New Mexico United vs Phoenix Rising: USL League One Cup Rivalry

New Mexico United and Phoenix Rising renew a fast-growing rivalry in the USL League One Cup group stage at Rio Grande Credit Union Field at Isotopes Park, with both sides level on three points and still chasing knockout qualification.

The hosts sit 4th in Group 2 with a goal difference of -3 after two games (record: W-L, form strip: W-L). New Mexico have been strong at home in the competition so far, winning their only match 2-1, but they have conceded five goals overall and are yet to keep a clean sheet. Phoenix are 3rd with a neutral goal difference (2 scored, 2 conceded) and the same W-L form over their first two fixtures, both played in Arizona.

Head-to-Head

Head-to-head, Phoenix have edged the recent competitive meetings, winning 3-0 at home in April 2026 and 2-1 away in May 2025. New Mexico, however, claimed a 2-1 home victory in the 2024 USL Championship Conference quarter-finals, while Phoenix also won a dramatic 2025 League One Cup tie on penalties after a 3-3 draw.

With neither side showing defensive solidity in this cup and Phoenix yet to play away, a high-tempo, evenly balanced contest is likely, with New Mexico’s home edge marginally offset by Rising’s superior recent H2H record.