United kicks off busy stretch against North Carolina FC

Saturday, 7 p.m., Radio: 101.7 FM TV: KASY (English), Estrella (Spanish) Streaming: KRQE.com, ESPN+

Nap time officially ends Saturday for New Mexico United.

After an unexpected two-week break, United begins a hectic stretch Saturday by hosting North Carolina FC at Isotopes Park. It's the first of four straight home games in a 15-day stretch for NMU.

United hasn't played since a 1-0 road win at Miami FC on March 29. The extended break came about when last week's scheduled visit to Colorado Springs was postponed due to inclement weather.

Does extra time off qualify as good news or bad for NMU, which had won its previous two matches?

"I think it's probably a blessing in disguise," United coach Dennis Sanchez said. "We gave guys a couple days off to spend with their families, came back and had a strong week of training fresh and full of energy. I don't think guys necessarily needed a physical break this time of year, but it's beneficial from the mental side."

Oddly, United has another off day next Saturday, April 19, after hosting El Paso Locomotive FC for a U.S. Open Cup match Wednesday at UNM. New Mexico then has a home USL Championship contest against Monterey Bay FC on April 23 and a Jägermeister Cup match versus Union Omaha on April 26.

The busy stretch is welcome for United players, who have played just once at home over the season's first five weeks.

"We're very excited," midfielder Marlon Vargas said. "Our fans give us a lot of energy, so playing four straight at home feels great."

North Carolina FC (2-1-2) makes its first appearance in Albuquerque on Saturday after joining the USLC ranks last season. It's a club with a veteran coach (John Bradford) and numerous familiar faces, but Sanchez admits he's not sure what to expect from NCFC.

"They've got quality attacking players and they've shown they can beat any team in the league," Sanchez said. "The question is, how aggressive will they be? Will they come out and press us high or will they stay back in a low block? We have to be ready for anything."

United (3-1-0) has faced a variety of tactics from its foes this season. El Paso was content to pack in its defense against NMU, while Miami FC took a more aggressive approach. New Mexico defeated both by 1-0 scores.

Midfielder Gedion Zelalem believes United is equipped to handle whatever strategy North Carolina employs.

"If teams come out and press us high, I feel like we have the ability to play through them," Zelalem said. "It they go to low block, we have the patience to break them down. Honestly, we're comfortable either way."

New Mexico ranks among the USLC leaders in terms of ball possession, fourth in total passes (2,018 despite last week's postponement) and second in passing accuracy (86%). Fans prefer an aggressive approach, however, and voiced their disapproval when El Paso opted to sit back in a defensive posture March 22 at Isotopes Park.

SEEING YELLOW: United remains tied for the league lead with 15 yellow cards drawn this season, but Sanchez said the number is not a cause for concern. New Mexico is not among the USLC leaders in fouls with 52. North Carolina, by comparison, has 77 fouls and 11 yellow cards.

"I believe in playing with a level of physicality," Sanchez said. "We tell guys, 'If you're going to get a yellow (card), make it worth it.' We review all of those calls and I don't feel like any of ours have been malicious in any way. I want us to continue to be aggressive."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

North Carolina (2-1-2): Saturday's match will be NCFC's first in Albuquerque, but United fans may recognize forward Evan Conway, who is off to another hot start. Conway made his presence felt playing for San Diego Loyal before signing with North Carolina last season. He scored 12 goals in 2024 and has three already this season, including an equalizer in last week's 2-2 draw with Indy Eleven, which was Conway's 50th career tally. Conway and Rafael Mentzinger have provided a one-two punch up top for NCFC, leading the club with eight shots apiece. North Carolina has been willing to let shots fly but accuracy has often been lacking. Only 13 of 45 shots have been on target. Opponents have had their share of opportunities, too, keeping goalkeeper Jake McGuire busy. McGuire leads the USL Championship with 17 saves this season.

New Mexico (3-1-0): United will be coming off a two-week break looking to jump-start its attack. After scoring four goals in its first two matches, NMU's offense was largely quiet in a pair of 1-0 victories. Striker Greg Hurst has accounted for half of New Mexico's six goals and is drawing increased attention from opposing defenders. Luiz Fernando and McKinze Gaines can take some of the pressure off Hurst by applying pressure from the wings. Fernando broke through with a strong performance including the decisive goal against Miami FC. Marlon Vargas and Mukwelle Akale have excelled as facilitators with two assists apiece and 13 combined chances created. New Mexico's defense has been tested too often for comfort but has made big plays when necessary. United has conceded just two full-strength goals in its first four matches.

GOAL KICKS: Saturday's match will be a reunion of former teammates — New Mexico goalkeeper Alex Tambakis and NCFC defender Conor Donovan. Both played for North Carolina in 2020. Donovan, who spent the past three seasons with Sacramento Republic FC, scored last week — his first NCFC goal in five years. … United has found multiple ways to score this season but crosses have rarely been part of the equation. NMU has just two successful crosses, fewest in the USLC, and a 9.5% success rate.