ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The curtain has closed on the most successful season in New Mexico United’s history.
The club’s 2025 campaign officially ended with a 3–0 loss to FC Tulsa in the USL Championship Western Conference Final on Saturday, November 15, but the result does little to overshadow a postseason run defined by grit, growth, and a united community spirit.
Just days after the final whistle, the league recognized one of the players who helped carry the Black & Yellow to new heights. Defender Talen Maples was named to the 2025 USL Championship All-League Second Team, capping a breakout year in which he led from the back and delivered on both sides of the ball.
Maples logged 29 regular- season appearances and 36 across all competitions, scoring 7 goals and 1 assist in league play and 9 goals with 2 assists overall. For a central defender, the numbers are exceptional. But for those who watched United closely this year, it was his presence, timing, and leadership that left the biggest mark.
“We are proud of Talen and him representing New Mexico United on his allleague selection,” said Head Coach Dennis Sanchez. “Talen leads by example every day through his professionalism, work ethic, and will to win. He is fully deserving of this honor.'
Since arriving in 2024, Maples has emerged as a key part of United’s foundation, helping anchor a defense that powered the club to a top-four finish in the West and a dramatic postseason run that saw the team reach its first-ever conference final.
A Night That Ends a Historic Journey
Saturday, Nov. 15’s Western Conference Final in Tulsa offered a chance for the club to go one step further.
United entered the match fresh off a pair of electrifying playoff victories, including a stoppagetime winner over Orange County SC that sent the club to its first conference final.
Early in the match, United looked sharp. Goalkeeper Kris Shakes delivered a heroic opening half, making four saves—including a stunning diving stop in the 11th minute—to keep the game level. But a defensive mistake in the 39th minute opened the door for Tulsa, who struck first and never looked back.
In the second half, winger Dayonn Harris nearly equalized with a blistering strike that shook the crossbar. But Tulsa soon doubled their lead on a second goal from Taylor Calheira, and a third in the 76th minute sealed United’s fate.
Despite the 3–0 final score, the match reflected much of what defined United’s season: determination, crowd energy, and a belief that anything was possible.
United ended the match with 5 shots (none on target), while Tulsa fired 17 shots, including 9 on goal. United committed 15 fouls to Tulsa’s 10 and picked up yellow cards on Valentin Noël (43') and Zico Bailey (73').
The 2025 season was filled with milestone moments: the club’s first-ever home playoff match, a franchise- record postseason win, and now its deepest playoff run to date.
The team also solidified a young and promising core, with players like Greg Hurst, Valentin Noël, Dayonn Harris, Chris Gloster, and Ousman Jabang returning for 2026. And with Maples earning leaguewide recognition, United’s back line appears set to remain one of the club’s key strengths moving forward.
From the early matches of spring to the November roar of more than 10,000 fans in The Lab, United’s season was built on more than just tactics and goals— it was built on the spirit of a club growing into its identity, and a fanbase that never stopped believing.
For supporters, the message is clear: New Mexico United is just getting started.