ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – New Mexico United announced on Wednesday the club had signed winger Jake LaCava ahead of the 2026 USL Championship season. The transaction is pending league and federation approval.

LaCava joins United having most recently competed for San Antonio FC, where he recorded one goal, one assist and seven chances created in 1,021 minutes across the 2025 regular season and playoffs.

Over his career, the 25-year-old has recorded 28 goals and 15 assists in 147 appearances in the USL Championship across the regular season and playoffs. In 2022 he had a breakout season for the Tampa Bay Rowdies, logging 12 goals and five assists that saw him nominated for the Championship’s Young Player of the Year award.

“Jake is someone we’ve wanted to see in Black and Yellow for quite some time, and we’re thrilled to finally make it happen,” said Sporting Director Itamar Keinan. “He’s a talented attacking player with the ability to create opportunities for himself and his teammates.”

Originally from New York, LaCava has built a strong USL Championship résumé over his career. He made his debut for the New York Red Bulls II in the 2020 season and logged 11 goals and seven assists for the side in 46 appearances before stints with Tampa Bay and the Charleston Battery before his move to San Antonio.