ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – New Mexico United announced on Wednesday the club had signed defender Talen Maples ahead of the 2024 USL Championship season. The transaction is pending league and federation approval.

The center-back joins New Mexico having logged 70 appearances in USL League One and MLS NEXT Pro over the past three seasons. He most recently competed for Houston Dynamo 2, where he served as club captain and recorded three goals and two assists in 27 appearances during the 2023 season.

“Talen is an incredibly gifted and exciting talent at the heart of defense,” said United Sporting Director Itamar Keinan. “His strength, talent and leadership will make us stronger and more cohesive. We can’t wait for the United family to see him in Black & Yellow.”

Maples joined the professional ranks three years ago when he was selected by Toronto FC with the 72nd pick of the 2021 MLS SuperDraft. He made 19 appearances for Toronto FC II in USL League One before joining Houston for the 2022 season. This past campaign he recorded 28 interceptions, 192 recoveries and 13 tackles at a success rate of 65 percent.