ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO – There was no champagne celebration. No talk of simply being happy to be in the postseason.
Inside the New Mexico United locker room Saturday night, the message was clear: the playoffs are not the destination. They’re just the beginning.
“We know making the playoffs isn’t the ultimate goal,” Head Coach Dennis Sanchez said afterward. “It’s the next step in really achieving our goal, which is a trophy.”
That mindset was on full display in a performance that showcased both the depth of United’s roster and the chemistry that’s continuing to develop as the postseason approaches.
One player drawing increased attention is Charlie Dennis, who has been settling into the squad and finding his place in Sanchez’s system.
“I think honestly part of it is integrating him on and off the field, trying to figure out what his best position is,” Sanchez said. “I really liked what he did last week as a winger. That’s why he stepped in there again tonight.”
The performance also featured a moment bigger than wins and losses.
Brothers Santiago and Sebastian Casaus Natale helped open the night by taking part in a special pregame moment that quickly became one of the most memorable scenes of the evening.
“It was fantastic,” Sanchez said of the play involving the brothers. “I’m going to show the clip on Tuesday to the guys and show them how to build and play forward.”
Veteran striker Greg Hurst was equally moved.
“Unbelievable. What a first play,” Hurst said. “Those moments are what make this stuff special. That’s why I’ve been here so long, because those things are so rare in football right now and it’s such an amazing story for them.”
Dennis echoed those sentiments.
“Oh, incredible moment for them,” he said. “It’s such a nice thing to see. The club does an amazing job of integrating them in front of the fans. To give back to the community like that is special.”
As heartwarming as the moment was, United’s players quickly returned to football matters.
Hurst sees a roster built for a deep playoff run.
“When you look at our roster, the players we have, the quality we have, there should be no doubt in anyone’s mind that we can go on and do something special this year,” he said.
The growing partnership between Hurst and Charlie Dennis could become a major factor in that pursuit.
Asked about a moment when Hurst kept the ball rather than making a pass, Dennis laughed off the suggestion.
“He’s a striker. He’s hungry for goals and he has to make his decision,” Dennis said. “The most important thing is that we’re creating a lot of chances. I was able to assist him last week. We were dangerous all night.”
He added that building chemistry with Hurst was one of his goals upon arriving in New Mexico.
“Now that it’s happening, it’s exciting. Me and him are hungry for more.”
And then there were the Natale brothers themselves.
Asked what it meant to be involved with the club, Sebastian Casaus Natale didn’t hesitate.
“I think the team is very great, kind and thoughtful, and yeah, I’m honored to be on the team.”
His brother Santiago delivered perhaps the quote of the night.
“It’s really awesome to be on New Mexico United. Right now they’re in the playoffs, and I hope they host more home games because I can’t travel,” he joked with a giggle.
When asked about helping set the tone for the evening, the brothers were every bit as excited as the thousands in attendance.
“It was really exciting,” they said. “We definitely got the team pumped and ready because we beat them three to one.”
For one night, there were goals, playoff implications, and a feel-good moment that reminded everyone why sports matter in the first place.
Now the focus shifts to what comes next.
The playoffs are here.
And if you ask New Mexico United, the real journey is just getting started.
