New Mexico United Hosts Las Vegas Lights
Published on August 15, 2025 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
New Mexico United News Release
New Mexico United returns home after six weeks on the road for a historic Western Conference clash against Las Vegas Lights FC. This match marks the club's 100th home game at Rio Grande Credit Union Field at Isotopes Park-a milestone for both players and supporters.
United enters the weekend in fifth place in the USL Championship Western Conference standings, looking to build momentum after a challenging road stretch. The two sides last faced off in March 2025 at The Lab, where United secured a thrilling 3-2 victory.
A Reunion with history:
This upcoming match against Las Vegas Lights will mark notable reunions, as Head Coach Dennis Sanchez, Assistant Coach Armando Quezada, and midfielders OuSman Jabang and Valentin Noël prepare to face their former club at home for the first time. Additionally, former Black & Yellow players McKinze Gaines and Tony Herbert are set to return to The Lab.
Players to Watch:
Forward Greg Hurst has been a consistent scoring presence for United, leading the team with four goals in only 8 appearances this season. His combination of pace and finishing ability makes him a constant threat up front.
Midfielder Mukwelle Akale has emerged as a key playmaker, tallying five assists to lead the squad. His vision and passing range will be vital in breaking down the Lights' defensive structure.
Milestone Watch:
Saturday's match marks the 100th home game in New Mexico United's history - a significant milestone for the club and its dedicated supporters.
In another storyline to watch, goalkeeper Alex Tambakis is just two clean sheets away from breaking the all-time USL Championship regular season shutouts record. A clean sheet on Saturday would bring him into a tie for the top spot.
Midfielder Sergio Rivas, a proud Albuquerque native, is also closing in on 10,000 regular season minutes in the USL Championship - a true reflection of his consistency, commitment, and importance to the team.
About Las Vegas Lights FC:
The Lights enter the match in 12th place in the Western Conference but have demonstrated moments of attacking quality. Forward Johnny Rodriguez leads the team with seven goals in 19 matches, while midfielder Gennaro Nigro has been a key creative presence, contributing four assists this season. Defensively, goalkeeper Raiko Arozarena has faced significant challenges but has recorded seven clean sheets, helping keep the Lights competitive.
Up Next for United:
Following this historic match, New Mexico United will continue their pursuit of a playoff position with a vital away game against Louisville City FC on Saturday, August 23, at 6:00 PM MT, in a pivotal contest within the Western Conference standings.
United Soccer League Championship Stories from August 15, 2025
- Game Information and Match Notes - SAFC vs. Lexington Sporting Club 8/16/25 - San Antonio FC
- Match Preview: FC Tulsa vs. Hartford Athletic - FC Tulsa
- Hartford Hosts Western Conference Leader FC Tulsa - Hartford Athletic
- Everything You Need to Know Before Orange County SC Faces Colorado Swings Switchbacks FC - Orange County SC
- Monterey Bay Travels to El Paso for Fixture with Locomotive FC - Monterey Bay FC
- El Paso Locomotive FC Hope to Maintain Defensive Success against Monterey Bay FC - El Paso Locomotive FC
- New Kickoff Times Announced for Upcoming Lexington Sporting Club Men's Matches; Games to Air Locally on FOX56 - Lexington Sporting Club
- What to Watch for as LouCity Travels to South Beach to Face Miami FC - Louisville City FC
- Match Preview: Republic FC vs. Oakland Roots SC - Sacramento Republic FC
- Hartford Athletic Adds Midfielder Owen Presthus on Loan from Columbus Crew - Hartford Athletic
- New Mexico United Hosts Las Vegas Lights - New Mexico United
- North Carolina FC Signs Midfielder Thomas Roberts - North Carolina FC
- Preview: Rowdies vs Phoenix - Tampa Bay Rowdies
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
