There are two lines of thought heading into this weekend for supporters of New Mexico United. The first is how they react to the return of Amando Moreno as he comes back with El Paso Locomotive FC. The other is whether or not the winless Locomotive represents a trap game.
2024 has not been kind to the club from El Paso so far. Through their first four games of the campaign, they’ve averaged four shots on target per match and only scored once on what was considered a fluke goal. Even the new man in the attack, Moreno, has struggled to find any sort of rhythm with his new club. The lack of finishing in the early going has been a bit of a surprise given the level of talent that El Paso brings to the table.
Part of that inefficiency could come from changes in the midfield. Perennial fan-favorite to boo Yuma has been all but missing so far this season. He hasn’t seen the pitch yet this year and his antics will not be missed. Yuma aside, Nicholas Hinds and Eder Borelli bring a lot of experience to the back end of this club and have both shown in the past that they can be dangerous up and down the pitch. On the road, El Paso will have to find a way to slow down United’s midfield, which was resurgent against Rising last weekend. If they can’t do that, they’ll be in for a long night.
Player to Watch
Justin Dhillon – The SAFC veteran made the move across Texas in the offseason, but has yet to make his mark along the Rio Grande. Dhillon is a capable striker who can strike from anywhere around the area. Playing him into the gaps between United defenders could be just what he needs to get off the mark.
New Mexico United had to overcome a lot more than just travel in their first month of the season. Unbeknownst to the public, there had been an illness that ran through a number of the players ahead of the match against Charleston Battery and left the Black & Yellow undermanned for that match. They more than made up for it though in the finale of the first road trip when they outclassed Phoenix Rising on the way to a 1-0 win over their rivals.
The midfield looked greatly improved in Phoenix and the play of the centrebacks left nothing to chance. After allowing only one shot on target the entire night, that could bode well against an El Paso team that struggles to find chances, especially quality ones. Even if they do get a shot off, they’ll have to contend with United’s number 1, Alex Tambakis. United should be able to shut down the attack of El Paso, and at The Lab, United will have all the momentum.
Player to Watch
Anthony Herbert – The first-year United player got some much-deserved minutes against Phoenix Rising and showed well in a four back system. With Kalen Ryden facing a few more weeks on the sidelines, Herbert has an opportunity to seize this position. If he continues to play well, he may yet earn a starting spot week in and week out.
Coverage of Saturday’s match begins at 6 PM (MT) with Adam Diehl and Andy Hageman on the pregame show on ESPN Radio 101.7 FM The TEAM. The pair will follow up the pregame with kickoff at 7 PM and will have every minute of every play on ESPN Radio 101.7 FM The TEAM, The TEAM website, and The TEAM apps.