ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – New Mexico United claimed a 3-1 victory against El Paso Locomotive FC on Sunday afternoon at the First Financial Credit Union Training Center as USL Academy signing Alex Waggoner and English midfielder Daniel Bruce found the net for the hosts in the preseason clash.

Locomotive FC opened the scoring in the fourth minute when Emmanuel Sonupe was able to take advantage of a turnover in the United penalty area and put away a quick finish.

New Mexico responded promptly, though, as they applied pressure through several shots in quick succession just three minutes later. The equalizer came through Waggoner, who last November claimed the Golden Boot at the 2022 USL Academy League Finals, as he got on then end of a curled cross by Josh Suggs from the left side of the pitch, about 25 yards out, and headed home his first senior goal for the club.

The hosts took the lead in the 33rd minute when Bruce notched his first of the game as he received a pass at the top of the penalty area and shot low into the left corner of the net. Eight minutes later, Bruce struck again as he produced a chipped finish for the final goal of the contest.

El Paso tried to find a way back in the second half, and forced a pair of saves from New Mexico goalkeeper Ford Parker before he gave way to Alex Tambakis for the final half-hour of the contest. The visitors were unable to find a decisive finish, however, as United continued its solid preseason so far.