New Mexico versus Mexico: United to host FC Juarez for international friendly
Apr. 17—New Mexico United did not have to look too far for a bit of international flavor this season.
United will host FC Juárez for an international friendly on June 19 at Isotopes Park, the club announced Wednesday. It will be NMU's third match versus an international opponent, but its first against a team from Mexico.
FC Juarez competes in Mexico's top division, Liga MX, climbing the ranks quickly and building a dedicated following since its founding in 2015.
FC Juárez president Luis Rodriguez sees the matchup with United as a chance to expand his club's fan base.
"We are delighted to begin this relationship and play against our friends at New Mexico United," Rodriguez said in a release announcing the match. "For FC Juárez, it is a priority to promote ties with soccer fans in Albuquerque in addition to having more of a presence in the Southwest U.S. We are the only major league sports franchise of any sport in a radius of 400 miles (from the El Paso region), so we want soccer fans in the Southwest to see Bravos as a true option to follow and support."
United officials hope the two club's relative proximity will make for a festive atmosphere.
"We are so excited to welcome a top tier club like FC Juárez to the Land of Enchantment," New Mexico United president Ron Patel said. "Los Bravos have an incredible fan base and have accomplished so much — including promotion to Liga MX — in their 10 seasons. We look forward to meeting their players on the pitch, and showing their fans a terrific time in New Mexico."
United season ticket holders are eligible for a 20% ticket discount until noon on Friday. Tickets will then go on sale to the general public. Tickets can be purchased online at www.newmexicoutd.com.
United has hosted two previous international friendlies — last season against Sunderland AFC and in 2019 against Cardiff City FC.
OPEN CUP DRAW: After defeating Lubbock Matadors 3-1 on Tuesday night, United will find out its next U.S. Open Cup assignment when the tournament's fourth-round draw is held Thursday at 11 a.m.
United could host a match at either Isotopes Park or Rio Rancho High School, depending on the draw, NMU vice president for media David Wiese-Carl said.Third-round matches were scheduled to conclude Wednesday night, and fourth-round matches will be played May 7-8.
Thursday's Open Cup draw will be live-streamed on ussoccer.com.
STRONG DEBUT: Tuesday's win was one to remember for defender Jackson DuBois, who started and played a full 90 minutes in his first official appearance with NMU's first team.
The former La Cueva High standout earned hugs and postseason praise from his teammates and from United coach Eric Quill.
"Jackson's first game as a pro, I thought he did great," Quill said. "I thought he got better and better as the game went on. The future is really bright for him."
DuBois shook his head when asked about the emotions of his first-team debut.
"I was kind of nervous at the beginning," he said, "especially because the game was so close. It took a while, but once we finally got that first goal (in the 58th minute), things settled down. I was able to enjoy it a little more after that."
