After a perfect month of May, New Mexico United jumped into first place in the West and is looking to carry that streak into June. Instead of starting the month at home, the Black & Yellow find themselves heading on the road again. In a welcome change, United is headed West instead of East, to take on Monterey Bay FC.
If there’s one club heading in the wrong direction, it’s Monterey. A solid opening to the season has led to their current lack of form in which they’ve gone winless in six straight matches. During that span, they’ve been held scoreless in four of those outings.
Even after returning a solid midfield, under Frank Yallop, they aren’t gelling. Some of that is due to the lack of their conversion rate. Despite being near the top of the league in shots attempted, their conversion rate sits at just over 12% on the season. Walmer Martinez is a player that has underperformed to this point. He hasn’t been as dominant as he was in the past and that problem is more prominent at the defensive end.
One thing that is going well for the California club is the play of Tristan Trager. The club’s leading scorer, he has been a viable threat when he’s been able to make an appearance. He’s missed at least three games this season in league play and has not been part of some of the Open Cup appearances. With him on the pitch, Monterey is better, but without him, they’re struggling to find goals.
Player to Watch
Kai Greene – A veteran defender who has been in the USL since 2016, Greene is versatile in his role. He can play as a fullback or slide into the central defense. He has the physical ability to play against United at the back and could slow down United trying to play from the outside.
While Monterey struggles to convert, United is near the top of the league with over 17% of their shots converted with nearly the fewest number of shots in the league. That may come as some surprise to many around the club. But United has been selective in their shot selection. They’re finding their moments and taking advantage of them.
Leading the charge is Greg Hurst. Coming off of a largely disappointing season in 2023, Hurst has already surpassed his goal total from the last campaign. His latest goal, a goal of the week winner, shows just where his confidence level is at. This is the Hurst that was expected when he signed with the club. He’s performing at a level that will have United looking ahead to a strong second half of the season.
Player to Watch
Abdi Mohammad – After a 25-day contract with the club, the defender was offered an extension until the end of the year on the back of those performances. Mohammad has solidified the defense and made a statement that he should be the full time starter. His prowess can control the attack of Trager and put United in a position to win on the road.
Coverage of Sunday’s match will begin with the pregame show with Adam Diehl and Andy Hageman at 4 PM (MT) on ESPN Radio 101.7 FM The TEAM, The TEAM apps, and The TEAM website. Following the pregame show, the match will kickoff at 5 PM (MT) when Adam and Andy bring every minute of every play all season long.