Over the balance of a 30-game schedule, more often than not teams are going to end up where they should thanks to the performances they produce on the field.

Some teams may overperform, some might underperform, but when it’s over, it’s usually hard to argue your position.

What tends to stand out, though, are the moments that end up defining a season. Over the past week, New Mexico United delivered in a way that is certain to have an impact down the stretch, and potentially into the postseason.

Start with Wednesday night. Trailing to an early goal, and facing a two-goal deficit after Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC was awarded a penalty kick, it could have been a serious blow to United’s postseason chances.

Instead, up steps Kris Shakes to make a superb denial of the Switchbacks’ Yosuke Hanya, part of a tremendous week overall for the shot-stopper who’s had some shaky moments since becoming the club’s starter.

Then, four days later, New Mexico returns home and has to sit and wait an extra 100 minutes for kickoff against Lexington SC in a crucial top-five matchup in the West. How does the side come out? As sharp as a tack, scoring twice in the opening 10 minutes to earn a 2-1 victory that moved the side into third place in the West.

“Just the fast start,” said United Head Coach Dennis Sanchez on what pleased him most of the display. “We were just gone for seven days, [we could have] come out flat, especially after a delay. And the guys came out flying to get two goals, I think it was in the first 10 minutes. It changes dynamics.”

New Mexico hasn’t quite lived up to the consistency of a season ago, averaging 1.54 points per game compared to 1.74ppg in 2024. There have been downturns in form over the summer, which saw grumbling from the fans.

Over the past week, though, the side delivered in the key moments to get things on track. With four wins in September, United can ramp up over the final month of the regular season to make a challenge for silverware in November.

Here are this week’s rankings.