2021 New Mexico United season
2021 season | |
---|---|
Head coach | Troy Lesesne |
Stadium | Rio Grande Credit Union Field at Isotopes Park Albuquerque, New Mexico |
USL | TBD |
USL Cup Playoffs | TBD |
2021 U.S. Open Cup | TBD |
Four Corners Cup | TBD |
The 2021 New Mexico United season will be the third season for New Mexico United in the USL Championship, the second-tier professional soccer league in the United States. This article covers the period from November 1, 2020, the day after the cancellation of the 2020 USL playoff final, to the conclusion of the 2021 USL playoff final. The USL Championship 2021 season has yet to be scheduled.[1]
Season in review
Off-season and pre-season
The club concluded the 2020 season with a loss to El Paso Locomotive FC in the Western Conference semifinal.[2] They ended the regular season in 2nd place in Group C.[3]
Six players departed in November after the conclusion of play. Romeo Parkes returned to Sligo Rovers at the end of his loan.[4] Chris Wehan and Saalih Muhammed transferred to Orange County SC and Oakland Roots SC, respectively.[5][6] Ryan Williams and David Estrada announced their retirements from professional football,[5][6] and Joris Ahlinvi was released at the end of his contract.[7] December saw Ilija Ilić, Harry Swartz, and Sergio Rivas join from Indy Eleven, Hartford Athletic, and Reno 1868 FC, respectively.[8][9][10]
In January 2021, the club announced the signings of Isidro Martinez from Rio Grande Valley FC Toros and semiprofessional defender Alex Touche.[11][12] February saw two players depart the club, Ben Beaury and Sammy Sergi; and two new signings, Micheal Azira and Brian Brown.
In March, first-choice goalkeeper Cody Mizell announced he would be departing New Mexico United for a club in Major League Soccer, later revealed to be New York City FC.[13] Later that month, on March 11 the club announced the signing of Alex Tambakis from North Carolina FC, where he had been first-choice for the prior three seasons.[14]
Club roster
- As of March 15, 2021[15]
No. | Name | Nationality | Position(s) | Date of birth (age) | Season signed | Previous club | Apps. [note 1] | Goals [note 2] |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Goalkeepers | ||||||||
1 | Alex Tambakis | GK | December 8, 1992 | 2021 | North Carolina FC | 0 | 0 | |
18 | Philipp Beigl | GK | September 27, 1992 | 2020 | TSV Landsberg | 0 | 0 | |
Defenders | ||||||||
3 | Austin Yearwood | LB | August 12, 1994 | 2019 | Richmond Kickers | 37 | 0 | |
4 | Sam Hamilton | DM/CB | July 26, 1995 | 2019 | Colorado Rapids | 39 | 2 | |
5 | Josh Suggs | LB/CB | April 24, 1989 | 2019 | Colorado Springs Switchbacks | 44 | 1 | |
15 | Rashid Tetteh | CB | July 14, 1995 | 2019 | High Point Panthers | 43 | 0 | |
16 | Alex Touche | CB | 1999 (age 24–25) | 2021 | Lionsbridge FC | 0 | 0 | |
17 | Justin Schmidt | LB/CB | November 2, 1993 | 2019 | Sacramento Republic | 38 | 2 | |
22 | Kalen Ryden | CB/LB | January 29, 1991 | 2020 | Real Monarchs | 17 | 1 | |
Midfielders | ||||||||
7 | Isidro Martinez | DM/CM | March 15, 1997 | 2021 | Rio Grande Valley FC Toros | 0 | 0 | |
8 | Juan Pablo Guzmán | DM/CM | August 31, 1988 | 2019 | Oklahoma City Energy | 49 | 0 | |
11 | Sergio Rivas | AM | October 3, 1997 | 2021 | Reno 1868 | 0 | 0 | |
20 | Andrew Tinari | CM/AM | September 12, 1995 | 2020 | Tampa Bay Rowdies | 16 | 1 | |
23 | Micheal Azira | M/DM | August 22, 1987 | 2021 | Chicago Fire FC | 0 | 0 | |
25 | Daniel Bruce | RW/RM | May 13, 1996 | 2019 | UNC Charlotte 49ers | 37 | 2 | |
33 | Harry Swartz | RB/RM | March 19, 1996 | 2021 | Hartford Athletic | 0 | 0 | |
Forwards | ||||||||
9 | Devon Sandoval | CF | June 16, 1991 | 2019 | Atlanta United 2 | 52 | 20 | |
10 | Amando Moreno | LW/RW/AM | September 10, 1995 | 2020 | Chicago Fire | 17 | 6 | |
14 | Ilija Ilić | CF | April 26, 1991 | 2021 | Indy Eleven | 0 | 0 | |
99 | Brian Brown | CF | December 24, 1992 | 2021 | Partizani Tirana | 0 | 0 |
Transfers out
Pos. | No. | Player | To club | Exit date | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
MF | 14 | Chris Wehan | Orange County SC | November 6, 2020 | [16] |
MF | 7 | Ryan Williams | Retired | November 17, 2020 | [5] |
MF | 16 | Saalih Muhammad | Oakland Roots SC | November 24, 2020 | [17] |
FW | 19 | / David Estrada | Retired | November 26, 2020 | [6] |
MF | 26 | Joris Ahlinvi | Free agent | November 28, 2020 | [7] |
GK | 12 | Ben Beaury | Oakland Roots SC | February 1, 2021 | [18] |
FW | 23 | Sammy Sergi | Loudoun United | February 11, 2021 | [19] |
GK | 1 | Cody Mizell | New York City FC | March 3, 2021 | [13] |
DF | 6 | David Najem | Free agent | — | [a] |
- ^ Did not appear in the club's 2021 roster.
Transfers in
Pos. | No. | Player | From club | Date | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
FW | 14 | Ilija Ilić | Indy Eleven | December 14, 2020 | [8] |
MF | 2 | Harry Swartz | Hartford Athletic | December 18, 2020 | [9] |
MF | 11 | Sergio Rivas | Reno 1868 | December 24, 2020 | [10] |
MF | 7 | Isidro Martinez | Rio Grande Valley FC Toros | January 4, 2021 | [11] |
DF | 16 | Alex Touche | Lionsbridge FC | January 12, 2021 | [12] |
MF | 23 | Micheal Azira | Chicago Fire FC | February 1, 2021 | [20] |
FW | 99 | Brian Brown | Partizani Tirana | February 8, 2021 | [21] |
GK | 1 | Alex Tambakis | North Carolina FC | March 11, 2021 | [14] |
Competitions
Exhibition
On March 1, United announced 6 preseason friendlies; three of which will be held in Albuquerque, and 3 of which will be held away.[22]
March 20 Preseason | New Mexico United | 1–2 | El Paso Locomotive FC | Albuquerque, New Mexico |
3:00 pm | Sandoval 37' (pen.) 40' Semelsberger 48' |
KRQE Report ELP Report |
Herrera 40' Trialist 1 45+2' Carrijó 61' 65' |
Stadium: Mesa del Sol - Training Facility |
March 27 Preseason | Colorado Rapids | 1–0 | New Mexico United | Tucson, Arizona |
TBA | Shinyashiki 23' (Abubakar) 43' Namli 45' Wilkerson 77' Rosenberry 78' |
Report | 31' Guzmán 42' Suggs 56' 86' |
Stadium: Kino North Stadium |
April 3 Preseason | San Diego Loyal | 1–2 | New Mexico United | Chula Vista, California |
12:00 pm | Stoneman 64' (Adams) | NMU Report SD Report |
Moreno 27' Sandoval 86' |
Stadium: Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center Attendance: closed door match |
April 10 Preseason | New Mexico United | 4–2 | Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC | Albuquerque, New Mexico |
12:00 pm | Martinez 21', 84' Moreno 44' Swartz 45+3' |
Report | 17' 50' Argueta 79' |
Stadium: Mesa del Sol - Training Facility Attendance: 300 |
April 17 Preseason | New Mexico United | 3-1 | FC Tucson | Albuquerque, New Mexico |
11:00 am | Suggs 29' Schmidt 48' Moreno 72' |
31' | Stadium: Mesa del Sol - Training Facility |
April 24 Preseason | Phoenix Rising FC | v | New Mexico United | Chandler, Arizona |
TBA | Stadium: Wild Horse Pass Stadium |
USL Championship
On January 21, the USL Board of Governors announced the format for the 2021 season, which would divide the Eastern and Western Conferences into two smaller divisions. Teams will play 32 regular season matches, playing a quadruple round-robin schedule against teams in their division, and playing other opponents to reach 32 games played.[23] On March 2, the final division alignment was released, placing New Mexico United into the Mountain Division, alongside Austin Bold FC, Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, El Paso Locomotive FC, Real Monarchs, RGV FC Toros, and San Antonio FC.[24] As the only division with 7 teams instead of 8, the Mountain Division will play 24 regular season matches against division opponents, and 8 against regional or cross-conference opponents. As of March 4, the regular season schedule, the postseason format, and playoff qualification places have not been determined.
U.S. Open Cup
After cancelling the 2020 U.S. Open Cup due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, on February 9 the United States Soccer Federation announced an abbreviated format for the 2021 edition, limiting the field of participants to 24 clubs. Originally, 8 spots were reserved for the USL Championship, with 24 of 31 teams eligible to compete.[25] However, on March 29, the tournament was further abbreviated to include 16 teams. The 4 2020 USL Conference finalists were confirmed to participate, so New Mexico United will not play the 2021 U.S. Open Cup.[26]
References
- ^ USLChampionship com Staff (October 31, 2020). "USL Championship Final Cancelled, Season Concludes with Tampa Bay, Phoenix as Conference Title-Winners". USL Championship. Retrieved November 29, 2020.
- ^ "El Paso Locomotive FC Down New Mexico United in Western Semifinal". www.eplocomotivefc.com. Retrieved November 29, 2020.
- ^ "Standings". uslchampionship.com. Retrieved November 29, 2020.
- ^ @newmexicoutd (November 20, 2020). "Thanks for the memories Romeo, best of luck in your next chapter. 🖤💛#somosunidos #somosfamilia #nmunited #wearenewmexico" (Tweet). Retrieved November 29, 2020 – via Twitter.
- ^ a b c @newmexicoutd (November 17, 2020). "Mahalo for everything Ryan and congratulations on your retirement! Best of luck with seminary school and in all your future endeavors. Somos Unidos por siempre 🖤💛#somosunidos #somosfamilia #family #nmunited" (Tweet). Retrieved November 29, 2020 – via Twitter.
- ^ a b c @newmexicoutd (November 26, 2020). "Thank you for everything David. You've made an immeasurable impact everywhere you've gone, and we can't wait to be part of your next chapter! #SomosUnidos Watch @DaveedEstrada's full retirement announcement here: https://youtu.be/qC3c6Z68Qn8" (Tweet). Retrieved November 29, 2020 – via Twitter.
- ^ a b @newmexicoutd (November 28, 2020). "Merci @JAhlinvi for some truly special moments! We're wishing you all the best going forward. Somos Unidos por siempre! 🖤💛#somosfamilia #prosoccer #nmunited #uslchampionship" (Tweet). Retrieved November 29, 2020 – via Twitter.
- ^ a b @NewMexicoUTD (December 14, 2020). "It is our pleasure to announce the newest member of the Black & Yellow family. 2 time USL Cup Champion, our new forward, and number 14, Ilija Ilic!" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- ^ a b @NewMexicoUTD (December 18, 2020). "He was the 2019 Hartford Athetic MVP and we couldn't be more excited to welcome him to the United family. Black & Yellow Nation, meet @HarrySwartz1 !" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- ^ a b @NewMexicoUTD (December 24, 2020). "HE'S COMING HOME! Welcome to the Black & Yellow Familia @Sergiioo_77, let's get to work!" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- ^ a b "NEW MEXICO UNITED ANNOUNCES THE SIGNING OF ISIDRO MARTINEZ, THEIR FOURTH NEW SIGNING AHEAD OF THE 2021 SEASON". New Mexico Utd. January 4, 2021. Retrieved February 11, 2021.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ a b "NEW MEXICO UNITED ANNOUNCES THE SIGNING OF ALBUQUERQUE NATIVE ALEX TOUCHE". New Mexico Utd. January 12, 2021. Retrieved February 12, 2021.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ a b "United loses goalkeeper Mizell to MLS team in New York". www.abqjournal.com. March 3, 2021. Retrieved March 4, 2021.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ a b Staff, USLChampionship com (March 11, 2021). "New Mexico Inks Goalkeeper Alex Tambakis". USL Championship. Retrieved March 11, 2021.
- ^ "2021 Roster". New Mexico Utd. 2021. Retrieved March 15, 2021.
- ^ USLChampionship com Staff (November 6, 2020). "Orange County Announces Signing of Chris Wehan". USL Championship. Retrieved November 29, 2020.
- ^ USLChampionship com Staff (November 24, 2020). "Saalih Muhammad Returns to His Roots in Oakland". USL Championship. Retrieved November 29, 2020.
- ^ Roots SC (February 1, 2021). "Roots Sign Goalkeeper Ben Beaury".
- ^ Staff (February 11, 2021). "Loudoun United FC Announce Multiple Signings Ahead of the 2021 USL Championship Season". Loudoun United FC. Retrieved February 12, 2021.
- ^ "New Mexico Adds Veteran Midfielder Micheal Azira". www.uslchampionship.com. Retrieved February 12, 2021.
- ^ Staff, New Mexico United (February 8, 2021). "NEW MEXICO UNITED ANNOUNCES THE SIGNING OF GOALSCORING JAMAICAN INTERNATIONAL BRIAN BROWN". New Mexico United. Retrieved February 12, 2021.
- ^ New Mexico United Twitter https://twitter.com/NewMexicoUTD/status/1366448733240647689?s=20. Retrieved March 14, 2021.
{{cite web}}
: Missing or empty|title=
(help) - ^ "USL Championship Announces 2021 Season Format". www.uslchampionship.com. Retrieved March 4, 2021.
- ^ "USL Championship Unveils 2021 League Alignment". www.uslchampionship.com. Retrieved March 4, 2021.
- ^ "Open Cup Committee Approves Schedule, Format and Contingency Plan for 2021 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup". www.ussoccer.com. Retrieved March 4, 2021.
- ^ Staff, USLSoccer com (March 29, 2021). "United Soccer League Announces Participating Teams for 2021 U.S. Open Cup". USL Championship. Retrieved April 6, 2021.
This template may have no transclusions, because it is substituted by a tool or script, it is used as part of a short-term or less active Wikipedia process, or for some other reason. |
This template may have no transclusions, because it is substituted by a tool or script, it is used as part of a short-term or less active Wikipedia process, or for some other reason. |