GAME DAY: EL PASO LOCOMOTIVE FC AT NEW MEXICO UNITED
Saturday, 7 p.m., 101.7 FM, ESPN+ (streaming), Estrella TV
PLAYERS TO WATCH El Paso (0-3-1): There are numerous familiar faces on Locomotive FC’s roster this season, but many of them played for other clubs in 2023. El Paso revamped its squad during the offseason, adding proven talent from various USLC rivals. Most notable, of course, is former New Mexico standout Amando Moreno, who will make his first Isotopes Park appearance in opposing colors. The dynamic midfielder was an effective goal scorer and fan favorite in New Mexico and he owns El Paso’s only goal so far this season. Moreno is second on the squad with five chances created. Other new additions include forwards Tumi Moshobane (San Diego), Justin Dhillon (San Antonio), defender Lucas Stauffer (Las Vegas) and goalkeeper Jahmali Waite (Pittsburgh). Defender and NMU fan favorite Yuma Monsalvez is back but has not played yet this season. New Mexico (2-1-1): United put together a solid performance in last week’s 1-0 win at Phoenix, especially on defense. NMU’s back line is still adjusting to the absence of injured captain Kalen Ryden, but the unit looked cohesive in limiting Rising FC to one shot on target. Newcomer Talen Maples has brought a physical presence and an ability to anticipate opposing attacks. Maples leads the USLC with 24 clearances this season. Goalkeeper Alex Tambakis also has been sharp, ranking fifth in the league with 12 saves. He has two clean sheets in three appearances. NMU’s attack remains something of a work in progress, ranking 18th in the league in shots (35) and posting just a 10% conversion rate. Dayonn Harris, Greg Hurst, Mukwelle Akale and Marco Micaletto have shown flashes but have yet to break through with a multi-goal performance.
NOTEWORTHY: Spring apparently is a fine time for United to travel the country. NMU has one of the USL Championship’s most travel-intensive early schedules and plays four of its six Eastern Conference road games in March and April. NMU is coming off three straight road games and will play three more on the road after Saturday’s home match. Four of the club’s first seven matches this season are in the Eastern time zone.