ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – New Mexico United will make its return to Isotopes Park for the first time since the 2019 USL Championship season on Saturday night as it plays host to Austin Bold FC for its home opener. Kickoff is scheduled for 9 p.m. ET.

@NewMexicoUTD (0-1-1, 1pt) enters having earned its first point of the season last Saturday night against rival El Paso Locomotive FC after a 1-1 draw at Southwest University Park that saw El Paso deny its visitors victory with a late equalizer in stoppage time. United showed positive improvement overall in its performance, though, and will be looking to build on that display in front of its home fans, who will have waited 574 days to see league action in their home state after health and safety protocols kept New Mexico on the road throughout the 2020 season. After winning its final game at The Lab in 2019 to secure its postseason place, United will be looking for a similar result on Saturday night as it makes its return.

@AustinBoldFC (0-0-0, 0pts) will try to spoil the party, meanwhile, as it makes its first appearance of the season with a new-look attack leading the way. The offseason saw Bold FC acquire 2016 Championship Golden Boot winner Sean Okoli as well as Jamaican international Jason Johnson and Omar Gordon to provide added punch for Head Coach Marcelo Serrano’s front line. There are familiar faces back as well, including Mexican midfielder Xavi Baez and veteran defender Amobi Okugo, both of whom will be hoping to lead Austin back to the postseason for a second time.

FiveThirtyEight.com Match Predictor: New Mexico United 48%, Austin Bold FC 26%, Draw 26%

Discipline

New Mexico United – None

Austin Bold FC – None