Opening night: United faces stiff first test in Sacramento

Saturday, 8 p.m., TV: New Mexico 50 (KASY), Estrella (Spanish); Streaming: KRQE.com, ESPN+ (No radio)

Is it too early to start calling USL Championship matches potential playoff previews?

Probably.

New Mexico United fans haven't yet dusted off their green St. Patrick's Day sweaters for 2025, and the USLC playoffs don't kick off until after Halloween. Major League Baseball season will begin and end in the interim.

Still, few USL Championship observers will be overly surprised if United and Sacramento Republic FC end up squaring off in a playoff match sometime close to Thanksgiving. The two expected Western Conference contenders will battle in a highly anticipated season opener Saturday at Sacramento's Heart Health Park.

It hasn't been a pleasant venue for United over the years. NMU hasn't won in Sacramento since 2019 and has been knocked out of the USLC playoffs three times at Heart Health Park.

Perhaps that's why New Mexico's players and coaches are a bit more fired-up than usual for Saturday's contest.

"You're always motivated to start the season the right way," veteran defender Kalen Ryden said. "But yeah, Sacramento always presents a very physical match. There's extra motivation there for sure."

Both clubs will start new coaching eras Saturday night. Dennis Sanchez took over for New Mexico during the offseason after Eric Quill departed for a head coaching job with MLS FC Dallas. Sacramento parted ways with Mark Briggs after a fifth-place conference finish in 2024 and brought in former Tampa Bay Rowdies coach Neil Collins, who more recently had been coaching in the United Kingdom.

"Sacramento's going through a transition, as well," said Sanchez, who coached USLC member Las Vegas Lights to its first playoff appearance last season. "They have a new coach but high expectations every year, very similar to our club. The biggest difference is, I think we have more core rotation guys returning than they do."

Sanchez and NMU Sporting Director Itamar Keinan did not see a need for drastic roster changes after United finished atop the Western Conference standings in 2024. Sixteen players are returning this season, and the club has brought in six newcomers it hopes can fill the holes left by since-departed regulars like Nannan Houssou, Harry Swartz, Abdi Mohamend and Marco Micaletto.

Ryden, who was recently named co-captain along with defender Talen Maples, believes the pieces for another strong season are in place.

"The vibe has been exceptional since day one," he said. "We're coming off a successful season but we still fell short and we want to continue to build off that. We have such a large group of returning players that it doesn't feel too new. The transition's been seamless. We know we have targets on our backs now but we're ready for that."

United's readiness figures to be tested Saturday. Sacramento has frequently given New Mexico trouble with its direct attacking style and physical approach. New coaching staff or not, Sanchez does not expect a major change in Republic FC's tactics.

"We've tried to get all their preseason video," Sanchez said. "We're expecting them to stick to some of the things they've done traditionally, but we'll be ready to adjust. Bottom line though, we want to be protagonists — make them adapt to us."

Sanchez said United created a sense of confidence during its 3-0-3 preseason that he hopes will carry over into the regular season. He expects adversity from time to time but believes his club is well equipped to handle the USLC's lengthy campaign.

"There's no level of complacency with these guys," he said. "If anything, I've seen more hunger to build on what they did last season. Opening at Sacramento is a challenge, the crowd's going to be great and it's a tough environment. But these guys are ready. As long as we do 'us,' I'm fully confident we can go in and get three points."

Players to watch

New Mexico (18-11-5 in 2024): Lots of familiar faces return to the pitch for United after a first-place USL Championship Western Conference finish in 2024. Odds are good Saturday's starting 11 will include as many as seven or eight returning players, including goalkeeper Alex Tambakis (82 saves, 8 clean sheets last season), defender Talen Maples (141 clearances, 30 blocks, 68 aerial duels won — all team highs), midfielder Mukwelle Akale (team-best 5 assists, 47 chances created), and Greg Hurst (team-leading 12 goals and 49 shots). But fans undoubtedly will be excited to get a look at NMU's six newcomers: defender Jaylin Lindsey, midfielders Gedion Zelalem, Tomas Pondeca and forwards Luiz Fernando, McKinze Gaines and Thomas Amang. Pondeca and Gaines have been especially impactful during preseason.

Sacramento (13-10-11 in 2024): Much like United, Republic FC has a new coach and a few key newcomers but did not overhaul its roster after a 13-10-11 campaign in 2024. Leading goal scorer Kieran Phillips departed for Scotland during the offseason, but Sacramento has plenty of proven talent on the attacking end. Trevor Aman (9 goals, 53 shots last season), Russell Cicerone (5 goals) and Rodrigo Lopez (returning from ACL surgery) are reliable finishers who can play off an outstanding group of midfield playmakers. Jack Gurr and former New Mexico midfielder Justin Portillo combined for 11 assists, 117 chances created and 426 crosses last season. Gurr ranked second, Portillo third in the USLC in crosses. Standout Danny Vitiello returns in goal after posting a league-best 15 clean sheets and 95 saves (sixth best) in 2024.

GOAL KICKS: United can expect a hostile environment Saturday at Heart Health Park. Sacramento led the USLC in home attendance last season (10,106 per game) and was one of four clubs averaging more than 8,000 per match. The others were Indy Eleven (9,795), Louisville City (9,707) and New Mexico (9,386). ... NMU and Republic FC will not meet again until Aug. 30 at Isotopes Park. Last season the rivals met twice in 11 days, United winning 3-1 at home and losing 4-0 in Sacramento. ... According to usltactics.com, Sacramento is one of three locks to make the USLC postseason, joining Charleston and Louisville with 100% playoff odds. New Mexico's odds (88%) are fourth best in the Western Conference after Colorado Springs (98%) and Lexington (91%).