmán   66'
Suggs   90+2'		 Stadium: Southwest University Park
Attendance: 5,740
Referee: Ismir Pekmic (United States)
May 15 3 Home Opener New Mexico United 3–1 Austin Bold FC Albuquerque, New Mexico
7:30 p.m. MDT Rivas   18'
Yearwood   56'
Brown   61'
Moreno   66',   84'
Azira   90'
Bruce   90+2'		 Report Fauroux   28'
Hinds   46'
Rissi   73'		 Stadium: Isotopes Park
Attendance: 8,647
Referee: Michael Radchuk (USA)
May 21 4 Colorado Springs Switchbacks 1–3 New Mexico United Colorado Springs, Colorado
7:00 p.m. MDT Barry   1'
Ngalina   45+1'
Ockford   90+5'		 Report Rivas   8'
Swartz   16'
Tinari   45+1'   54'
Moreno   48',   58'
Martinez   62'
Bruce   90+7'		 Stadium: Weidner Field
Attendance: 5,600
Referee: Elijio Arreguin (United States)
May 29 5 New Mexico United 0–1 Loudoun United FC Albuquerque, New Mexico
7:30 p.m. MDT Yearwood   23' Report Bolívar   40'
Mehl   57'
Samaké   60'		 Stadium: Isotopes Park
Attendance: 8,801
Referee: Chris Ruska
June 4 6 Real Monarchs 0–1 New Mexico United Sandy, Utah
8:00 p.m. MDT Flores   22'
Bance   82'		 Report Tinari   65'
Martinez   82'		 Stadium: Rio Tinto Stadium
Attendance: 1,088
Referee: Lukasz Szpala (United States)
June 12 7 Pride Night New Mexico United 0–0 Austin Bold FC Albuquerque, New Mexico
7:30 p.m. MDT Report Gordon   17'
Diouf   52'		 Stadium: Isotopes Park
Attendance: 9,288
Referee: Sergii Demianchuk (United States)
June 16 8 New Mexico United 2–0 San Antonio FC Albuquerque, New Mexico
7:30 p.m. MDT Suggs   33'
Yearwood   52'		 Report Doyle   68'
Nathan   77'
Gleadle   82'
Varela   90'		 Stadium: Isotopes Park
Attendance: 6,260
Referee: Elton García
June 25 9 Colorado Springs Switchbacks 3–1 New Mexico United Colorado Springs, Colorado
7:00 p.m. MDT Mahoney   49'
Beckford   59'
Barry   69',   82',   83'
Ockford   88'
Mayaka   90+1'		 Report Suggs   19'
Martinez   90+2'		 Stadium: Weidner Field
Attendance: 6,481
Referee: Mathew Corrigan (United States)
June 30 10 Real Monarchs 3–2 New Mexico United Herriman, Utah
8:00 p.m. MDT Portillo   38'
Briggs   54'
Powder   65'		 Report Bruce   15'
Tinari   25'		 Stadium: Zions Bank Stadium
Attendance: 965
Referee: Calin Radosav (United States)
July 3 11 El Paso Locomotive FC 2–1 New Mexico United El Paso, Texas
7:30 p.m. MDT Borelli   33'
Mares   56',   57'
Jérôme   76'		 Report Brown   33',   41'
Guzmán   48'		 Stadium: Southwest University Park
Attendance: 8,138
Referee: Elvis Osmanovic
July 9 12 New Mexico United 3–1 Colorado Springs Switchbacks Albuquerque, New Mexico
7:30 p.m. MDT Rivas   16',   20'
Suggs   50'
Sandoval   52'
Azira   75',   90+1'
Yearwood   79'
Ilić   90+4'		 Report Makangila   16'
Ockford   19'
Barry   33'
Ngalina   50'
Anderson   53'
Mayaka   68'		 Stadium: Isotopes Park
Attendance: 9728
Referee: Matthew Thompson (United States)
July 12 13 Monday Night Futbol New Mexico United 2–1 Charleston Battery Albuquerque, New Mexico
7:30 p.m. MDT Ryden   15',   48'
Guzmán   43'
Sandoval   52'
Ilić   82'
Suggs   86'
Rivas   90'
Azira   90+3'		 Report Repetto   38'
Kelly-Rosales   43'
Méndez   58'
Piggott   76'
Fahling   90+4'		 Stadium: Isotopes Park
Attendance: 7,576
Referee: Jon Freemon (United States)
July 21 14 San Antonio FC 3–0 New Mexico United San Antonio, Texas
7:30 p.m. MDT Fogaça   35',   63'
Cuello   68'
Doyle   73'
Gallegos   90+3'		 Report Stadium: Toyota Field
Attendance: 5,601
Referee: Natalie Simon (United States)
July 24 15 New Mexico United 0–0 El Paso Locomotive FC Albuquerque, New Mexico
7:30 p.m. MDT Guzmán   26'   66'
Tinari   83'		 Report Zacarías   75'
Yuma   90+4'		 Stadium: Isotopes Park
Attendance: 10,303
Referee: Greg Dopka
August 1 16 Tacoma Defiance 0–0 New Mexico United Tacoma, Washington
2:30 p.m. MDT Mendoza   7' Report Moreno   5'
Yearwood   41'
Beigl   68'		 Stadium: Cheney Stadium
Referee: Matthew Franz
August 14 17 Meow Wolf Night New Mexico United 1–1 El Paso Locomotive FC Albuquerque, New Mexico
7:30 p.m. MDT Moreno   33',   64'
Sandoval   75'
Tinari   77'
Bruce   78'		 Report Luna   77'
Carrijo   79'
Bahner   90+7'		 Stadium: Isotopes Park
Attendance: 10,418
Referee: Lukasz Szpala
August 18 18 New Mexico United 1–1 Oakland Roots SC Albuquerque, New Mexico
7:30 p.m. MDT Sandoval   6'
Moreno   83'		 Report Fall   34' Stadium: Isotopes Park
Attendance: 6,047
Referee: Elton Garcia (United States)
August 23 19 Austin Bold FC 1–1 New Mexico United Austin, Texas
7:00 p.m. MDT Avila   55' Report Tinari   17'
Wehan   37'
Schmidt   90+2'		 Stadium: Bold Stadium
Attendance: 608
Referee: Brandon Stevis
August 28 20 Phoenix Rising FC 3–2 New Mexico United Chandler, Arizona
8:30 p.m. MDT King   19'
Calistri   59',   66'
Moar   90'		 Report Rivas   11'
Guzmán   34'
Tetteh   43'
Suggs   54'
Musa   80' (o.g.)		 Stadium: Wild Horse Pass Stadium
September 4 21 Blackout Night New Mexico United 3–2 Colorado Springs Switchbacks Albuquerque, New Mexico
7:30 p.m. MDT Wehan   3',   90+2'
Tetteh   34'
Suggs   42'
Sandoval   47' (pen.),   58'		 Report Tetteh   23' (o.g.)
Hodge   63'
Ockford   68'
Toure   88'
Ngalina   90+3'		 Stadium: Isotopes Park
Attendance: 7,077
Referee: Joshua Encarnación
September 10 22 Austin Bold FC 1–0 New Mexico United Austin, Texas
7:00 p.m. MDT Gordon   26'
Garcia   54'
Avila   58'
Ciss   71'
Báez   78' (pen.)
Sarkodie   90+3'		 Report Guzmán   71'
Azira   77'
Yearwood   90+1'		 Stadium: Bold Stadium
Attendance: 926
Referee: Kevin Broadley
September 18 23 New Mexico United 2–1 Real Monarchs Albuquerque, New Mexico
7:30 p.m. MDT Moreno   2',   48'
Bruce   24'
Wehan   80'
Muhammad   90+6'		 Report Conteh   25'
Wehan   50'
Subah   58'		 Stadium: Isotopes Park
September 25 24 San Antonio FC 0–1 New Mexico United San Antonio, Texas
6:30 p.m. MDT Sjöberg   38' Report Tetteh   29'
Tinari   72'
Ryden   74'
Wehan   84'
Martinez   85'		 Stadium: Toyota Field
Attendance: 5,503
Referee: Elton García
September 29 25 New Mexico United 2–0 Rio Grande Valley FC Toros Albuquerque, New Mexico
7:00 p.m. MDT Muhammad   18',   89'
Suggs   85'
Sandoval   90'
Wehan   90+6'		 Report Diz   54' Stadium: Isotopes Park
Attendance: 5,377
Referee: Adam Kilpatrick
October 3 26 Louisville City FC 3–1 New Mexico United Louisville, Kentucky
1:00 p.m. MDT DelPiccolo   8',   14'
McLaughlin   75'
McCabe   77'
Ownby   84'		 Report Tetteh   24'
Moreno   45+2',   54'
Suggs   74'
Azira   88'		 Stadium: Lynn Family Stadium
Attendance: 10,349
Referee: Mark Allatin
October 6 27 New Mexico United 2–2 Hartford Athletic Albuquerque, New Mexico
7:00 p.m. MDT Rivas   26'
Wehan   35'
Sandoval   45+3',   55'
Muhammad   53'		 Report Barrera   45+5' (pen.)
Obregón Jr.   48'
Boudadi   84'		 Stadium: Isotopes Park
Attendance: 6,444
Referee: Brad Jensen
October 9 28 Homecoming Night New Mexico United 1–1 Rio Grande Valley FC Albuquerque, New Mexico
5:00 p.m. MDT Ryden   19'
Wehan   24'
Bruce   52'
Rivas   57'		 Report Amoh   5',   90+4'
Pimentel   32'
López   90+3'		 Stadium: Isotopes Park
Attendance: 6,934
Referee: Malik Badawi
October 17 29 San Diego Loyal SC 1–1 New Mexico United San Diego, California
4:00 p.m. MDT Martínez   61',   67' Report Tinari   21'
Guzmán   41'
Suggs   50'
Wehan   76'
Ilić   90+4'		 Stadium: Torero Stadium
Attendance: 4,700
Referee: Sergii Demianchuk
October 20 30 New Mexico United 4–2 San Antonio FC Albuquerque, New Mexico
7:00 p.m. MDT Ilić   12'
Tetteh   21'
Suggs   31'
Yearwood   33'
Ryden   38'
Wehan   66',   88'
Guzmán   72'
Tinari   78'
Tambakis   82'		 Report PC   9'
Fogaça   26',   32' (pen.)
Gallegos   28'
Varela   35',   41'
Wright   47'   58'
Ford   86'
Deplagne   90+3'
Epps   90+6'		 Stadium: Isotopes Park
Attendance: 5,593
Referee: Michael Radchuk
October 23 31 Rio Grande Valley FC 2–0 New Mexico United Edinburg, Texas
6:30 p.m. MDT López   47',   59'
Edwards   58'		 Report Tetteh   78' Stadium: H-E-B Park
Attendance: 4,118
Referee: Brandon Stevis (United States)
October 30 32 Dia De Los Muertos New Mexico United 3–1 Real Monarchs Albuquerque, New Mexico
5:00 p.m. MDT Wehan   17'   45+3' (pen.)
Bruce   81'
Muhammad   89'		 Report Mata   40'
Subah   73'		 Stadium: Isotopes Park
Attendance: 9,570
Referee: Elijio Arreguin (United States)

U.S. Open Cup edit

Main article: 2021 U.S. Open Cup

After cancelling the 2020 U.S. Open Cup due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, on February 9 the United States Soccer Federation announced an abbreviated format for the 2021 edition, limiting the field of participants to 24 clubs. Originally, 8 spots were reserved for the USL Championship, with 24 of 31 teams eligible to compete.[37] However, on March 29, the tournament was further abbreviated to include 16 teams. The 4 2020 USL Conference finalists were confirmed to participate, so New Mexico United will not play the 2021 U.S. Open Cup.[38]

Statistics edit

As of October 30, 2021[39]

Outfield players edit

# Pos. Name GP GS Min. Goals Assists    
3 DF   Austin Yearwood 31 28 2393 1 0 5 1
4 DF   Sam Hamilton 11 10 878 0 0 0 0
5 DF   Josh Suggs 31 24 2272 3 2 8 0
6 DF   David Najem 14 11 836 0 2 0 0
7 MF   Isidro Martinez 30 10 1217 1 3 3 0
8 MF   Juan Guzmán 25 23 1851 0 2 9 1
9 FW   Devon Sandoval 28 20 1773 5 1 6 0
10 FW   Amando Moreno 19 16 1365 5 0 8 0
11 MF   Sergio Rivas 29 26 2214 5 3 3 0
14 FW   Ilija Ilić 22 7 782 2 0 1 0
15 DF   Rashid Tetteh 21 21 1803 0 0 6 0
16 DF   Alex Touche 3 0 21 0 0 0 0
17 DF   Justin Schmidt 23 9 1051 0 1 1 0
19 MF   Saalih Muhammad[A] 9 3 396 1 0 4 0
20 MF   Andrew Tinari 28 24 1824 1 7 7 1
22 DF   Kalen Ryden 29 28 2543 1 0 5 0
23 MF   Micheal Azira 28 11 1170 1 0 5 0
25 MF   Daniel Bruce 30 19 1574 3 3 4 0
33 MF   Harry Swartz 12 9 835 0 2 1 0
41 MF   Chris Wehan[A] 15 14 1210 10 1 3 0
45 FW   Cristian Nava 5 0 41 0 0 0 0
99 FW   Brian Brown[B] 13 7 625 2 1 1 0

Goalkeepers edit

# Name GP GS Min. SV SV% GA GAA SO    
1   Alex Tambakis 31 31 2790 84 69.4% 37 1.194 7 1 0
12   Will Palmquist 0 0 0 0 — 0 — 0 0 0
27   Philipp Beigl 1 1 90 2 40% 3 3.000 0 1 0
  1. ^ a b Player joined club after the season started
  2. ^ Player left club before the end of the season

Notes edit

  1. ^ All competitive matches; includes substitute appearances
  2. ^ Goals in all competitions

References edit

  1. ^ "El Paso Locomotive FC Down New Mexico United in Western Semifinal". www.eplocomotivefc.com. Archived from the original on December 11, 2020. Retrieved November 29, 2020.
  2. ^ "Standings". uslchampionship.com. Retrieved November 29, 2020.
  3. ^ @newmexicoutd (November 20, 2020). "Thanks for the memories Romeo, best of luck in your next chapter. 🖤💛#somosunidos #somosfamilia #nmunited #wearenewmexico" (Tweet). Retrieved November 29, 2020 – via Twitter.
  4. ^ a b c @newmexicoutd (November 17, 2020). "Mahalo for everything Ryan and congratulations on your retirement! Best of luck with seminary school and in all your future endeavors. Somos Unidos por siempre 🖤💛#somosunidos #somosfamilia #family #nmunited" (Tweet). Retrieved November 29, 2020 – via Twitter.
  5. ^ a b c @newmexicoutd (November 26, 2020). "Thank you for everything David. You've made an immeasurable impact everywhere you've gone, and we can't wait to be part of your next chapter! #SomosUnidos Watch @DaveedEstrada's full retirement announcement here: https://youtu.be/qC3c6Z68Qn8" (Tweet). Retrieved November 29, 2020 – via Twitter.
  6. ^ a b @newmexicoutd (November 28, 2020). "Merci @JAhlinvi for some truly special moments! We're wishing you all the best going forward. Somos Unidos por siempre! 🖤💛#somosfamilia #prosoccer #nmunited #uslchampionship" (Tweet). Retrieved November 29, 2020 – via Twitter.
  7. ^ a b @NewMexicoUTD (December 14, 2020). "It is our pleasure to announce the newest member of the Black & Yellow family. 2 time USL Cup Champion, our new forward, and number 14, Ilija Ilic!" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  8. ^ a b @NewMexicoUTD (December 18, 2020). "He was the 2019 Hartford Athletic MVP and we couldn't be more excited to welcome him to the United family. Black & Yellow Nation, meet @HarrySwartz1 !" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  9. ^ a b @NewMexicoUTD (December 24, 2020). "HE'S COMING HOME! Welcome to the Black & Yellow Familia @Sergiioo_77, let's get to work!" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  10. ^ a b "NEW MEXICO UNITED ANNOUNCES THE SIGNING OF ISIDRO MARTINEZ, THEIR FOURTH NEW SIGNING AHEAD OF THE 2021 SEASON". New Mexico Utd. January 4, 2021. Archived from the original on January 17, 2021. Retrieved February 11, 2021.
  11. ^ a b "NEW MEXICO UNITED ANNOUNCES THE SIGNING OF ALBUQUERQUE NATIVE ALEX TOUCHE". New Mexico Utd. January 12, 2021. Archived from the original on January 12, 2021. Retrieved February 12, 2021.
  12. ^ a b "United loses goalkeeper Mizell to MLS team in New York". www.abqjournal.com. March 3, 2021. Archived from the original on March 4, 2021. Retrieved March 4, 2021.
  13. ^ a b USLChampionship com Staff (March 11, 2021). "New Mexico Inks Goalkeeper Alex Tambakis". USL Championship. Retrieved March 11, 2021.
  14. ^ nicholas.murray@uslsoccer.com, NICHOLAS MURRAY- (May 16, 2021). "Rivas Plays Hometown Hero as United Makes Memorable Return to The Lab". USL Championship. Retrieved May 16, 2021.
  15. ^ Staff, New Mexico United (June 9, 2021). "HE'S BACK! NEW MEXICO UNITED ANNOUNCES THE MULTI-YEAR RE-SIGNING OF 2020 DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR, KALEN RYDEN". New Mexico United. Archived from the original on June 13, 2021. Retrieved June 13, 2021.
  16. ^ Staff, New Mexico United (June 10, 2021). "AMAN-DOS! NEW MEXICO UNITED ANNOUNCES THE MULTI-YEAR RE-SIGNING OF 2020 OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR, AMANDO MORENO". New Mexico United. Archived from the original on June 13, 2021. Retrieved June 13, 2021.
  17. ^ USLChampionship com Staff (July 3, 2021). "Matchday Report: Mares Leads El Paso Rally to Defeat New Mexico". USL Championship. Retrieved July 10, 2021.
  18. ^ a b Staff, New Mexico United (July 28, 2021). "NEW MEXICO UNITED ANNOUNCES THE SIGNING OF AFGHAN INTERNATIONAL DEFENDER, DAVID NAJEM". New Mexico United. Archived from the original on July 28, 2021. Retrieved July 28, 2021.
  19. ^ a b Staff, New Mexico United (August 17, 2021). "BEEZ IS BACK! NEW MEXICO UNITED SIGNS MIDFIELDER CHRIS WEHAN FROM ORANGE COUNTY SC". New Mexico United. Archived from the original on August 18, 2021. Retrieved August 18, 2021.
  20. ^ USLSoccer com Staff (August 17, 2021). "Albuquerque City Council Moves Stadium Proposal to November Ballot". United Soccer League. Retrieved October 13, 2021.
  21. ^ a b Staff, New Mexico United (August 18, 2021). "NEW MEXICO UNITED SIGNS ROOKIE GOALKEEPER WILL PALMQUIST". New Mexico United. Archived from the original on August 18, 2021. Retrieved August 18, 2021.
  22. ^ USLChampionship com Staff (September 6, 2021). "USL Statement on Incident During New Mexico United vs. Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC". USL Championship. Retrieved October 13, 2021.
  23. ^ Staff, New Mexico United (November 5, 2021). "Thank You Coach Troy". New Mexico United. Archived from the original on November 6, 2021. Retrieved November 6, 2021.
  24. ^ "2021 Roster". New Mexico Utd. 2021. Retrieved March 15, 2021.
  25. ^ USLChampionship com Staff (November 6, 2020). "Orange County Announces Signing of Chris Wehan". USL Championship. Retrieved November 29, 2020.
  26. ^ USLChampionship com Staff (November 24, 2020). "Saalih Muhammad Returns to His Roots in Oakland". USL Championship. Retrieved November 29, 2020.
  27. ^ Roots SC (February 1, 2021). "Roots Sign Goalkeeper Ben Beaury".
  28. ^ Staff (February 11, 2021). "Loudoun United FC Announce Multiple Signings Ahead of the 2021 USL Championship Season". Loudoun United FC. Archived from the original on May 4, 2021. Retrieved February 12, 2021.
  29. ^ a b Staff, New Mexico United (August 27, 2021). "NEW MEXICO UNITED ANNOUNCES PAIR OF LOAN AGREEMENTS, BRINGING SAALIH MUHAMMAD TO NEW MEXICO, SENDING BRIAN BROWN TO OAKLAND". New Mexico United. Archived from the original on October 16, 2021. Retrieved October 13, 2021.
  30. ^ "New Mexico Adds Veteran Midfielder Micheal Azira". www.uslchampionship.com. February 2021. Retrieved February 12, 2021.
  31. ^ Staff, New Mexico United (February 8, 2021). "NEW MEXICO UNITED ANNOUNCES THE SIGNING OF GOALSCORING JAMAICAN INTERNATIONAL BRIAN BROWN". New Mexico United. Retrieved February 12, 2021.[permanent dead link]
  32. ^ New Mexico United [@NewMexicoUTD] (March 1, 2021). "Happy Monday United Fam! Preseason has officially begun!" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  33. ^ "USL Championship Announces 2021 Season Format". www.uslchampionship.com. January 21, 2021. Retrieved March 4, 2021.
  34. ^ "USL Championship Unveils 2021 League Alignment". www.uslchampionship.com. March 2, 2021. Retrieved March 4, 2021.
  35. ^ "New Mexico United". newmexicounited.com.
  36. ^ "League Standings". uslsoccer.com.
  37. ^ "Open Cup Committee Approves Schedule, Format and Contingency Plan for 2021 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup". www.ussoccer.com. Retrieved March 4, 2021.
  38. ^ USLSoccer com Staff (March 29, 2021). "United Soccer League Announces Participating Teams for 2021 U.S. Open Cup". USL Championship. Retrieved April 6, 2021.
  39. ^ "New Mexico United Player Stats". www.uslchampionship.com. Retrieved May 3, 2021.
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