United season likely to start ‘about May 1’

League provides only general details

Details are lacking, but New Mexico United has a general target date for the start of its 2021 soccer season.

The USL Championship on Thursday announced a general format for its season, which is set to begin “on or about May 1,” according to a league statement. Clubs can begin play as early as April 24 or as late as May 15.

Teams will be split into four divisions for a 32-game schedule that runs through October with playoffs set for November.

Schedules and divisional assignments were not announced. The release said the league will continue to monitor the pandemic and could alter its season format if necessary.

It remains to be seen what 2021 will look like for United, which played all of its 2020 matches on the road because of New Mexico’s coronavirus restrictions. NMU was allowed to practice at home and the state’s public health order was amended this week to allow collegiate teams to also practice at home. Games within the state remain off-limits, but United owner/CEO Peter Trevisani is optimistic.

“We are so excited to get the 2021 season underway,” he said in the release.

“This club is ready to represent our state on the pitch and battle to bring a cup home to New Mexico.”

If Thursday’s announced format holds, United’s third season in the league will be unlike either of its first two.

The pandemic-interrupted 2020 schedule included 16 matches with teams split into eight groups. In 2019, the regular season included 34 matches with play beginning in March and teams competing in two 16-team conferences.