Extra heat: Moreno's return spices up United-El Paso rivalry

Apr. 5—Saturday, 7 p.m., 101.7 FM, ESPN+ (streaming), Estrella TV

Saturday night figures to be a bit out of the ordinary for New Mexico United and its fans.

First, they'll welcome an old friend back to Isotopes Park. Then they'll do everything humanly possible to ruin his evening.

The old friend is Amando Moreno, who spent four seasons making plays and scoring goals for United. He returns as a member of arch-rival El Paso Locomotive FC and will most certainly try to bite the hands that once clapped for him.

New Mexico coach Eric Quill did not try to downplay the intriguing subplot of Moreno's first appearance at the Lab with an opposing club.

"Amando's a great player and a really good person," Quill said. "We'll shake his hand at the end of the night. But for 90 minutes, it's war."

That sentiment tends to describe any and all matchups between United and Locomotive FC, two franchises that came into the USL Championship together and quickly evolved into bitter rivals. The series has been remarkably close with nearly every match coming down to the final minutes.

Both clubs have new players who have not yet experienced the rivalry now known as the Derby del Camino Real. NMU defender Chris Gloster smiled when asked about joining the fray.

"Everyone has told me about it," he said. "I got just a little taste when we played (in El Paso) in the preseason. It's just constant emotion, constant fighting, going hard after every ball. I'm looking forward to it."

The same can be said for United defender Arturo Astorga, who is from El Paso and joined NMU's first team after last season's two matchups. The teams split the 2023 series, each winning a 1-0 decision on the opponent's home pitch.

"This match is different for me," Astorga sadi, "but I'm happy I'll get a chance to show that El Paso has talent and that a smaller player like me can do the job. I'm excited."

Astorga is off to a fast start in his first full season with United. He leads the club with six chances created and has been outstanding for New Mexico's back line. He figures to square off against Moreno more than once on Saturday, something Astrorga has done before.

"Arturo trained against him every day last year," Quill said. "He knows what to expect. But Amando's only one of 11 — it's a team sport. We have to focus on what we do, force El Paso to react to us."

United (2-1-1) is coming off a strong performance against another rival, Phoenix Rising FC. New Mexico rode an early goal by Dayonn Harris to a 1-0 road victory last week. That result largely washed away the bitter taste of a 4-0 loss the previous week, one in which several NMU players were impacted by the flu.

"Playing like we did in Phoenix definitely brings the spirit of the team up," Gloster said, "especially because we still had some guys sick. Other guys had to step in and they did a great job."

United can expect a high level of intensity from El Paso (0-3-1), which has stumbled out of the starting gates despite making a number of high-profile off-season signings — including Moreno. Quill does not see the talented Locos staying down for long.

"No, that's a talented group and they'll be up for this," he said. "But we've got a chance to be at the top of the (Western Conference) table at the end of the night. This match is important for us. We'll be up for it, too."

Players to watch

El Paso (0-3-1): There are numerous familiar faces on Locomotive FC's roster this season, but many of them played for other clubs in 2023. El Paso revamped its squad during the offseason, adding proven talent from various USLC rivals. Most notable, of course, is former New Mexico standout Amando Moreno, who will make his first Isotopes Park appearance in opposing colors. The dynamic midfielder was an effective goal scorer and fan favorite in New Mexico and he owns El Paso's only goal so far this season. Moreno is second on the squad with five chances created. Other new additions include forwards Tumi Moshobane (San Diego), Justin Dhillon (San Antonio), defender Lucas Stauffer (Las Vegas) and goalkeeper Jahmali Waite (Pittsburgh). Defender and NMU fan favorite Yuma Monsalvez is back but has not played yet this season.

New Mexico (2-1-1): United put together a solid performance in last week's 1-0 win at Phoenix, especially on defense. NMU's back line is still adjusting to the absence of injured captain Kalen Ryden, but the unit looked cohesive in limiting Rising FC to one shot on target. Newcomer Talen Maples has brought a physical presence and an ability to anticipate opposing attacks. Maples leads the USLC with 24 clearances this season. Goalkeeper Alex Tambakis also has been sharp, ranking fifth in the league with 12 saves. He has two clean sheets in three appearances. NMU's attack remains something of a work in progress, ranking 18th in the league in shots (35) and posting just a 10% conversion rate. Dayonn Harris, Greg Hurst, Mukwelle Akale and Marco Micaletto have shown flashes but have yet to break through with a multi-goal performance.

NOTEWORTHY: Spring apparently is a fine time for United to travel the country. NMU has one of the USL Championship's most travel-intensive early schedules and plays four of its six Eastern Conference road games in March and April. NMU is coming off three straight road games and will play three more on the road after Saturday's home match.

Four of the club's first seven matches this season are in the Eastern time zone.