Around 60 New Mexico United fans are expected to descend on Casino Arizona Field this evening as the team makes its first-ever league road trip.
United opened their inaugural season last week in front of almost 13,000 home fans at Isotopes Park. Former RSL forward Devon Sandoval gave the hosts a first half lead, but an equaliser from Jackson in the second half held them to a 1-1 draw.
New Mexico lined up in a 4-5-1 formation for that game, and enjoyed almost 55% possession.
However, the majority of play in that game was in the New Mexico half – resulting in the hosts having only nine shots to Fresno’s 15. Fresno also had six shots on target to New Mexico’s two.
Phoenix connections
There are two familiar faces in the United roster for Rising fans: Sam Hamilton and Kevaughn Frater.
Sam Hamilton made 13 appearances in midfield for Rising in 2017, on loan from Colorado Rapids. He signed for New Mexico after being released by Rapids shortly after the 2018 season. Described as a defender rather than a midfielder on the United roster, he started the Fresno game at the back last week, but was subbed off injured just before the break.
Jamaican Kevaughn Frater was a Rising striker last season, scoring three goals in 21 league and cup appearances. However, he only started in seven of those games. Frater made an 18 minute appearance off the bench in New Mexico’s 1-1 draw last week.
Local roots
Devon Sandoval grew up in Albuquerque. As the team’s lone striker against Fresno, he bagged New Mexico’s first ever goal. He spent his first four seasons out of college contracted to Real Salt Lake, before signing for San Francisco Deltas and Atlanta 2. Sandoval’s hasn’t succeeded in scoring more than a handful of goals at any of his clubs to date – 20 career goals in 134 senior appearances equates to a little more than one goal every seven games. Can he turn that around now that he has returned home?
Another local player is captain Josh Suggs from Las Cruces, New Mexico. The defender has plenty of USL experience with the then Orange County Blues, as well as the Colorado Springs Switchbacks. He also served as Colorado Springs’ captain last year, starting 34 games and contributing two goals.
Other notable players
The attack minded David Estrada probably represents United’s top goalscoring threat. During his spell at Sounders 2 last year, he bagged 11 goals – more than any other year of his career. His professional career began in 2010 with Seattle, before joining D.C. United and Sacramento Republic. He also featured regularly for Charlotte Independence in the 2016 and 2017 seasons.
Spaniard Santi Moar could be the one setting Estrada up. Last season, he created 51 chances in 35 appearances for Bethlehem Steel, and led the team with nine assists. The Ordes-born Philadelphia Union 2017 MLS SuperDraft pick also found the net on six occasions in 2018.
Juan Guzmán provides the anchor in midfield. He joined the club from OKC Energy, who he both captained and led in passing accuracy for two seasons in a row. Other former clubs include Louisville City and Patriotas in Colombia.
24-year-old Austin Yearwood represents a solid left back for the team. He signed for United from Richmond Kickers after two seasons at Charlotte Independence.
United also have talent between the posts. Former USL Goalkeeper of the Year nominee Cody Mizell has the number 1 shirt. Previously of the Charlotte Independence and Tampa Bay Rowdies, Mizell played 20 times for Icelandic club Fram in 2015. The 27-year-old was capped 17 times at U.S. youth level.
Mizell’s understudy, 22-year-old Ben Beaury, is another former Charlotte Independence player, but is still awaiting a USL debut.
From the Ashes prediction: New Mexico is a candidate for the playoffs, but Rising are a step above. With the home crowd behind them, Phoenix will take it 2-1.