ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — New Mexico United announced Wednesday that local standouts Winston Starr and Fabian Mata have signed with the club’s academy division, giving both players an opportunity to train alongside the first team while maintaining their amateur status.
The academy agreements provide Starr and Mata with increased exposure to collegiate soccer programs while also making them eligible to appear in USL Championship matches for New Mexico United.
Sporting Director Itamar Keinan praised both players for the work they put in to reach this milestone.
“Both Fabian and Winston dedicated a lot to get here and credit to them for all their hard work. I look forward to seeing what they can do in our first team environment,” Keinan said in a statement.
Starr recently made an impact during New Mexico United’s exhibition match against Atlante FC of Liga MX earlier this month, scoring a late equalizer in a match that ended in a 3-3 draw.
The club announced that Starr will wear No. 61, while Mata will wear No. 58 as they begin their time in the academy program.
The move reflects New Mexico United’s continued efforts to develop local talent and create pathways for players from New Mexico to advance within the organization’s professional ranks.
