Match day: El Paso Locomotive FC at New Mexico United

United, meanwhile, has scored just five times in league play. That’s tied for 23rd with Sporting Jax. NMU is last in shot attempts (56) and tied for 18th in conversion rate (12%).

4. WHERE TO STAND? Since United is getting back into USL Championship play, it never hurts to have a standings refresher.

New Mexico is currently 10th in Western Conference, ahead of Lexington SC and Monterey Bay FC. United and Lexington both have six points, but New Mexico has one more win. Monterey Bay has two points.

El Paso is third in the West with 13 points, behind San Antonio FC (16) and Orange County SC (15). San Antonio and Orange County have also played two more matches than Locomotive.

Key matchup

United keeper Kris Shakes vs. Locomotive forward Rubio Rubín

Seems like the right choice, especially if Shakes is the man in goal for New Mexico. Raiko Arozarena was United’s starting keeper for this year’s U.S. Open Cup match between the clubs. But Shakes could do with a boosted performance in league play. In five USL matches, he’s conceded eight goals. He’s also faced 28 shots. Rubín, a former U.S. men’s national team player and current Guatemala member, will likely be Shakes’ main opposition. He’s scored his five goals on 15 shots.

Player of the week

United forward Justin Rennicks

The former New England Revolution player delivered as a substitute for United with the go-ahead goal in the second half of the club’s 2-1 USL Cup win over AV Alta FC on April 25. Whether such dramatics are required again remains to be seen, but at least United has a player on the bench who can possibly deliver if asked.

By the numbers

3-0-0: El Paso’s record in USL away matches this season. Locomotive is 1-2-1 at home.

1: The number of home matches United has had in league play. New Mexico beat Colorado Springs 3-2 on March 28.

8: The number of Locomotive players who have recorded at least one goal. Seven have notched at least one assist.

15: The number of yellow cards United has received in five USL matches. El Paso has been awarded 20 and received two red cards.

David Glovach covers New Mexico United and other sports for the Journal. Reach him at dglovach@abqjournal.com or via X @DavidGlovach.

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