ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – New Mexico United announced on Monday that due to the reinjury of the knee that initially sidelined him midway through the 2023 season, the club’s all-time leading goalscorer Chris Wehan would depart the club’s First Team roster ahead of the new USL Championship campaign.

In a club statement, United said the veteran midfielder had been working diligently on making a comeback prior to his setback, and that it would support him through his rehabilitation.

“New Mexico United is incredibly grateful for the terrific effort, leadership, and community care that Chris has shown since day one,” the statement continued. “He leaves as the club’s all-time leader in goals (37) and assists (18), and is fifth, all-time, in appearances (102) for United.”

Analysis

New Mexico United was going to have a new look this season due to numerous incoming and outgoing moves during Head Coach Eric Quill’s first offseason at the helm, but the departure of Chris Wehan is a tremendous disappointment given everything he has meant to the club since being part of its original squad in 2019.

Formerly the USL Championship’s Rookie of the Year in 2017 when he broke through at Reno 1868 FC, Wehan has recorded 52 goals and 33 assists in the USL Championship across the league’s regular season and playoffs, one of only six players in the league’s history to reach both landmarks so far, with the majority coming in 94 appearances for New Mexico.

He also contributed some of the club’s most memorable moments, including his extra time game-winner against San Antonio FC in the Western Conference Quarterfinals of the 2020 playoffs, and did so while being a beacon for the club on and off the field. With that in mind, hopefully this isn’t the last we’ve seen of Wehan on the field at the professional level.