United's most recent roster addition, Jalin Lindsey, has plenty of MLS experience

With the USL Championship regular season fast approaching, New Mexico United added a key piece to its roster Thursday with the signing of defender Jalin Lindsey.

Lindsey, a 24-year-old right back, has considerable experience under his belt, having logged more than 100 appearances at the Major League Soccer and USLC levels. He spent the past three seasons with his hometown MLS side, Charlotte FC, where he made 54 appearances and accumulated one goal and seven assists.

United coach Dennis Sanchez called Lindsey a “fantastic signing,” and believes he brings the right mix of character and talent to the club’s locker room.

“To have somebody at his age that has 80-plus MLS games already is going to be invaluable experience to add to the group,” Sanchez said. “As far as style of play, I think Jaylin will fit in seamlessly.”

Known for his speed and a deft passing touch, Lindsey has been playing at the professional level since his debut with USLC Sporting Kansas City II in 2016. He later appeared for Sporting KC’s first team before moving on to sign with Charlotte FC.

Lindsey does have a few connections to New Mexico United, including fellow defender Chris Gloster. The two played together for the United States at the FIFA U-17 World Cup. Lindsey also represented the U.S. at the U-20 level and helped his team win a Concacaf championship in 2018.

“First impressions have been absolutely phenomenal,” Lindsey said. “Walking into a team that did good things last year, I just want to help us continue to build on that.”

Lindsey’s signing brings United’s roster to 19 players including eight defenders. The club is scheduled to open the regular season March 8 with a road match against Sacramento Republic FC. NMU’s hope opener is March 22 against rival El Paso Locomotive FC.

LAST PRESEASON HURRAH: United will conclude its preseason Saturday with a 1 p.m. match versus El Paso at the club’s Mesa del Sol Training Center. United took a 2-1 preseason win over Denver University last weekend at its training center, and new forward McKinze Gaines was impressed by the atmosphere.

“If that’s a sneak peek of what our home games are gonna look like, this will be a special season,” Gaines said. “To see that many fans out for a preseason game against a college team, very impressive.”

NMU also will host its annual Black and Yellow Bash at 5:30 p.m. Saturday at Electric Playhouse giving fans an opportunity to meet and interact with this season’s players and coaching staff. More information and tickets for both events are available at newmexicoutd.com.