(NEW MEXICO)- The New Mexico United will celebrate America’s Independence Day with a match against the Oakland Roots SC starting at 7:25 p.m.
The game will be held at the Rio Grande Credit Union Field at Isotopes Park.
“It’s unique; I don’t know if I’ve ever played in my history on the Fourth of July,” New Mexico United coach Dennis Sanchez said. “It’s unique for one to be playing on it, but also at home in front of our supporters is always a moment we cherish.”
Sanchez expects a large crowd for the matchup against Oakland Roots SC and wants to provide a “strong performance.”
Photo Credit: New Mexico United Facebook
The United recently tied with the Atlante team, 3-3, during a scrimmage.
“It was an entertaining game,” Sanchez, who has coached the United since 2024, said. “With it being a friendly, it was an opportunity as a team to give players some equal minutes and give guys opportunities.”
Sanchez said 40 percent of his roster is new, and gelling together takes time. Developing chemistry has started to pay off.
“Over the last six to eight weeks, you’re starting to see a lot of positive things emerge,” Sanchez said. “More rhythm, more collective spirit.”
The United, who were established in 2018, play in the Western Conference of the United Soccer League(USL) Championship. They currently sit in third place in the division and are 7-3-5.
Photo Credit: New Mexico United Facebook
Sanchez shed light on the FIFA World Cup.
“If you ever have the opportunity to go to a World Cup game or even experience one of our home matches or different environments in Europe, you’ll quickly see that there’s a reason this is the world’s game,” Sanchez said. “The World Cup brings together cultures and enjoyment and pride in your respective country.”
New Mexico United Communications Manager Carlos Tenorio said it wasn’t easy to establish a professional football/soccer team in New Mexico.
“When the club was being founded, all the spreadsheets said not to put a pro team in New Mexico, and we still did it anyway because New Mexicans deserve something like this,” Tenorio said. “It is an agent of positive change in the state as we go all around New Mexico working to make this state a better place with our free clinics and school visits.”
Sanchez said the supporters and community are what make the United special to New Mexico. Representing the 47th state is important for Sanchez.
“There’s a reason why it’s not Albuquerque United; it’s the New Mexico United,” Sanchez, who enjoys inspiring and helping others as a coach, said. “We want to represent and bring together the entire state and really try to make an impact on people’s lives.”
If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please contact jorden.h@lead4earth.org.
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