Finishing in style: United celebrates Bruce, tops Rhode Island in finale

New Mexico United’s Daniel Bruce holds up a plaque from Mayor Tim Keller’s office proclaiming Saturday as Daniel Bruce Day during Friday’s match against Rhode Island FC at Isotopes Park.

New Mexico United fans hold up posters honoring retiring star Daniel Bruce during Friday’s match against Rhode Island FC at Isotopes Park.

Rhode Island FC defender Frank Nodarse, left, battles New Mexico United defender Chris Gloster, right, during Friday’s match at Isotopes Park.

Ken Sickenger Ken Sickenger Ken Sickenger Journal Staff Writer

Published October 24, 2025 - 9:46 p.m. Modified October 25, 2025 - 9:43 a.m.

Saturday, Nov. 1

USLC Playoffs: TBD at New Mexico United, 7 p.m., Radio: 101.7 FM; TV: TBA

New Mexico United couldn’t have drawn up a much better sendoff for one of its fan favorites.

United capped the regular season in winning fashion Friday on a night dedicated to retiring NMU original Daniel Bruce. Mukwelle Akale and Talen Maples netted first-half goals and United made them stand for a 2-1 win over Rhode Island FC at Isotopes Park.

The cheering started early and ended late for 10,125 fans, most of whom were dressed in black for the home club’s “Blackout Night” promotion. Many also received black posters with Bruce’s name and No. 25 as the popular veteran played a big part in the night’s festivities.

In fact, the match started seven minutes late to accommodate a pregame ceremony honoring Bruce, who announced his retirement earlier this week. No. 25 was in uniform and on the field as a starter when his teammates intentionally kicked the opening ball out of bounds.

Play was then stopped for seven minutes as Bruce and NMU principal owner and CEO Peter Trevisani addressed the crowd. With fans chanting and waving posters featuring Bruce’s name and number. He waved to the fans before donning a sweatshirt with “Thank You New Mexico” emblazoned on the front.

Bruce was replaced in the lineup by longtime teammate Greg Hurst, but he returned to the field at halftime to receive a plaque from Mayor Tim Keller’s office declaring Saturday “Daniel Bruce Day” in Albuquerque.

The pregame ceremony and late start required seven minutes of first-half stoppage time. There was plenty of action before then as both clubs worked to build momentum for playoff matchups next week.

New Mexico came out highly motivated and narrowly missed on several early chances, but Akale broke the ice in the 21st minute. Goalkeeper Kris Shakes started a transition run with a throw-out that ended up finding Valentin Noel on the right wing. Noel centered to Akale for an open left-footer into the net to give the hosts a 1-0 lead and his fourth tally of the season.

Rhode Island answered in the 38th minute when Hugo Bacharach got open in front to head home a centering free kick from Amie Mabika.

But United went back in front five minutes later after Chris Gloster was taken down on a run into the RIFC box. Maples improved to 7-for-7 on penalty kicks this season, sliding a low shot into the lower-right corner for a 2-1 lead.

Both teams had quality chances in the second half, but neither was able to find the net. Shakes finished with five saves and turned away several other dangerous RIFC chances to keep United in front as the visitors pushed hard for an equalizing goal that could have secured a seventh-place finish in the USLC Eastern Conference.

Instead New Mexico enjoyed postgame fireworks with its fans after collecting a full three points — despite being outshot 17-11 overall. United finished with 54% of the game’s possession and held its own physically against Rhode Island’s imposing attackers.

The win did not impact United’s third-place standing in the Western Conference, and NMU’s players and coaches will have to wait until Saturday’s matches conclude to find out who they’ll face in round one of the playoffs. Phoenix, Colorado Springs, San Antonio, Orange County and Lexington could still finish as the No. 6 seed depending on Saturday’s results.