ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – New Mexico United returned to Rio Grande Credit Union Field at Isotopes Park with a win, while the club’s academy side continued to show signs of growth in what could become an important stretch for the organization at both the professional and youth levels.
The Black & Yellow defeated USL League One side AV ALTA FC 2–1 on April 25 during the club’s second annual Pups on the Pitch Night, opening group play in the Prinx Tires USL Cup with three points in front of 9,605 fans and 237 dogs.
AV ALTA struck first in the 18th minute when Ilias Aoumaich finished inside the box to give the visitors a 1–0 lead. United responded in the 36th minute when Dayonn Harris scored off a pass from Greg Hurst, continuing his strong run of form at home. Harris has now scored in three straight matches at Isotopes Park, all resulting in United wins.
The match remained level into the second half before United’s substitutions helped shift the momentum. Justin Rennicks came on for Harris, while Cam Wilkerson entered for Valentin Noël. Later, defender Tyler Blackett made his United debut, and midfielder Gedion Zelalem made his second appearance of the season.
AV ALTA went down to 10 men in the 64th minute after Jerry Desdunes received a second yellow card. Ten minutes later, Rennicks delivered the winning goal in the 74th minute, then celebrated with a backflip that brought the home crowd to its feet.
“My job is number nine, be in the box, be that fox in the box,” Rennicks said after the match. “I’m in there, get the goal and, you know, backflip. That’s about it.”
Head Coach Dennis Sanchez said he was pleased with the performance.
“Happy with the performance,” Sanchez said. “There was just more control, better decisions with the ball, better control of territory. Really good response from the guys, and overall, happy with the performance.”
The win extended United’s unbeaten streak at Isotopes Park to eight matches. The club now continues its homestand against rival El Paso Locomotive in what will be New Mexico United’s first Star Wars Night.
United’s academy also delivered an encouraging performance over the weekend, earning a 2–2 draw against Stars FC in Bernalillo. The match was highlighted by a long-range goal from Kyle Hofmann, who scored from around midfield. Leonel Bencomo added United’s second goal.
The academy side controlled much of the match, outshooting Stars FC 15–5 and holding 61 percent possession. Defensively, United did not allow a corner kick or an open-play goal, with both Stars FC goals coming from penalty kicks.
The academy will travel to Casa Grande, Arizona, on May 16 to face Barca Academy before visiting Phoenix Rising’s academy on May 30. United’s next academy home match is scheduled for June 7 against Arizona Arsenal. Academy home matches are free to attend.