ABOUT NEW MEXICO UNITED’S ACADEMY TEAM
New Mexico United Academy is the youth program of the USL Championship New Mexico United professional team. Our mission is to provide all New Mexican youth soccer players with the opportunity of competing at the highest level of youth soccer at no cost with a direct path to train and play for our first team. New Mexico United Academy is a member of the USL Academy League, featuring regionalized competition to limit travel demands, a clear youth-to-professional path, the USL Academy Cup (mid-season event), and an end of season play-off event. In addition to USL Academy League competition, New Mexico United will have the flexibility to create it’s own schedule against top competition against MLS academies, international clubs, NCAA Division II/NAIA teams, UPSL teams, and USL League 2 teams.
The Academy is free for all selected players. It includes training by experienced and qualified staff, full competition and uniform, travel gear, and covers all travel, accommodation and meal costs during academy competition.
ACADEMY SCHEDULE
Upcoming
Results
Regular Season
Cup
Home
Away
More information coming soon!
Academy Roster
| Number | Last Name | First Name | Position | School | Graduation Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 33 | Garner | Wolfe | Defender/Midfielder | La Cueva High School/UNM | 2024/GAP |
| 36 | Sarabia | Diego | Defender/Midfielder | La Academia de Esperanza CS | 2024/GAP |
| 37 | Esparza | Julian | Midfielder | Atrisco Heritage High School | 2025 |
| 40 | Groves | Charlie | Midfielder | Albuquerque High School | 2026 |
| 41 | Herrera | Didier | Midfielder | St. Pius X High School | 2026 |
| 44 | Flores | Eden | Midfielder | Albuquerque High School | 2027 |
| 45 | Sais | Jace | Midfielder/Forward | La Cueva High School | 2024/GAP |
| 46 | Moore | Ivan | Forward | Oak Grove Classical Academy | 2026 |
| 48 | Gilchrist | Grady | Forward | Albuquerque Academy | 2025 |
| 50 | Kraenzel | Evan | Forward | Centennial High School | 2025 |
| 51 | Lozano | Derek | Forward | University of New Mexico | 2023/GAP |
| 52 | Ocon-Lopez | Diego | Goalkeeper | Academy For Technology & The Classics | 2025 |
| 54 | Barela | Frank | Goalkeeper | St. Pius X High School | 2025 |
| 56 | Andrade | Erick | Midfielder | Cleveland High School | 2027 |
| 58 | Mata | Fabian | Midfielder/Forward | E Academy | 2024/GAP |
| 61 | Starr | Winston | Midfielder | La Cueva High School | 2026 |
| 72 | Bencomo | Leonel | Forward | Rio Grande High School | 2025 |
| 73 | Ortega | Elehi | Defender | La Academia de Esperanza CS | 2025 |
| 74 | Starr | Malcolm | Defender | La Cueva High School / UNM | 2024/GAP |
| 75 | Leon | Steven | Midfielder | Tierra Encantada CS | 2026 |
| 76 | Perez | Kai | Defender | UNM | GAP |
| 77 | Lara | Marco | Midfielder | UNM | 2024/GAP |
| 78 | Ramirez | Gabe | Defender | La Cueva High School | 2023/GAP |
| 79 | Hoffman | Kyle | Defender | East Mountain High School | 2025 |
SHOP MERCH BENEFITTING THE ACADEMY
OFFICAL UNITED JERSEYS
from $49
‘24 INDIGENOUS PEOPLES TEE
$35
UNITED HATS
from $25
ELECTRIC SHIELD TEE
$35
ACADEMY FAQ
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2. Training with New Mexico United first team.
3. A USL academy contract with New Mexico United first team. This contract allows players to maintain their amateur status and retain eligibility for college.
4. Elevated platform for exposure to collegiate programs across the country.
5. Integrated professional learning environment with our first team (culture, style of play, system of play, principles of play, club language).
3. A USL academy contract with New Mexico United first team. This contract allows players to maintain their amateur status and retain eligibility for college.
4. Elevated platform for exposure to collegiate programs across the country.
5. Integrated professional learning environment with our first team (culture, style of play, system of play, principles of play, club language).
*** Each player has their own unique path and we are committed to helping every player make the best decision for the next stage of their life. ***
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In addition to USL Academy League competition, New Mexico United will have the flexibility to create it’s own schedule against top competition against MLS academies, international clubs, NCAA Division II/NAIA teams, UPSL teams, and USL League 2 teams.
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They are familiar with the recruitment and admissions process and can guide academy players who wish to play college soccer while earning a university degree.
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Find more information about the USL Academy system at: www.usl-academy.com/about
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It includes training by experienced and qualified staff, full competition and uniform, travel gear, and covers all travel, accommodation and meal costs during academy competition.
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Academy players are permitted to play in professional matches with the New Mexico United USL Championship first team and still maintain their college eligibility. Eligibility is only effected if a player signs a full professional contract with our first team.
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Players are invited to train with the academy team, after which they may be selected to join the academy roster.
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5601 University Blvd SE, Albuquerque, NM 87106
