ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – New Mexico United announced on Sunday it had re-signed goalkeeper Alex Tambakis ahead of the 2024 USL Championship season. The transaction is pending league and federation approval.

The Greek shot-stopper returns for his fifth season with the club having currently accrued club records in wins (34), saves (231), and clean sheets (18). This past campaign, Tambakis made 25 appearances and posted a goals-against average of 1.52 while making 69 saves on a 64.5 save percentage.

"Alex’s leadership, poise under pressure, and terrific ability have been on display for the last three seasons for our club,” said United Sporting Director Itamar Keinan. “He is one of the greatest goalkeepers in the history of the USL Championship, and we’re thrilled to bring him back for a fourth season in Black & Yellow.”

The 31-year-old has spent eight seasons in the Championship since his debut for the Charleston Battery in 2016 on loan from Atlanta United FC. Tambakis has recorded 537 saves and 44 shutouts in the USL Championship’s regular season, placing him second to Evan Newton in both categories (573 saves, 58 clean sheets.)

Analysis

Alex Tambakis has become a fixture in New Mexico’s net since joining the club for the 2021 season making 85 regular season appearances for the club while recording 219 saves and a save percentage of 66.57 percent. That latter figure is slightly below his save percentages at prior stops at the Charleston Battery and North Carolina FC, and the past two seasons have seen Tambakis’ goals prevented slip from their high points in his first season.

Tambakis posted a goals prevented mark of +7.65 this past season – 38 goals conceded on 30.35 Expected Goals on Target Conceded – while he has only posted a save percentage above 70 percent in a season once for North Carolina FC. Tambakis might hope to be less busy this season with Head Coach Eric Quill taking charge for his first full campaign, but individually he’ll also need to hit higher numbers to help New Mexico contend.