Just days after parting ways with one of their key attacking pieces, New Mexico United has wasted no time reinforcing its squad with three major additions. The club announced the international transfer of forward Luiz Fernando to Vietnam’s Hanoi FC on August 20, marking the end of a productive but brief stint in Albuquerque. In quick succession, United secured the services of midfielder Carlos Moguel Jr., defender Kipp Keller, and forward Luther Archimède, signaling an aggressive push to strengthen all areas of the pitch for the final stretch of the 2025 USL Championship season.
Fernando, a Brazilian winger who joined United ahead of the 2025 campaign, departs after recording four goals and one assist in 16 appearances. Known for his creativity and ability to spark attacks from the flanks, he became a fan favorite during his short stay. His transfer to Hanoi FC in Vietnam’s V.League 1 presents a new opportunity abroad while leaving United with a gap in their attacking depth.
To offset that loss, the club moved decisively in the transfer market. The first addition was Carlos Moguel Jr., a 22-year-old central midfielder on loan from Louisville City FC. A product of Louisville’s academy system, Moguel has already made more than 50 USL Championship appearances since 2021. His arrival gives United an energetic and aggressive presence in the middle of the park, adding balance and depth as the playoff race intensifies.
On the defensive end, Kipp Keller arrives on loan from Major League Soccer’s Minnesota United FC. The 25-year-old center back, a former top-five pick in the MLS SuperDraft, brings both pedigree and experience, having made 64 professional appearances across MLS, Leagues Cup, and the CONCACAF Champions Cup. Keller’s versatility and consistency will provide stability to United’s backline, offering the team another high-level option to complement its current rotation.
To replace Fernando’s scoring threat, United turned to Luther Archimède, a Guadeloupe international signed via transfer from Monterey Bay FC. At 25, Archimède offers strength, athleticism, and international experience, with the ability to play as both a hold-up forward and a goal scorer. He has already represented Guadeloupe in CONCACAF competitions and brings a physical edge to United’s attacking third. His addition gives the team another dimension in its quest to stay competitive in the postseason race.
With Fernando’s departure creating a void, New Mexico United has acted quickly to reinforce every line of its roster — midfield, defense, and attack. The moves reflect both urgency and ambition as the club prepares for a crucial run of fixtures, beginning with this weekend’s matchup against Sacramento Republic FC at Rio Grande Credit Union Field at Isotopes Park.