Borgelin joins New Mexico United. Here's what to know about the striker on loan from MLS Inter Miami CF
Aug. 16—It's no secret that New Mexico United has recently come up short on the finishing end.
NMU has managed just one goal over its last three matches, all losses, and badly needs an attacking spark as it looks to get back in the USL Championship Western Conference playoff mix.
Enter Shanyder Borgelin.
A 6-foot-4, 21-year-old striker, Borgelin officially joined United on loan from MLS Inter Miami CF on Wednesday. He'll be eligible to play Saturday when NMU visits San Diego Loyal and will remain with the club through the rest of the 2023 season.
Borgelin arrived in Albuquerque this week and spoke to the media Wednesday after his second day of training with NMU. A Haitian-American born in Margate, Florida, Borgelin already has a relatively extensive background with high-level soccer organizations. He's played for USLC Bethlehem Steel, MLS Next Pro's Miami II (where he scored 14 goals in 23 appearances in 2022), MLS Inter Miami this season and for the Haitian National Team.
Nonetheless, Borgelin says he still has a lot to learn.
"I'm still trying to make my name," he said, "but I can provide work ethic and energy. I'm thankful for this opportunity with New Mexico United and I can't wait to get started."
United coach Eric Quill hopes Borgelin will provide a presence up front, particularly on set pieces, an area where NMU has struggled to find production.
"Shanyder can be exceptional for us," Quill said. "He's a young player and not a finished product yet, but his talent is evident. He's smart, dynamic and he'll definitely provide an aerial presence on set pieces."
Quill said New Mexico had recently been shopping to bolster its attack and was immediately intrigued with Borgelin. Quill had an ace in the hole in Santi Moar, who helped convince Borgelin that NMU would be a good fit. Borgelin got to know Moar while he was playing in MLS Philadelphia Union's academy program and Moar was with then-affiliated Bethlehem Steel.
"As soon as I heard about the possibility of coming here, I called Santi," Borgelin said. "We talked about the club and the fan base and started getting super excited about playing together."
With 12 matches left in United's regular season, Borgelin hopes to get acclimated to Albuquerque as quickly as possible. He's already begun exploring the city and was prepared for Wednesday's inevitable question.
"Red or green?" he said with a grin. "Yeah, I knew it was coming. I haven't tried it yet but everyone says to go with green. I hear it's spicy. I'm looking forward to it."
