ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – A pair of Southwestern rivals will meet for the second time in the postseason when No. 3 seed New Mexico United hosts No. 6 seed San Antonio FC in the Western Conference Quarterfinals of the 2025 USL Championship Playoffs presented by Terminix, with Saturday night’s contest marking the fourth meeting of the season between the clubs. Kickoff at Isotopes Park is scheduled for 9 p.m. ET on ESPN+. Here’s what you need to know.

How They Got Here

New Mexico United (14-10-6, 48pts) – After an offseason coaching change following the departure of Eric Quill to FC Dallas of Major League Soccer, New Mexico compiled a strong campaign under new Head Coach Dennis Sanchez that saw the side record an early five-game winning streak and end the regular season on a seven-game undefeated run to finish in the top three in the West for a second consecutive season. The side maintained a possession-oriented approach as center back Talen Maples completed 1,769 passes – second-most in the league – while the side formed an attack by committee with Greg Hurst finding the net seven times as well as Maples converting 7 of 7 penalty kicks. The side also made a notable move midway through the season, installing second-year pro Kris Shakes in goal ahead of veteran Alex Tambakis. Now the side will try to find a higher gear as it enters the postseason.

San Antonio FC (11-12-7, 40pts) – The 2022 title-winners returned to the postseason after a year’s absence under new Head Coach Carlos Llamosa as a positive start to the season and big win on the final day of the regular season got the side over the line. SAFC won its first four games of the regular season but won consecutive games on only two other occasions in regular season play as it experienced ups and downs throughout the year, with some key injuries playing a part in its inconsistency. The side received bright campaigns from playmaker Jorge Hernández, however, who led the side with 11 goals, six assists and 66 chances created, with veteran center back Mitchell Taintor also putting in another strong season.

All-Time Series

New Mexico United holds an 9-5-2 record against San Antonio across the regular season, playoffs and USL Jägermeister Cup, winning the lone prior playoff meetings between the sides in the Western Conference Quarterfinals in 2020. United is also undefeated in the past five meetings between the teams, winning both games in the regular season this year and rallying to a 2-2 draw in the group stage of the USL Jägermeister Cup before winning 3-0 in a penalty shootout.

Opta Says

60.9 – New Mexico United averaged 60.9 percent of possession in games during the regular season, the most of any team in the league, while averaging 494.5 passes per 90 minutes.

25.6 – San Antonio FC recorded a pair of five-goal performances during the regular season against Lexington SC and El Paso Locomotive FC which accounted for 25.6 percent of the club’s 39 regular season goals.

Players to Watch

New Mexico United – Mukwelle Akale: The winger led United with six assists and 44 chances created in the regular season while proving one of the league’s best one-on-one attackers, completing 31 dribbles and ranking second on the team with a +4.82 Goals Added mark.

San Antonio FC – Mitchell Taintor: The veteran center back was a key presence for SAFC during the regular season, with the side going 10-3-6 in games he appeared and posting a 0.9 goals-against average as he led the team with 111 clearances and 16 blocked shots while also winning 44 of 65 aerial duels.

Uniforms

Discipline Report

New Mexico United – No suspensions

San Antonio FC – No suspensions

Officials
REF: Joshua Encarnacion
AR1: Christian Clerc
AR2: Fernando Fierro
4TH: Corbyn May