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New Mexico United vs Diving FC. This is always been the match up i've looked forward to each season. Ever since their supporters popped smoke in front of our supporters (2019), it's been on.

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The rivalry has waned in a bit in recent years, with matches against Colorado Springs and San Antonio getting more of that type of energy, but I expect that Sunday's match will have some late season drama.

Phoenix currently sits below the playoff line with 33 points. Their last four matches are vs us, Vegas, Orange County, and Lexington. With the exception of Vegas, the other three clubs are above that line. If Phoenix plays out of their minds, they can claw their way back into playoff contention. For a neutral, this makes all of those matches potentially entertaining football. For anyone supporting any of these club, this makes for a nerve-racking experience.

New Mexico United is on a winless streak. In our last five matches we've had three draws and two losses. At this point in the season, you kind of want to be streaking in the win category. Instead we seem to be coasting into the post-season. Now is not the time, however, to be coasting. With 43 points, we still have not punched our playoff ticket.

Our match against FC Tulsa could have gone better, though there were positives that Sanchez can build on as we enter our last four matches.

Earlier this season Phoenix beat us 3-0 in league play. We beat them 4-0 in a Prinx USL Cup group match. What I'm hoping for another shutout to finish off our matches with them this season; in our favor.

The referee for this match is Katja Koroleva. In 2023, Katja reffed two matches in the FIFA Women's World Cup. We last saw her when she reffed our May match vs Tampa Bay. 11 yellows were handed out in that match. Across 22 matches, in 2026, in all competitions (USL1/USLC/MLS/Leagues Cup/Friendlies/NWSL) she has handed out 107 yellow cards, two second yellows, and four straight reds.

What are you expectations for this match? Have clubs figured us out? What will the score line be? Attending in person? Are you ready to lose your voice?

Somos Unidos!

Watch/participate/listen

• In Person (@ The Lab)
• ESPN+
• NM 50 ( channel 50.1, Xfinity 12/215 (Hi Def), Dish channel 50, or Click for the stream)
• 101.7 FM (Stream)
• SiriusXM FC
• ViX (Stream)
• Youtube (International only)
• Discord <------ Live match chat!
• USL Match Tracker