ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - New Mexico United (13-10-4, 43 pts) officially clinched a berth in the 2025 USL Championship Playoffs on Saturday night with a dramatic 1–0 road win over Phoenix Rising FC at one of the league’s most difficult venues. A stoppagetime penalty goal from captain Talen Maples sealed the result and sent United back to Albuquerque with all three points—and a guaranteed place in the postseason for the fourth straight year.
The Black & Yellow entered the match needing a result to secure their position in the Western Conference playoff picture. From the opening whistle, United looked the more composed side, controlling possession and pushing Phoenix deep into their own half throughout the first period.
Despite the high press and a handful of first-half chances, the match remained scoreless through 90 minutes. The turning point came in the sixth minute of stoppage time, when a foul inside the box gave United a late opportunity from the penalty spot. Maples converted with confidence, capping off a complete team performance and clinching a playoff berth with two matches to spare.
Goalkeeper Kris Shakes was instrumental once again, recording four saves—including a critical one-on-one stop in the 63rd minute to keep the match level. Shakes now has four clean sheets on the season, anchoring a defensive unit that has stepped up in key lateseason moments.
With the win, United continues its strong run of form, taking 10 of a possible 15 points over its last five matches. The club returns home this week for a three-match homestand to close out the regular season, beginning Saturday, October 11 against Orange County SC. That match, set for 7:00 p.m. at Rio Grande Credit Union Field at Isotopes Park, will also feature the club’s annual Oktoberfest Night celebration.
Two more home fixtures remain: October 19 vs. Oakland Roots SC and October 24 vs. Rhode Island FC (Blackout Night), as United looks to climb the table and secure a higher seed ahead of postseason play.