April 1, 2023 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – New Mexico United News Release
Having played just one match through three weeks of the USL Championship season, New Mexico United
journeys West to take on Oakland Roots SC. United’s first match of the season, which took place two weeks
prior, saw them put in a strong defensive effort; earning their first clean sheet of the season with a 1-0 victory
in Miami over Miami FC. Justin Portillo scored the later winner from the penalty spot, as the Black & Yellow
got off to a solid start.
This week Zach Prince and company will an Oakland Roots club playing their first home match of the season,
fresh off of earning their first point in a 1-1 draw at RGVFC Toros last weekend. Johnny Rodriguez scored the
late equalizer for Roots, after RGV earned an early lead through Jonathan Ricketts. First year head coach
Noah Delgado leads the club, having served as an assistant for Oakland and the El Salvador National Team,
as well as the interim Head Coach last season after Juan Guerra’s departure to Phoenix.
United received some difficult news this week, as phenom Cristian Nava was ruled out for the 2023 season
after tearing his ACL in training. the 19-year old United Academy product who signed an extension just last
month hopes to begin rehab to be ready for the 2024 season.
The Black & Yellow will hope to continue their strong start to the 2023 season in Northern California, and will
be back on the west coast next week, taking on Monterey Bay FC before their home opener against San Diego
Loyal SC on April 15th.
United is unbeaten in three matches against Oakland in their history.
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