Another offseason is behind us, and the USL Championship season is three days away from kicking off. Well, it is if the league and the USL Players Association reach an agreement on a new CBA. New Mexico United has a roster, but not a stadium. United is scheduled to be back at Isotopes Park in just a few weeks for their home opener. Here’s what you should be looking for this season on the pitch.
Newcomer Impact
Every year, the club goes through a series of changes. Players and staff leave, new players and new faces join. Here are three players who could have an immediate impact for United.
Niall Reid-Stephen
After an impactful time at South Georgia Tormenta FC, the pipeline to New Mexico continued to grow, and Niall made the same journey as Mukwelle Akale.Niall provides essentially a like-for-like replacement with arguably higher upside than Akale. He could easily be a driving force for the attack of United as they look to replace double-digit goals with the loss of Akale and Talon Maples.
Sofiane Djeffal
Right now, United is in need of some key players across the back line. Departures from Talon Maples (Switchbacks FC) and Kalen Ryden (retirement) left United with two serious holes to fill. In the race to secure a strong duo, United opted to bring in Djeffal. Having spent time at the MLS and USL levels, Djeffal brings presence and experience to a backline standing in front of two keepers who will be looking to improve on last season.
Cristian Nava
Okay, we’re taking the easy way out here. Nava took the past two seasons away from the game and was spending his time working construction and powerwashing. After two ACL injuries, it would be hard for anyone to return to the game. He was given a chance this preseason and earned his way back into the locker room. When he was last with the club, Nava was dynamic in the midfield and looked like he would be the heir apparent to the 6 role. He could still be destined for that role with the unannounced retirement of Sergio Rivas. Nava is a feel good story no matter what.
The Opposition
We’ve looked ahead and picked three matches that could be key points for United’s chase for silver.
May 16 – at Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC
United will get to see former player Talon Maples in one of the big early-season road trips. This match will be a big test for a United side that needs to prove it can score goals from open play. Switchbacks are no longer little brother and have built a quality program.
August 15 – vs FC Tulsa
After a disappointing loss in the playoffs, United has to wait until August to try to exact revenge. Tulsa was one of the grittiest programs in the league in 2025, and have added Alex Tambakis, who was not renewed by United. A solid goalkeeper and a solid game plan match in and match out, this will be one of the hardest tests all season long.
October 24 – at El Paso Locomotive FC
The regular season finale once again comes down to the Derby del Camino Real. United and El Paso will close out the season at Southwest University Park. A result, one way or another, could end the season for either team. As an added bit of fun, there’s a chance that Dani Rojas (played by Cristo Fernandez) will be part of the club in El Paso. Fernandez has been trialing with the club and played for 30 minutes against United on February 28 in the preseason.
Key Dates
USL Season Opener – March 6
New Mexico United Season opener – March 14 at Oakland Roots SC
Open Cup – March 18 vs Cruizers
Home Opener – March 28 vs Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC
Our Prediction
United has a tough season ahead of them. There’s still time to sign, and plenty of time to gel. But the play on the pitch will be telling as this club makes its next run for the cup.
Western Conference:
1. FC Tulsa
2. Sacramento
3. New Mexico United
4. San Antonio
5. Colorado Springs
6. El Paso
7. Phoenix
8. Lexington
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