Cat Friendly: Here's what to watch as Sunderland A.F.C. visits NM United

Jul. 18—The element of the unknown will be very much in play on Wednesday when the New Mexico United hosts Sunderland A.F.C. in an international friendly. While the Black Cats bring decades of English soccer tradition to Isotopes Park — including six top-flight titles and a pair of FA Cup victories — they are only just entering the preseason portion of their current campaign. The United matchup is part of a three-game exhibition tour in the United States that included a stop in San Antonio, Texas, this past Saturday and another game in North Carolina on Friday. Sunderland's season begins on Aug. 6. "We don't have the crystal ball to know exactly who they're rolling out," United coach Eric Quill said. "We're just trying to figure out as much as possible. We're not gonna be as fully prepared (as we would be) against a league opponent. ... We'll have to feel our way through the first half and know the profiles of the roster that they have and prepare guys for the individuality of the players on the roster. We'll show them clips, and we'll prepare them so they walk in with a good game plan mentally. Once the whistle blows, it's on them to find solutions." This much is clear: Sunderland brought the best talent it has to offer across the pond. It's just a matter of how playing time will be distributed. "We brought our first-team squad," said Sunderland director of sport Kristjaan Speakman. "We've got a really young, dynamic team. Our average age is 23.5. Last year we put out the youngest team in The Championship in England by some margin. All of our players are players that participate in the league season. We've got a range of international players, a really exciting group of players." After being relegated from the Premier League in 2017, expectations are high in Sunderland. A sixth-place finish in the Championship last season nearly returned the team to top-flight status. According to Black Cats manager Tony Mowbray, minutes distribution could change from what was shown in San Antonio. "The first game we played 45 minutes with 10 players and 45 minutes with another 10 players," Mowbray said. "This game, some of them will play 90 minutes, some of them will play 60 or 75 minutes because we're trying to build up toward the start of our season." Mowbray points to Jack Clarke, Patrick Roberts and recent 17-year-old signee Jobe Bellingham — among others — as Sunderland players to watch on Wednesday. Regardless of who takes the field for the storied club, it represents a unique opportunity for the United squad. "First and foremost it's an opportunity that we'll all remember in our careers for the rest of our lives ...We play the game to play big matches," said New Mexico midfielder Daniel Bruce, a native of Warrington, England. "That's what we relish about this game. We want to play in big games against good teams. This is certainly one of those." For the United, being in the middle of its season could work to its benefit against an opponent that is still working out the kinks. On the other hand, Quill says his team will be playing against Sunderland with one eye on its USL matchup against Sacramento on Saturday. "We're gonna play and rotate to make sure that we're giving ourselves the best chance to win but also to be ready and healthy for Saturday night as well," Quill said. MAKING ARRANGEMENTS: The United has not had an international friendly since it played Cardiff City to a 1-1 draw in 2019. That game, like the Sunderland match, was arranged by UK-based company PSC Limited and the U.S.-based First Wave Sports International. The familiarity from the previous game played a role in securing the upcoming exhibition. United also checked a number of key boxes. "(It was) a number of clubs really, (United Soccer League) level, that we looked at," said Mark Taylor, CEO of PSC Ltd. "I think it's No. 1, the strength of the team, two, the strength of the organization itself. Wanting to play the bigger and better teams in the USL. The quality of the venue. And also the attendance as well." The surrounding facilities didn't hurt, either. "One of the biggest elements of a team coming over to the U.S. is what they encounter in terms of training facilities," said First Wave president Stefani Miglioranzi. "In Albuquerque we've found the University of New Mexico has an outstanding, top-level facility they can use. Cardiff was extremely happy in 2019. We were certain it's going to meet the needs of Sunderland." If all goes as planned, there won't be nearly as long a break between international friendlies at Isotopes Park. "We're hoping for a good turnout ... I would say we're definitely looking to do things in the future, but it's partially reliant on the turnout from the fans to support the event as well," Taylor said. HIGH HEAT: Sunderland got a taste of the heat last weekend in San Antonio, and temperatures are expected to hit triple digits in Albuquerque on Wednesday. It's something Mowbray has told his team to embrace. "We come from the Northeast of England, where it's generally blowing a gale and it can be wet this time of year," he said. "Going out and training in over 100 degrees has been a test for the players. I told them, wait 'til January, February in England where it's freezing cold and everybody's got four layers on — you should enjoy training in the heat and playing the games." The altitude of the Land of Enchantment will be a different type of test. Again, Mowbray and his club are welcoming the challenge. "In football you have to adapt to every condition. If it's tougher for the players, it's something we'll accept," Mowbray said. "They're professionals, they have to get on with the job. If it is new. Let's sample it. Let's see whether it does make a difference to their breathing." NEW ADDITION: On Monday, the United announced the acquisition of Colombia Youth International Isaac Zuleta from Getafe in Spain. Zuleta has been an offensive threat for Getafe's U-19 team with 16 goals in his first 11 matches — including hat tricks in his first three appearances. Getafe will be eligible to play against Sunderland. "Isaac is a talented, exciting young player with an incredibly high ceiling and terrific work ethic," United sporting director Itamar Keinan said in a release. "Despite his young age, the international experience, and experience with an incredible club like Getafe, have prepared him to achieve in the Black & Yellow."