NM United


 

Since I moved down here a year and a half ago one of my favorite activities has been going to sporting events again. Thankfully I have been able to attend multiple events across several sports I didn’t know existed down here. The only one that has eluded me though was getting to attend a New Mexico United game. Well luckily due to some scheduling conflicts they got to play a game in New Mexico earlier than expected, in the knockout U.S. Open Cup, and for the first time they got to play against another team in New Mexico. So, of course I had to go, and it lived up to the hype.

Despite not being in their home stadium, and cold, windy conditions the crowd was still full of energy, and excited for the match against NMSU UDA. It has been years since I had been to a professional soccer game in any aspect, and even during warmups I forgot how athletic soccer players are. It is the one sport that television does not do justice in showing how well conditioned they are. After the pregame festivities ended as the crowd filed in it was time to begin the match.

The game itself was very exciting from the early stages as New Mexico United scored in the first five minutes to take a one goal advantage. From there the game was fast paced, physical, and very exciting. For being my first game, I feel I chose a great game to go to. Due to the change in venue, I was as close to the players as I possibly could be, it was a physical game, goals were scored in abundance including a penalty kick shortly before halftime, and the best of all is United 6-0 won to advance in the U.S. Open Cup.

While this was a great introduction to what a New Mexico United match is like, I feel I only got a small sample size of what a true home game is like. The crowd that was there was full of energy, and showed how loyal of a fan base they have. I can only imagine what a true home game is like with a crowd twice the size in attendance. It was a great time, and without hesitation I would go to another game at Rio Grande Field. What made the game so much fun is that the atmosphere around the match, and the passion from the fans only enhances the experience. Despite the weather, I am glad I went, will continue to follow the team this season, and hopefully make it at least one more match.

To see photos of my adventures follow me on Instagram at the_nm_tx
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