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NM United Notes: Midfielder Moguel joins NMU on loan from Louisville
New Mexico United’s Will Seymore, left, congratulates goalkeeper Kris Shakes after NMU’s 1-0 victory over Loudoun United FC in Sept. 2024 at Isotopes Park. Shakes’ clean sheet in goal was the first of his career.
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Do you have an extra midfielder we can borrow?
No, negotiations between New Mexico United and Louisville City FC probably didn’t start quite like this. Still, the two USL Championship clubs agreed to just such a transaction Tuesday with Lou City sending midfielder Carlos Moguel Jr. to NMU on loan for the rest of the 2025 season.
Moguel, 22, has been a regular contributor for Lou City over the past three seasons, making 45 appearances including three playoff starts in 2023. But playing time has been limited for Moguel this season. He’s made nine appearances (two starts) for the Eastern Conference leaders and was not on the active roster for Louisville’s last three matches, including Saturday’s 0-0 draw with New Mexico.
United’s roster has been in flux of late due to injuries, trades and inconsistent play. NMU picked up forward Luther Archiméde and defender Kipp Keller last week and both featured in Saturday’s road contest with Keller playing the entire match.
Moguel, who has one goal to his credit this season, provides depth and an aggressive midfield presence for New Mexico, which has played to consecutive draws after a four-game losing skid. NMU stands seventh in the Western Conference standings but just four points behind second-place Sacramento Republic FC, which visits Isotopes Park this weekend.
Lou City coach Danny Cruz said his club is grateful to United for giving Moguel an opportunity to play meaningful minutes. NMU sporting director Itamar Keinan believes Moguel can make a positive impact.
“Carlos is a talented young player, and we’re excited to have him join us for the remainder of the season,” Keinan said in a club release. “His competitive spirit and aggressive presence in the midfield really stood out to us. I look forward to seeing the impact he’ll make in black and yellow.”
SHAKES HONORED: NMU goalkeeper Kris Shakes was named to the USL Championship Team of the Week after posting a clean sheet against Louisville on Saturday. It was only the second time Lou City has been shut out this season.
Shakes recorded 11 recoveries and three saves, one of which has been nominated for USLC Save of the Week, in earning his second clean sheet of the season.
