With the spectre of a lockout looming, the USL Championship season officially got underway on March 6th. While the rest of the league was on the pitch, New Mexico United didn’t hit the grounds until this weekend, when they faced Oakland Roots SC. Oakland was coming off a season-opening win against Monterey Bay and was hoping to start the home slate with a win. Despite losing in most measurable areas, Oakland was able to pick up the win after a fluke goal put the match out of reach late in the second half. Multiple debuts were spoiled as United couldn’t complete the comeback, falling 2-1.
The early bye week for United bought them some extra training time, but it’s the match time that really matters. Simulated game sessions can’t replace the real thing, and it showed early. As is customary under the system brought in by Dennis Sanchez, United likes to play out of the back and invite pressure from opposing clubs. Oakland was able to translate their pressure into turnovers and put itself inside the attacking third multiple times in the opening minutes of the match. One such turnover in the 7th minute gave Oakland the ball at the feet of Mark Fisher on the right wing. Fisher saw some space and opted to cross the ball into the area. Just as it looked like no one was on the other end, Wolfgang Prentice made a late run behind Will Seymore.
Floating over the leaping Seymore, the ball fell in the perfect spot for Prentice to put a head to it. The header was sent back across the face of goal and looped over the outstretched arms of Kris Shakes, the starter in net for United. The ball fell into the top right corner of the net, putting the Roots ahead, 1-0.
United would control the majority of possession for much of the match, but it took them time to put any sort of real pressure on the Roots’ defense. The first shot on the night was a shot in the 17th by Valentin Noel from well outside the box. The screamer was directed toward the left side of the goal, but was saved by Spiegel. A few minutes later, United recovered the ball in the attacking half and some quick passes between Zico Bailey, Greg Hurst, and newcomer Nial Reid-Stephen, saw Hurst played into the area with a chance on goal. The touch was there, the accuracy was not, as Hurst put the ball off the left side of his foot and pushed the ball wide left.
Now that the match was beginning to open up, United began the second half with a change, bringing in Arturo Astorga for Gedion Zelalem. The introduction of Astorga was a welcome sight for United fans. After signing a 25 day contract earlier in the week, Astorga made his first appearance since a serious knee injury sidelined him for all of 2025. Following Astorga, United also brought on Niko Hamalainen (57′), Justin Rennicks (76′), Luther Archimede (76′), and Jake LaCava (81′).
All of the debutants impressed in their debuts. Hamalainen and Astorga both made big plays on the defensive side of the pitch, trying to keep the hosts from extending the lead. It was only by a fluke that Oakland picked up their second goal. With one of their few quality chances in the second half, Oakland’s Jackson Kill bore down with a shot on target. A quick glove from Shakes kept the ball out of the net momentarily, but the ball rebounded off of Peter Wilson and the head of Astorga before sneaking back over the line for an own goal, extending the lead 2-0 in the 80th.
Just two minutes later, United capitalized on a mistake by Oakland, and a great play by LaCava to keep the ball in play on the right boundary, opened up a chance in the middle. LaCava put in a low, cutting cross and Rennicks made a sliding attempt to punch the ball in with his feet. The new forward from AC Oulu, pushed the ball past Spiegel, pulling one back, 2-1.
That’s where the match would end, with United coming up just short on the road despite a strong performance.
Player of the Match
Justin Rennicks – One of the new faces to the club for 2026, Rennicks was touted as a key signing for the Black & Yellow. Moments after stepping on the pitch on Saturday, Rennicks made his mark, notching a goal in his first appearance. Beyond that, Rennicks showed the ability to track back and make key defensive plays. He’s going to be a player to watch for United fans.
Up Next
After the loss, United is scheduled to return to the pitch on Wednesday, March 18 for the Open Cup. On Wednesday, the club will play host to NPSL side Cruizers FC. That match is scheduled to kick off at 7:25 p.m. MT from the UNM Soccer Complex. Catch New Mexico United all season long with Adam Diehl and Andy Hageman on ESPN Radio 101.7 FM The TEAM, the TEAM website, and The TEAM apps.
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