Match day: Lexington SC at New Mexico United

TV/streaming/radio: New Mexico 50/ESPN+/FM-101.7

Records: New Mexico United (10-4-4), Lexington SC (9-7-4)

Oh, look — a midweek matchup for New Mexico United.

The last time United played on a Wednesday? You guessed it, at Lexington on July 15.

And there will certainly be some things to keep an eye on in this meeting.

1. VIEW FROM THE TOP: That is the spot United now occupies in the 12-club Western Conference table despite its 0-0 draw at Loudoun United on Saturday.

New Mexico has 34 points, the same amount as second-place Orange County SC and third-place El Paso Locomotive FC. New Mexico, however, is currently in the No. 1 position due to tiebreakers.

The thing is, United could hold the spot without any help depending on what happens Wednesday.

A win or draw would obviously net the club three points or one, respectively, thus giving it more than either Orange County or El Paso.

But what the table looks like at the end of the night will depend on Locomotive, too. El Paso is also playing Wednesday. It's hosting Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC at 7 p.m. Those are the only two USL Championship matches happening.

Either way, it should make for an interesting — or maybe even exciting — midweek slate.

2. DIDN'T THESE TWO JUST PLAY? That's certainly what it feels like. But it'll be six weeks since New Mexico and Lexington played in Kentucky.

Forward Greg Hurst scored in the 42nd and 86th minutes. Midfielder Valentin Noël added a goal in the second minute of first-half stoppage time. Forward Joseph Melto hit the back of the net in the 68th.

Phillip Goodrum, meanwhile, scored for Lexington in the 70th to make the final look more respectable.

But New Mexico might have as many as three starters from that match out for Wednesday.

Melto received a red card at Loudoun, meaning he has to serve a one-match suspension. (Unless, of course, that decision was overturned by the league, which isn't likely to happen.)

The statuses of Noël and defender Maliek Howell are also in question. The two did not play in Loudoun after being designated with "lower-body injuries." Chances are any kind of update will be slim ahead of Wednesday's match, which is manager Dennis Sanchez's preference.

3. PERHAPS SOME MORE DEFENSE WILL HELP: Maybe it will be beneficial for Lexington.

The club announced the acquisition of defender Patrick Seagrist on Tuesday. Seagrist, who was loaned out by USL League One side Greenville Triumph SC, will be available for selection Wednesday.

The 28-year-old logged two assists in 16 appearances for Greenville. He's also played for New York Red Bulls in MLS as well as Indy Eleven, Memphis 901 FC, Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC and FC Tulsa in the USL Championship during his career.

Overall, Seagrist has made more than 150 appearances across the USL's different divisions and competitions. He's logged three goals and 10 assists.

4. WAIT, BACK-TO-BACK? Wednesday is the first of two consecutive home matches for United. Sounds strange, right?

United has not had back-to-back games at Isotopes Park since July 1 and 4, which came against Liga MX's Atlante FC in an international friendly and then Championship side Oakland Roots SC.

If you're looking for the last time New Mexico hosted clubs in just the Championship, you'd have to go back almost another month — Phoenix Rising FC on June 6 and Orange County on June 13. United beat Phoenix 4-0 in a USL Cup match and then drew 1-1 with Orange County in a regular-season matchup.

United forward Greg Hurst vs. Lexington keeper Oliver Semmle

Seems like a pretty obvious choice here. As noted above, Hurst recorded a brace the last time the two played. The keeper? That was Semmle. It's also worth noting Hurst has four goals in United's last five matches, started by that match in Lexington.

It wouldn't be surprising if Rennicks slides into Melto's spot in the starting lineup. It's what the forward did at Loudoun United when Cristian Nava, who was coming back from injury, was used as a substitute. Rennicks, however, has not scored in a regular-season match since the season opener at Oakland on March 14. He has not scored in any match since a win against AV Alta FC in a USL Cup matchup on April 25.

1: Surprise? United retained its top spot in the Championship's power rankings. It's the sixth straight week. Lexington is 10th in the 23-club Championship, up five places from a week ago.

100: United can earn its 100th regular-season victory by beating Lexington. New Mexico was unable to notch that milestone on Saturday at Loudoun United FC.

66: The number of saves United goalkeeper Kris Shakes has made in the regular season. That's good for third behind Birmingham Legion FC's Jaseem Koleilat (70) and Hartford Athletics' Antony Siaha (69).

18: The number of regular-season matches New Mexico has played. It's the fewest in the Championship.

David Glovach covers New Mexico United and other sports for the Journal. Reach him at dglovach@abqjournal.com or via X @DavidGlovach.

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Match Day: New Mexico United at Loudoun United FC

NMU is playing against a club from the East, but has plenty to play for in the West