ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The 2026 season has presented both promise and early challenges for New Mexico United, as the club continues to build chemistry, integrate new signings, and compete across multiple competitions in the opening weeks of the campaign.
Following a dramatic 3– 2 home opening victory over Colorado Springs on March 28, the Black & Yellow entered April with momentum and a growing sense that the squad is beginning to find its rhythm. That momentum was tested, however, as United’s run in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup came to an end with a 4–0 loss to El Paso Locomotive FC on April 1.
Despite the final score, the first half reflected a competitive performance from United, which generated early chances including a shot by Jake LaCava and a narrowly missed opportunity from Dayonn Harris. El Paso broke through in the 36th minute on a goal by Álvaro Quezada before adding three more goals in the second half to secure the result.
“I think the best way to move on from this game is to get back on the field and show we are capable,” Head Coach Dennis Sanchez said following the match, emphasizing the team’s focus on improvement as league play continues.
The club has remained active off the field as well, continuing to reinforce the roster with experienced additions aimed at strengthening depth across multiple positions.
On April 2, United announced the signing of veteran defender Tyler Blackett, a former Manchester United player with experience in the English Premier League, EFL Championship, Scottish Premiership, and Major League Soccer. Blackett brings a high level of professional experience to New Mexico’s back line, having logged more than 11,000 minutes in the English Championship and over 2,000 minutes in MLS competition.
Sporting Director Itamar Keinan described the signing as an important addition of leadership and quality as the club pursues its first major trophy.
United further strengthened its midfield on April 10 by signing Cam Wilkerson to a full-season contract after an impressive start under a 25-day agreement. Wilkerson quickly established himself as a versatile contributor, appearing in multiple league matches and the club’s U.S. Open Cup opener while contributing defensively with clearances, tackles, and duels won.
The club’s early schedule has continued to test the group against strong Western Conference competition. On April 11, United fell 3–0 on the road to Phoenix Rising FC. Phoenix opened scoring on a penalty in the 13th minute before adding two second-half goals. Goalkeeper Kris Shakes delivered another notable performance, including a penalty save that helped keep United within reach during the first half.
Head Coach Dennis Sanchez acknowledged the challenges of the early schedule while expressing confidence that the team will continue to develop cohesion.
“You know there’s a level of momentum we had built,” Sanchez said. “I’m hopeful that we’ll continue to get some guys back healthy and just find a level of rhythm.”
Through the opening portion of the season, United has shown flashes of the attacking chemistry that helped fuel last year’s playoff run, particularly in the comeback victory against Colorado Springs that saw late contributions from Dayonn Harris and Ousman Jabang.
With several new players joining returning leaders such as Greg Hurst, Zico Bailey, Valentin Noël, and Marlon Vargas, the early months of the season represent an important period of adjustment as the roster continues to take shape.
United will soon return home to Rio Grande Credit Union Field at Isotopes Park to begin play in the USL Jägermeister Cup against USL League One side AV Alta, in what will also mark the club’s annual “Pups on the Pitch” match.
With a strengthened roster, experienced leadership, and continued support from one of the most passionate fanbases in the league, the Black & Yellow will look to turn early lessons into momentum in the weeks ahead.