ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – New Mexico United has not played a league game since July 3. After a trip to Los Angeles for the US Open Cup, the black and yellow now return home for a match against Birmingham Legion FC on Saturday.
The time away was needed for the players at the near midway point of the season, but the absence has made their love for the game grow fonder. The guys feel rested and motivated to get back to running the table in the USL.
With a fresh start also comes new opportunity. Coach Quill has been pleased with his team’s ability to close out and win close games, however, he feels that there is always more to be done. He challenged his guys to not only win but start to dominate the ball and beat teams by at least two goals.
The competition in training has remained solid, even in the historic season. Players have not gotten complacent and remain focused on the process it takes to win,
“It’s just this group is intrinsically motivated,” said Quill. “These are not guys where we have to go out of our way to motivate them to do their job. These guys are all hungry, capable guys that play at this level that are obsessed. Obsessed with the game.”
“The hunger and the desire that the guys show up with every single day is next level,” defender Kalen Ryden said. “Guys are ready to win.”
New Mexico and Birmingham kickoff at Isotopes Park on Saturday at 7 p.m.
