Revamped United set to host Pittsburgh Riverhounds in season opener

Mar. 8—Saturday, 2 p.m., 101.7 FM, ESPN+ (streaming), Estrella TV

The curtain goes up for New Mexico United's 2024 season Saturday.

Exactly what fans will see in game one at Isotopes Park is anybody's guess.

Granted, not everything is a mystery. NMU will face Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC with a big crowd expected and a number of familiar players in uniform.

But both teams have overhauled their rosters since last season, and United coach Eric Quill does not plan to give too much away before game time.

For example, asked who might replace since-departed Justin Portillo in playmaking and dead-ball situations, Quill was decisively non-committal. Portillo handled the lion's share of corner kicks, penalties and free kicks over the past two seasons.

"We've got so many quality guys who can do that," Quill said. "Guys are fighting it out."

After naming a few candidates — Marco Micaletto, Greg Hurst and Jacobo Reyes among them — Quill smiled.

"I'm not showing my cards to you guys," he said. "I know in my head who it will be."

In other words, show up and find out. Such will be the case for United's match-day lineup, as well, selected from a roster that features as many new faces as returnees (11 apiece).

The turnover led to quite a bit of experimenting and some uneven results in the preseason. But Quill, who took over as head coach midway through last season, likes what he has to work with.

"The amount of new players is extraordinary," he said, "but they all have qualities we were looking for and I like the way we're starting to come together. We're still building cohesiveness right now, but once we come out in front of our home crowd, it's go time. I think we're all pretty excited for that."

Micaletto, a midfielder and one of the newcomers, enthusiastically agreed. Micaletto spent the past two seasons with MLS Next Pro's Columbus Crew 2, scoring 19 goals in 54 appearances.

"I'm really excited for Saturday," he said. "You don't get a home crowd like this anywhere else in the league, which is why I wanted to come to New Mexico. I can't wait."

United fans will certainly need a roster in hand to keep track of the new additions, and they'll likely miss longtime favorites such as Portillo, Josh Suggs, Austin Yearwood, Amando Moreno, Sam Hamilton and Chris Wehan, who have retired, signed with other teams or, in Wehan's case, departed due to injury.

But not all of United's faces are new. Longtime NMU standouts such as Daniel Bruce, Kalen Ryden, Harry Swartz , Sergio Rivas, Will Seymore and Alex Tambakis are back, along with some key players (Reyes, Hurst, Nicky Hernandez and Arturo Astorga) who joined the club last year.

"I think we've got a good mix," Quill said, "and we've got a really good Pittsburgh team coming in with a legendary coach (Bob Lilley). Guys know it's going to be a battle, but this is the regular season and it's about results now. Playing at home it's non-negotiable — three points or bust."

HEALTHY START: Quill had no significant injuries to report heading into the opener, but forward Cristian Nava is unlikely to play Saturday. Nava, who missed nearly all of last season with a torn ACL, was recently cleared to return to training and was on the field during Thursday drills.

"He's working on fitness now," Quill said. "He's been out for almost a year so he needs a little time to build up. But it's good to see Cristian back on the grass. He's tracking nicely."

Players to watch

Pittsburgh (0-0-0): The Riverhounds posted a lot of impressive numbers in 2023, most notably their 67 points and 19-5-10 record were best in the USL Championship. They also featured league scoring leader Albert Dikwa (20 goals) and goalkeeper Jahmali Waite (10 clean sheets) anchoring a defense that allowed the second-fewest goals (29) in the USLC. But after a first-round playoff loss to Detroit City, Pittsburgh has overhauled its roster. Dikwa moved on to Rhode Island, Waite is playing for El Paso and veteran coach Bob Lilley will look to reload with a new cast. Still, like New Mexico, Pittsburgh does return a group of key veterans. Midfielder Kenardo Forbes ranked second in the USLC with 10 assists and led the 'Hounds with 55 chances created. Midfielder Robbie Mertz and forward Edward Kizza also played key roles.

New Mexico (0-0-0): United opens the season with a slew of newcomers and it's difficult to say which will be first to grab the spotlight. Midfielder Marco Micaletto seems a safe bet as he was one of the club's first offseason signings and has played a key role throughout the preseason. Forwards Mukwelle Akale, Dayonn Harris and Abu Dinaldi also figure to have opportunities as NMU looks to replace the scoring and creativity of since-departed Amando Moreno. Despite the roster changes, United fans can expect to see familiar faces in key roles, including midfielders Sergio Rivas, Daniel Bruce and defender Harry Swartz, all of whom posted solid attacking numbers last season. Veterans Kalen Ryden (who was recently named team captain for 2024) and Will Seymore will anchor the back line in front of goalkeeper Alex Tambakis.

NOTEWORTHY: United will play three straight road matches after Saturday's opener and is looking to make the most of its only March home date. The club is hosting a tailgate bash with a free concert (featuring Red Light Cameras) beginning at 11 a.m. on the south side of Avenida Cesar Chavez adjacent to Isotopes Park. Prizes will be awarded to the first 100 cars to arrive. Fans joining the "March to the Match" at 1 p.m. will receive United flags. United is expecting a crowd of around 12,000 for the match.