UNITED TODAY
Saturday, 7:30 p.m., Isotopes Park, 101.7 FM/ESPN+ (streaming). Estrella (UHF 7.2, Comcast 386)
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Austin (2-2-1): The club made a significant change after its 3-1 loss in Albuquerque on May 15, installing Elliot Pinicco at goalkeeper in place of Hugo Fauroux. Panicco has allowed just two goals in four appearances with six saves and a pair of clean sheets. No one has scored more than one goal for Austin this season, but Sean Okoli and Xavier Baez have been primary playmakers. Okoli has a goal, one assist and a team-best seven shots. Baez leads the club with eight chances created.
United (3-2-1): Having conceded five goals through six matches, New Mexico’s back line has been a source of consistency and strength. Goalkeeper Alex Tambakis and defender Kalen Ryden have been iron men, playing all 540 minutes thus far. Defenders Sam Hamilton (536 minutes) and Austin Yearwood (473) rank third and fourth on the team in minutes played. Only five teams in the USL Championship have allowed fewer goals. United has conceded just one over its last 268 minutes plus stoppage time.
NOTEWORTHY
After its first two home matches, New Mexico ranks second in the USL Championship in average attendance at 8,724 fans per game. Birmingham Legion FC leads the way at 10,177 but has played just once at home. Louisville City (8,422) ranks third through four home dates. El Paso (5,751 per match) is fourth. … United will break out colorful new kits Saturday for Pride Night at Isotopes Park. It will be the third uniform design in as many home games this season for NMU.