After a historic season from New Mexico United, the whole thing came to a heart-breaking end. New Mexico United soccer just completed one of their best seasons yet, but couldn’t quite make it all the way.

United have come a long way after losing head coach Eric Quill to FC Dallas in the MLS, but the addition of head coach Denis Sanchez at the start of the 2025 season proved promising after he led United to finish 3rd in the West. New Mexico United started the playoffs well, winning both of their first two games advancing them to the Western Conference Finals for the first time in the club’s history.

The Western Conference finals were held in Tulsa, Oklahoma after FC Tulsa beat the defending champions, Colorado Switchbacks, and Phoenix Rising FC by a score of one to zero, earning home field advantage.

The weight of the Western Conference final was massive after both teams have never made it this far. FC Tulsa’s stadium was sold out with 9,000 fans supporting both New Mexico United and FC Tulsa. The game started off just how many people expected United dominating the possession and FC Tulsa trying to counter press quickly and use their speed to their benefit.

In the 12th minute, FC Tulsa had the ball and quickly drove down the field and had a shot, but to much relief New Mexico United goalie, Kris Shakes, saved it by the tips of his hands. Later in the 25th minute Kalen Ryden, the captain for New Mexico United, made a goal line clearance to save United from going down early on. Then in the 30th minute Kris Shakes made a sloppy pass which turned into a goal for #9 Calera to set FC Tulsa up for success.

Once half time hit the teams headed into their locker rooms to decide how they will better perform in the later stages of the game. Coming out of half time United went on and had a strong attack, but sadly the shot by Zico Bailey number nineteen was blocked by a defender right before the line. This shot by Zico left United vulnerable which helped FC Tulsa score their second goal of the night by the same striker, Taylor Calera.

However, there was still hope for United when Dayon Harris #5 got the ball and whipped a shot in but the ball hit the post and ended United’s attack. After their second goal the crowd started to believe and FC Tulsa started to gain momentum, so in the 75 minute when Jamie Webber scored the third goal for FC Tulsa, it was no surprise that they were the new champions of the west.

Overall FC Tulsa out played United due to their counter pressing style and way of playing. However the loss is not all bad because United just made a historic playoff run that has sparked belief in the players and community and has set a new standard for New Mexico United as a club, and community.