ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — New Mexico United came up short in its latest home matchup against the Tampa Bay Rowdies, one of the top-performing teams in the USL Championship this season.
The match turned early after a defensive mistake led to the Rowdies’ only goal in the fifth minute.
Goalkeeper Raiko Arozarena, making just his second league start of the season, helped keep United in the game with four key saves. New Mexico’s defense stabilized after the early goal, and the team pushed forward in search of an equalizer but was unable to find the net.
Head coach Dennis Sanchez said the team is focused on continuing to grow as the season progresses.
“The next step in the evolution as a group is really just going for it — being a little bit braver on the ball and playing fearless,” Sanchez said.
“We know we can be successful. It’s just about creating those consistent habits.”
Arozarena said the team recognized the impact of the early mistake.
“There’s not really anybody to point a finger to… an error like that can cost you a game,” Arozarena said.
Defender Maliek Howell also pointed to the long season ahead.
“It’s a long season… we still have a lot more games to go. We just have to bounce back and keep going,” Howell said.
The loss comes against a Tampa Bay team that remains undefeated this season and is riding a 13-match unbeaten streak across all competitions, dating back to the end of 2025. The Rowdies are currently the last undefeated team in the USL Championship.
New Mexico United will look to rebound quickly with another match scheduled this weekend.
