ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – New Mexico United has had a turbulent stretch in this 2025 season that has allowed the team to show off their defensive skills during three straight weeks of play.
The team looks to Saturday for a win on the road.
United v. Las Vegas Lights FC
The first match took place on Saturday, August 16, at Rio Grande Credit Union Field at Isotopes Park, where United hosted Las Vegas in front of a crowd of 11,581.
The match opened with promise for the Black and Yellow, as midfielder Valentin Noël found the net in the fifth minute to give United an early lead. But Las Vegas responded quickly. New Mexico native Anthony Herbert equalized in the 12th minute, capitalizing on a defensive lapse to level the score at 1–1.
In the second half, Las Vegas pulled ahead in the 74th minute, when forward Nighte Pickering finished from close range. United answered back in the 87th, when forward Thomas Amang rose above the defense and headed in the equalizer to secure a point. The match ended 2–2 after a physical and fast-paced 90 minutes.
Despite not taking all three points, defender Zico Bailey said the team took away important lessons. “We got one point—we just need to move on and learn from this game,” he said. “It’s something we need to clean up, but we showed we can respond.”
Midfielder Will Seymore echoed the sentiment. “This is a game at home that we want to win outright,” he said. “Everyone put their effort in... We just need to dig a little deeper and get three points.”
Head Coach Dennis Sanchez praised the group’s determination, especially after going down both a goal and a player. “We saw the hunger and desire we need from the first whistle,” Sanchez said. “Hopefully this is a night we can move forward from.”
United v. Louisville City FC
That renewed effort showed again one week later in Louisville, where United held the top team in the league to a 0–0 draw on Saturday, August 23. In a match defined by disciplined defending, United walked away with a clean sheet behind backup goalkeeper Kris Shakes, who recorded three saves—two of them in critical moments.
The night also marked several individual milestones. Albuquerque native Sergio Rivas made his 150th USL Championship appearance, while defender Kipp Keller made his club debut in the starting lineup. Forward Luther Archimède entered the match in the 72nd minute for his first appearance with United, adding fresh legs to the attack.
Despite being outshot 20–5 and facing 12 corners, New Mexico’s defense held strong. “We stood strong under pressure,” Sanchez said after the match. “To walk away with a point here, in one of the league’s toughest environments, says a lot about the group’s character.”
New Mexico United now looks to build on those two results as they return home to face Sacramento Republic FC on Friday, August 30, for Indigenous Peoples Night at Isotopes Park.
United v. Sacramento Republic FC
United fell 2–0 to Sacramento Republic FC on Saturday night in front of a strong home crowd at Isotopes Park, as the visitors took full advantage of second half opportunities to hand United a disappointing defeat.
After a balanced first half, Sacramento broke through in the 52nd minute and doubled the lead in the 69th, capitalizing on lapses in United’s defense. Despite holding stretches of possession and recording six shots, United failed to place a single attempt on goal.
Head Coach Dennis Sanchez said the performance lacked the intensity and quality needed at home. “We need to be more aggressive at the right moments, and we need to have more quality on the ball,” he said. “We’ve got to work harder. We have to have more grit, more care.”
Kipp Keller made his home debut and was named Man of the Match for United. The defender, who previously played under Sanchez in Austin, said he was proud to contribute despite the loss. “I thought we were a little flat tonight… but I’m happy to be here and I’ll keep doing the best I can to help us get three points.”
United now turns its focus to a road matchup against San Antonio FC on Saturday, September 6. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. MT.