Trap game in Lexington? United taking vigilant approach

New Mexico United at Lexington SC, 5 p.m., Radio: 101.7 FM; TV: KASY (English), Estrella (Spanish); Streaming: KRQE.com, ESPN+

New Mexico United is looking forward to its first-ever visit to Lexington, Kentucky — provided it doesn't get trapped there.

It's a cause for concern as USL Championship Western Conference-leading United visits last-place Lexington SC on Saturday. NMU is scheduled for three straight home games after its trip to Kentucky, reason enough to get caught taking a peek ahead.

United defender Talen Maples acknowledged the need to guard against trap games. One way, he said, is to reject the label.

"Yeah, we all believe in trap games," Maples said, "but I don't think this is one. "We know (Lexington) is a very good side and they shouldn't be at the bottom of the table based on the way they've played. We're not looking at this game as the bottom versus the top, just two good teams looking for a result."

In its first season of USL Championship play, Lexington (1-6-5) is certainly in need of a positive result. Since winning its opener against Hartford on March 8, Lexington has been mired in an 11-game winless stretch and has been shut out five times.

Such numbers might easily lead a visiting side like New Mexico (7-3-1) into a Saturday trap, but NMU coach Dennis Sanchez prefers to throw the numbers out. He's focused instead on getting back on a winning track after back-to-back draws with Phoenix and Colorado Springs.

"No complacency," Sanchez said. "We're always trying to raise our standards, and that's why (last week's 1-1 home draw with Colorado Springs) feels like such a big disappointment. We expect ourselves to get three points every time we step on the field. That's very much the focus this week."

New Mexico remains one of the USLC's top defensive teams, having conceded just 10 goals in 11 league games (third fewest overall). But after scoring nine goals in a three-game stretch, United managed just one last week and ended up settling for a less-than-satisfying draw after surrendering an own goal late in the first half.

Midfielder Ousman Jabang was particularly frustrated after banging an open shot off the post against Colorado Springs, but he's since put the disappointment behind him.

"You could say I was lucky not to give up a penalty kick in the first half," Jabang said, "then I hit the post. I guess it evens out."

Jabang said he's more concerned about getting United's attack back in gear than he is about making up for a personal missed opportunity.

"Every week we want three (goals)," he said. "As long as we're scoring goals and creating chances, I don't care who's on the end of it. I'm just looking to have a complete effort and help the team any way I can."

LOCK 'EM UP: United took two steps to secure future success this week, signing Maples and midfielder Zico Bailey to contract extensions. Maples' deal is for two years through the 2027 season, while Bailey's is for 2026 with a club option for 2027.

Maples, who joined NMU in 2024, has become a fixture on the back line. He ranked among the USLC leaders in clearances and blocks last season and was named a co-captain along with Kalen Ryden in 2025. He has played every minute of NMU's first 11 league games and has scored four goals (all on penalties) across all competitions.

Bailey, who joined the club in 2023, has become a two-way standout in the midfield and a fan favorite. Since his arrival, Bailey ranks third on the team with 49 USLC appearances. He has three assists, 31 chances created and scored twice in a U.S. Open Cup win over MLS Real Salt Lake last season. Bailey missed last week's game after being called up to join the Philippines National Team for an Asian Cup qualifying match. He had not yet rejoined United as of Friday.

MILESTONES: Forward Daniel Bruce needs one appearance to become the first United player to reach 150. ... Goalkeeper Alex Tambakis, already the USLC's career saves leader, needs 10 more to reach 650.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

New Mexico (7-3-1): United is gradually getting healthier as forward Greg Hurst (lower body) was the only player listed on last week's injury report. Midfielder Sergio Rivas returned to action after missing several weeks and defender Tony Herbert and forward Dayonn Harris are trending in positive directions. NMU has managed to hold onto first place in the USLC Western Conference through injuries and absences, getting contributions from up and down its roster. With Zico Bailey away on international duty, McKinze Gaines moved to a central forward spot last week and contributed an assist and two chances created in a 1-1 draw with Colorado Springs. Gaines has been productive (2 goals, 2 assists, 5 chances created) in 400 USLC minutes played. Hurst still leads the club in goals scored (3) despite being out since April 12.

Lexington (1-6-5): It's been a rocky start to season one for Lexington Sporting Club, which has scored 11 goals and conceded 20 (second most) in its first 12 USL Championship matches. Even so, Lexington has been competitive with nine of its matches decided by one goal or ending draws. A handful of talented veterans have certainly helped, including well-traveled winger Marcus Epps, who leads the attack with 3 goals, 2 assists and 12 chances created. New Mexico has seen plenty of Epps, who is with his ninth USLC club (San Antonio, Phoenix and Tulsa among them) and has 37 career goals. Longtime MLS forward Cory Burke also has 3 goals for Lexington. Goalkeeper Logan Ketterer and defender Kendall Burks (58 clearances) anchor the defensive line.

GOAL KICKS: Possession will be a key factor Saturday as New Mexico and Lexington rank first and third, respectively, in total passes and accuracy. Individually, Lexington's Kendall Burks (896 passes) and NMU's Talen Maples (872) rank first and second. … United's Marlon Vargas won online voting for the USLC's Goal of the Week after his sizzling strike last week versus Colorado Springs. Vargas received 49% of the vote. Lexington's Nick Firmino was second, drawing 36% for his early goal versus Monterey Bay.