United notes: NMU re-signs Gloster as training gets underway

Is it soccer season yet? From New Mexico United’s perspective, the answer is technically yes.

United’s first regular-season USL Championship match may be six weeks away (March 8 at Sacramento Republic FC), but on-the-pitch preparations are underway. The club opened training under new coach Dennis Sanchez this week and will begin preseason play in early February.

Does that mean everything is lined up and ready for first kick? Not so much.

NMU’s 2025 roster remains incomplete and will probably remain in flux through much of the preseason. United added one returning player (Chris Gloster) and subtracted one (Abdi Mohamed) over the past week, bringing the roster to 17 players.

Fifteen of those players are returnees from 2024, while two (Luiz Fernando and Tomas Pondeca) are new additions. More signings are expected in the coming days pending league and federation approval, United vice president for media and impact David Wiese-Carl said.

On Wednesday, the club announced that Gloster, 24, has signed a new contract for 2025. The animated midfielder/defender played a key role for United last season, appearing in 35 matches overall. In USLC play, Gloster ranked among the team leaders with 48 clearances, 24 interceptions and 109 duels won.

Gloster’s signing comes days after midfielder/defender Mohamed relocated to Oakland Roots SC via club transfer. The 28-year-old posted three goals, two assists and 14 chances created in 22 appearances after joining United during the 2024 season.

BUDDIES NEEDED: New Mexico United TOPSoccer is seeking “buddies” to participate in its upcoming debut season, scheduled to begin March 2.

TOPSoccer is a national program designed to bring the game to players with intellectual, physical and emotional disabilities. New Mexico United, the New Mexico Youth Soccer Association, Rio Grande Down Syndrome Network and their corporate partners announced the local launch of TOPSoccer in December.

A free six-week program, TOPSoccer is open to all ages and ability levels. The program is run through state youth soccer associations with certified coaches. It pairs each player with a “buddy,” who is typically a little older and neurotypical.

NMU TOPSoccer has signed 25 buddies for the upcoming season and is seeking 20 to 30 more. Openings are for males and females ages 10 and older and requires buddies to complete a 90-minute training session. Sessions are being held at the United Team Store.

Registration is still underway for TOPSoccer athletes as well. Matches are coed and the program is open to all ages. Matches will be played at Kraemer Fields in Southeast Albuquerque.

Buddies and athletes can sign up and find additional information at somosunidosfoundation.org/topsoccer. More information on TOPSoccer is available at usyouthsoccer.org.