Nov. 25—New Mexico United announced Tuesday that at least nine players will be returning to the club for the 2026 season. NMU has declined contract options for four players and is considering negotiating with eight others.
NM United had a remarkable year, compiling a 14-6-10 record in the regular season and advancing to the USL Western Conference championship match, where the club lost to Tulsa 3-0 on the road on Nov. 15.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementDefenders Talen Maples, Will Seymore and Chris Gloster; midfielders Zico Bailey, Valentin Noël and Ousman Jabang; and forward Greg Hurst are players already under contract for next season. The club picked up the contracts of midfielders Dayonn Harris and Marlon Vargas.
The club is in active discussions with several out-of-contract players, including defender Kipp Keller; midfielders Sergio Rivas, Carlos Moguel Jr. and Tomas Pondeca; forwards Mukwelle Akale and Luther Archimède; and goalkeepers Alex Tambakis and Kris Shakes.
The club declined contract options on defenders Jaylin Lindsey and Jackson DuBois; midfielder Gedion Zelalem; and forward Thomas Amang. DuBois is an Albuquerque native and former La Cueva star.
Defender Kalen Ryden and forward Daniel Bruce are retiring.
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