Ousman Jabang has been officially announced and as guessed, he will succeed fan-favorites Arturo Astorga and Rashid Tetteh in the #15. The 23-year old from McDonough, Georgia was acquired from Major League Soccer's CF Montréal, but played with Coach Dennis Sanchez last season while on loan to Las Vegas Lights FC. It's an exciting reunion for player and coach, both now with New Mexico United for the 2025 season. Jabang will move the all-time first team player count to 94!

Welcome, Ousman!

#15 Ousman Jabang

~~~

roster updates - March 11, 2025

Yesterday was the rare occasion where the online rumor mill churned out news of a USL transaction ahead of the club making an announcement, and it involved New Mexico United.

Bluesky user Manuel Veth cited sources who claim that CF Montréal sold Ousman Jabang to New Mexico United for a "small transfer fee". Interestingly, he adds that "Jabang will be among the best paid players in USLC this season."

Still not confirmed by either club, but I will happily play along with uni number prognostication anyway. As I reported on Bluesky, Jabang wore #15 most recently with Montréal, and that number is currently available in New Mexico with Arturo Astorga's injury keeping him sidelined in 2025.

Jabang wore #16 last year while on loan to Las Vegas, and wore #23 last year in Montréal. Both of those numbers are spoken for here (Will Seymore and Thomas Amang respectively). 

We'll keep a close eye on official news here regarding the player first (duh) and then his new uni numbers, should all of this come to fruition.

But tentatively, we announce the 94th first team player in New Mexico United, Ousman Jabang!

#TBD Ousman Jabang

~~~

roster updates - March 2, 2025

In addition to fun and fanfare, the annual Black and Yellow Bash brought with it the news of two (!!) player signings for New Mexico United. They might both the worst-kept secrets on the internet, as the club has yet to officially announce both. If you want to wait for that news drop from official channels, leave now, because big-time spoilers are to follow.

One-time former United player turned trialist Sergio Rivas is back in black and yellow for the 2025. Though the club announced in December that he would not be returning, he has proven himself healthy after offseason surgery and earned himself a new contract with his hometown club and will be the senior New Mexican player on the squad, shepherding the young Jackson DuBois (#47). As a New Mexican, it's really important for the team to mirror the community as much as is possible, and I'm glad the local boy pipeline with the club is still pumping. 

I am typing this update from Mexico and was not at the B&Y Bash, but through news dropped by United Front on Facebook and IG, we've all learned that the club announced that former Orange County SC and San Diego Loyal (RIP) center forward Thomas Amang has joined United and will be formally announced soon. A video board at the Bash teased both Rivas and Amang, complete with uniform numbers (again, shout out to United Front). Amang will be the 93rd player in New Mexico United history and provide some depth and friendly-competition up front for United's top scorer, Greg Hurst (#17). 

Welcome, Thomas and welcome back, Sergio!

#7 Sergio Rivas

#23 Thomas Amang

~~~

roster updates - February 27, 2025

New Mexico United announced the signing of Jaylin Lindsey, a defender who despite his young age (he'll be 25 in March), has a CV stacked with MLS experience and over 130 professional appearances across MLS and the USL.

Jaylin will wear the #24, the first since goalkeeper Cody Mizell wore that number when he returned to New Mexico for brief loan stint from NYCFC in 2022. Jaylin will be the 92nd player in New Mexico United history.

Welcome, Jaylin Lindsey!

#24 Jaylin Lindsey

~~~

roster updates - February 16, 2025

Not a roster update per se, but I've add an All-Time Alphabetical Roster for you sickos out there who want to work your way from Ahlinvi (#26) to Zuleta (#90).

~~~

roster updates - February 12, 2025

UPDATE:  I've already received confirmation from New Mexico United VP of Media & Impact, David Wiese-Carl, that Gedion Zelalem will be the new #6.

~~~

This is wild to type, but New Mexico United have announced the signing of Gedion Zelalem. Yes, that Gedion Zelalem. When he makes his first appearance, he will be the 91st player in New Mexico United history. 

The former Arsenal Academy starlet is still just 28 years old (as of last month) and finds his way to New Mexico after spending time most recently in the Dutch second tier. Prior to that, he was teammates with Cody Mizell (#1 and #24) at NYCFC in MLS, and also played for Sporting Kansas City.

It looks like he wore #6 in the Netherlands, #23 in New York and #24 with Sporting KC. He wore a few different higher numbers with Arsenal (40, 58, 64, there may be others). All of those are available here currently. #6 feels right, but I wouldn't mind some fresh vibes in the #24 either.

Regardles, welcome Gedion!

#TBD Gedion Zelalem

~~~

roster updates - February 8, 2025

New Mexico United's preseason is underway in Tucson, and our friend David Wiese-Carl, the Vice President of Media & Impact with United, has forwarded along some number confirmations that we've been speculating about here in our little universe.

Each of these new signings will be the fourth player in their respective numerical lineage. The All-Time Numerical Roster has been updated to reflect these changes. Thanks, David!

#9 Luiz Fernando

#10 McKinze Gaines

#27 Tomas Pondeca

~~~

roster updates - January 29, 2025

As New Mexico United was the third time Abdi Mohamed (#26) and Marco Micaletto (#10) have been teammates, it's only fitting this update will serve as a combined farewell. On January 18th, Abdi was transferred to Oakland Roots SC, and his departure to Oakland made me slightly worried that Marco might end up there, too, because why not? My worries were maybe founded, if not a bit misguided, as Marco was transferred to defending champs Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC a week or so later.

I'm saddened to see both of these players move on. Marco was a great player and an absolute pleasure to interview for this project, and Abdi was arguably the '24 squad's best player, given his abbreviated time with the team. I hope they both find happiness and success with their new teams (with the obvious caveat -- not against us).

Adios y buena suerte Abdi y Marco.

~~~

roster updates - January 27, 2025

New player alert! New Mexico United announced the signing of McKinze Gaines, a 26-year old winger who has played for four different MLS teams, most recently Nashville SC. Gaines previously played in Germany and also has experience with the United States U17 and U19 squads.

He most recently wore #17 in Nashville and looks to have worn #27 with Austin FC. If Tomas Pondeca has indeed snagged #27 as previously reported by ME, then both of the numbers Gaines appears to prefer would be spoken for here. So we'll keep a close eye on that development.

But in the meantime, welcome, McKinze! When each of the new players makes their debuts -- Fernando, Pondeca and Gaines -- New Mexico United's all-time player count will hit 90!

TBD McKinze Gaines

~~~

roster updates - January 23, 2025

Perhaps the worst kept secret of the offseason, New Mexico United formally announced the return of Chris Gloster (#3) for the 2024 season. Last week at the Kings of Chaos movie premier, Chris was in attendance and seated with the rest of the squad, so his official return seemed to be more of a "when" than an "if".

Regardless, we're extremely glad he's back.

#3 Chris Gloster

~~~

roster updates - January 18, 2025

As mentioned on BlueSky, I spoke with Tomas Pondeca briefly at the Kings of Chaos movie premier and, of course, asked him what number he'd be wearing. And he told me #27!

If this comes to fruition, he would be the fourth #27 in team history. While it's not confirmed yet, I'd say the player himself is a pretty damn good source.

#27 Tomas Pondeca

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roster updates - January 13, 2025

The second new player has been announced for the 2025 season, 23-year old Tomas Pondeca, who arrives on a season-long loan from FC Dallas. It looks like he's played central and attacking midfield roles, so should may be in line to get some of the minutes left behind by the recently departed Sergio Rivas.

Now for the fun part -- what number will he wear? Wonderfully, #10 is part of his IG handle ("tomas10_official") but, as we know, #10 here is already in the possession of Marco Micaletto. It looks like he wore both #27 and #35 with North Texas in MLS NEXT Pro, and #11 in what looks like a decorated Futsal career (#11, of course, is occupied by Kwelle Akale here). So stay tuned to see his number assignment!

In the meantime, welcome, Tomas!

#TBD Tomas Pondeca

~~~

roster updates - January 9, 2025

On December 11, 2024, New Mexico United announced a handful of departures. Amongst those names of exiting players was Marlon Vargas (#18). So it came as a bit of a surprise today when the club announced they re-acquired Vargas for the 2025 season. As you'll recall, Vargas was picked up on loan last season from Colorado Rapids II after Dayonn Harris (#5) went down with a season-ending ACL injury. His loan expired at the end of the season, but looks like the club liked what they saw, and moved to bring him back full-time. 

Conspiracy theorists (me, I am him) couldn't help but notice the "1" was obscured in his photo announcing his re-signing, leaving just a visible "8". With Nicky Hernandez now departed, would Marlon make a move for the #8 jersey? I hope so! But if or until that happens, he's still an #18 in the record books.

Welcome back, Marlon!

#18 Marlon Vargas

~~~

roster updates - January 7, 2025

The first week of January has brought an addition, as well as a subtraction we've all been dreading. We'll start with the new player first, as United welcomed their first Brazilian in franchise history - Luiz Fernando. Fernando's previous employer (Memphis 901 - RIP) no longer exists, so he was looking for a new place to play and we needed some offense; a perfect marriage! Though he wore the objectively fun #71 previously with Richmond Kickers, we guess he'll move quickly to stake claim on the vacant #9 here, the same number he wore in Memphis. Welcome, Fernando!

In:

#TBD Fernando

While we welcome Fernando, we have to also bid farewell (at least, for now) to Cristian Nava, who announced he will not be playing in 2025 due to the successive season-ending ACL injuries he sustained, which wiped out essentially all of the 2023 and 2024 seasons for the young player. We wish Cristian a smooth recovery and a bright future, whether that includes the game of soccer or not.

Out:

#45 Cristian Nava

~~~

roster updates - December 27, 2024

Add Dayonn Harris to the list of returning players for the 2025 season. Harris brought a ton of speed, skill and experience to the '24 squad, and he proved to be very difficult to replace when he went down with an ACL tear in August. He seemingly won't be able to play again until the late summer, but his addition to the lineup in midseason would be a boost to any team's chances. Welcome back, Dayonn!

#18 Dayonn Harris

~~~

roster updates - December 17, 2024

Roster updates have trickling out this offseason, typically in pairs, in a slow, dramatic reveal. There has only been one bunch of players announced who will not return and those are covered here in this recent Substack post. Below is a complete list as of this morning.

BTW - I've been slightly active on Bluesky, recapping the player comings and goings. Feel free to follow us there.

Players returning for 2025:

#1 Alex Tambakis

#4 Tony Herbert

#10 Marco Micaletto

#11 Mukwelle Akale

#12 Talen Maples

#13 Kris Shakes

#16 Will Seymore

#17 Greg Hurst

#19 Zico Bailey

#25 Daniel Bruuuuuuuuuuuce

#26 Abdi Mohamed

#47 Jackson DuBois

Players not returning for 2025:

#7 Sergio Rivas

#8 Nicky Hernandez

#9 Abu Danladi

#18 Marlon Vargas

#20 Jacobo Reyes

#27 Avionne Flanagan

~~~

roster updates - September 22, 2024

Fans checking the lineup ahead of the Sunday, September 22 fixture against Loudoun United were surprised to see first-choice keeper Alex Tambakis (#1) left off the team sheet and Kris Shakes (#13) getting the start. The implication of the re-shuffled pecking order was clear - Tambakis was banged up and Shakes was stepping into the starting lineup, which necessitated the signing of a short-term third keeper. Enter Jermaine Fordah.

The former El Paso Locomotive keeper was signed to a 25-day contract and issued #2, becoming the third #2 in team history. Welcome, Jermaine!

This will push the all-time United player count to 87.

#2 Jermaine Fordah (previous assignment Milo Garvanian, 2023)

~~~

roster updates - September 11, 2024

Just prior to the USL roster freeze, New Mexico United signed versatile winger Marlon Vargas on loan through the end of the 2024 season and issued him #18. When he makes his first appearance on a team sheet, he will be the fourth #18 in team history, following Philipp Beigl, Carl Sainté and Kyle Colonna. 

This will push the all-time United player count to 86.

#18 Marlon Vargas

~~~

roster updates - September 6, 2024

On September 5th, New Mexico United announced the signing of Derek Lozano to an Academy contract, which allows him to play for the first team while retaining his amateur eligibility. Lozano has played two years for the United Academy and appeared in the international friendly against FC Juárez (also in #54). On September 6th, he was named to the team sheet in his first ever USL Championship match, a 1-nil victory over Miami FC. Congrats, Derek!

The all-time United player count now stands at 85.

#54 Derek Lozano

~~~

roster updates - June 23, 2024

A small but important update to acknowledge that Jackson DuBois (#47), who was playing with the first team on an Academy contract, has signed a formal professional contract with New Mexico United. We'll be watching closely to see if he marks this special occasion with a switch to a lower available number. Regardless, congrats to Jackson on signing a professional football contract!

The all-time United player count remains at 84.

#47 Jackson DuBois

~~~

A small but important update to acknowledge that Jackson DuBois (#47), who was playing with the first team on an Academy contract, has signed a formal professional contract with New Mexico United. We'll be watching closely to see if he marks this special occasion with a switch to a lower available number. Regardless, congrats to Jackson on signing a professional football contract!

The all-time United player count remains at 84.

#47 Jackson DuBois

~~~

roster updates - May 5, 2024

New Mexico United announced the signing of defender Abdi Mohamed to a 25-day contract and issued him the #26 for his first match, a start and full 90 minutes against Las Vegas Lights FC.

In addition to Mohamed going up on the all-time numerical roster, we can now add the Academy trio of Jace Sais (#42), Jackson Dubois (#47) and Yuto Oketani (#58), each of whom has been named to a matchday 18, with Dubois now making two appearances, one in the Open Cup and the other in league play.

The all-time United player count now stands at 84.

#26 Abdi Mohamed (previous assignment Andrew Thomas, 2023)

#42 Jace Sais

#47 Jackson DuBois

#58 Yuto Oketani 

~~~

roster updates - March 6, 2024

New Mexico United announced the signing of three Academy players to first-team Academy contracts. These contracts will allow the players the opportunity to play in actual first team USL Championship games, but retain their amateur status so they can still attend college. If and when they are named to a matchday 18, they would be the 81st, 82nd and 83rd players in franchise history. Congrats to these young men.

#42 Jace Sais

#47 Jackson DuBois

#58 Yuto Oketani 

~~~

roster updates - February 27, 2024

The club today formally announced the signing of goalkeeper Kris Shakes, the first #13 in franchise history and a departure from the oft-used formula that backup keepers get the #12 (that number was just assigned to center back Talen Maples). Kris Shakes becomes the 80th first team United player in team history.

#13 Kris Shakes 

~~~

roster updates - February 26, 2024

The Black & Yellow bash provided the opportunity to see the '24 squad in person (in kit with names and numbers!) but this interested party was out of town and could not document it. Judging by photos, we should expect a couple additional signings to be formalized (likely camp trialists and/or Academy contracts), but the official roster has been updated to include the following two new number assignments while pushing the all-time roster count to 79.

#12 Talen Maples (previous assignment Ford Parker, 2022-2023)

#91 Nanan Houssou

Talen becomes the first non-goal keeper to be issued the #12 kit and we are elated to see Houssou become the first #91 in team history.

~~~

roster updates - February 21, 2024

New Mexico United formally announced the signing of trialist Tony Herbert, who in one of the photos in the social media posts looks to be wearing the #4, which was last worn by Sam Hamilton and speculated to be worn by fellow, new center back signing Talen Maples. The mysteries should be resolved no later than Saturday, February 24th at the Black & Yellow Bash, when the players will likely be revealed in the new kit with their uni numbers.

United seems to be set at center back with holdovers Kalen Ryden (#22) and Will Seymore (#16) joined by newcomers Herbert (#4) and Maples (#TBD).

Tony is the 78th player signed to the first team for New Mexico United. Welcome, Tony!

#4 Tony Herbert (previous assignment: Sam Hamilton, 2019-2023)

~~~

roster updates - February 19, 2024

A new player has not been added, but one has been subtracted as the club announced Chris Wehan (#14/41) has re-injured his knee and that his time with New Mexico United was now over. While the word "retirement" wasn't used in the social media posts or club statements, it seems a distinct possibility at this point anyway, depending on the severity of this most recent injury.

Whether he rehabs and moves onto to another club down the road or simply retires, we all owe a debt of appreciation for the club's all-time leading scorer, Chris Wehan.

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roster updates - February 14, 2024

New Mexico United announced the signing of center back Talen Maples today. He's been with the team in preseason and has yet to be assigned a number. Crusing Google Images, it looks likes Talen following Sam Hamilton in the #4 might be a safe bet. 

Talen, in whatever number he wears, would bring the all-time New Mexico United player count to 77.

Stay tuned for the number.  In the meantime, welcome Talen!

#TBD Talen Maples 

~~~

roster updates - january 21, 2024