ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – New Mexico United’s 2026 season is already showing signs of the resilience and determination that defined last year’s deep playoff run. After opening the season with two tough road losses, the Black & Yellow delivered a dramatic statement in front of more than 9,000 supporters at The Lab, defeating Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC 3–2 in stoppage time to earn their first win of the year.
The victory capped a busy opening stretch of the schedule that has tested United early, including USL Championship league play and Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup competition.
United opened the season March 14 with a 2–1 loss on the road against Oakland Roots SC, followed by a narrow 3–2 victory over Cruizers FC in the First Round of the U.S. Open Cup on March 18. The team then fell 1–0 to San Antonio FC on March 21 in a match defined by strong goalkeeping and defensive effort despite the result.
Goalkeeper Kris Shakes delivered eight saves in the San Antonio match, keeping United within reach until a 74thminute set-piece goal by Daniel Barbir proved to be the difference. United nearly found a late equalizer when a free kick by Zico Bailey struck the crossbar deep into stoppage time.
Despite the slow start in league play, the team’s home opener on March 28 demonstrated the attacking depth and perseverance that supporters have come to expect.
Colorado Springs opened the scoring early in the second half on a penalty kick by Khori Bennett, but United responded quickly. In the 64th minute, Justin Rennicks equalized off a long ball from Greg Hurst, igniting the home crowd and shifting momentum.
Eleven minutes later, midfielder Valentin Noël gave United the lead, before Bennett converted a second penalty in stoppage time to level the match at 2–2.
With time running out, United once again found a way.
Moments after the restart, Dayonn Harris delivered a pass to Ousman Jabang, who finished the game-winning goal in the sixth minute of stoppage time, sealing a 3–2 victory and sending the home supporters into celebration.
“I’m really blessed to be in this position, blessed to be in front of the best fans in the league,” Jabang said after the match.
Harris echoed the team’s mindset moving forward.
“We were taught to never give up,” Harris said. “After that, we didn’t put our heads down — we went right back at it.”
Head Coach Dennis Sanchez emphasized belief and persistence as key themes of the performance.
“Today’s message to the group was, find a way. And they did that,” Sanchez said.
The comeback win improved United’s record to 1-2-0 in league play and provided early momentum as the team balances league competition with the U.S. Open Cup.
United will return to the field April 1 for a Second Round U.S. Open Cup matchup against regional rival El Paso Locomotive FC at the UNM Soccer Complex. The historic tournament remains an important opportunity for the club, which has recorded notable wins over Major League Soccer opponents in past editions, including Colorado Rapids, FC Dallas, and Real Salt Lake.
League play continues April 4 when United travels to face Orange County SC.
The early portion of the schedule reflects the competitive depth of the USL Championship Western Conference, where United continues to build chemistry with a roster that includes returning leaders and several offseason additions.
As the season progresses, the Black & Yellow will look to build consistency while maintaining the attacking urgency and late-match composure displayed in the home opener.
With the 2026 campaign still in its opening chapter, United has already shown a willingness to battle until the final whistle — a trait that could prove decisive in another tightly contested season.