NEW MEXICO UNITED AT MONTEREY BAY FC
PLAYERS TO WATCH
New Mexico (7-3-4): It will be interesting to see what United’s attacking unit looks like after an ineffective outing in last week’s 2-0 loss to Birmingham. Coach Zach Prince has not hesitated to switch things up. Chris Wehan, Justin Portillo and Harry Swartz are the only players to start all 14 of the club’s USLC matches. Portillo, who leads NMU in minutes played (1,212), remains the top playmaker with four goals, three assists, 40 chances created and 93 crosses. United’s defense will look for a return to form after several breakdowns against Birmingham. New Mexico is tied with Birmingham and Sacramento for the fewest goals allowed (12).
Monterey Bay (4-11-0): In its first year of USL Championship competition, MBFC has done a reasonably effective job putting balls in the net. Monterey Bay has scored 20 goals led by midfielder Chase Boone with four. This despite ranking second to last in shots (154) and relying heavily on counterattacks for scoring opportunities. MBFC’s conversion rate (18.9%) is third best in the league. Midfielder James Murphy leads the club in assists (three), chances created (22) and crosses (87). Defense has been a problem for Monterey Bay, which has conceded 37 goals (second to last). Goalkeeper Dallas Jaye has 25 saves and 20 goals allowed in eight appearances.
NOTEWORTHY: New Mexico continues to lead the USLC in home attendance, averaging 10,947 fans per home date. Sacramento (9,863) and Louisville City (9,657) are second and third, respectively. United’s crowd of 12,547 last week versus Birmingham was the largest at any USLC match this season. … Former UNM Lobo and New Mexico Sol midfielder Sam Gleadle joined Monterey Bay FC this season after playing for San Antonio FC in 2021.