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

New Mexico United and Phoenix Rising renew a familiar 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 chasing qualification from Group 2.

The hosts sit 4th with a goal difference of -3 after two games (form: W-L), having scored 2 and conceded 5 overall. At home, though, New Mexico have been far stronger: one win from one, with a 2-1 scoreline and no failure to score on their own turf in this competition so far. Phoenix are 3rd with a neutral goal difference (2-2) and the same W-L form, but all their Cup minutes have come at home; this will be their first away outing in the 2026 League One Cup.

Head-to-Head

Head-to-head, Phoenix have had the upper hand recently, winning 3-0 at home in April 2026 and 2-1 away in May 2025, while New Mexico edged a 2-1 home win in the 2024 USL Championship playoffs. Phoenix also advanced on penalties after a 3-3 draw in the 2025 League One Cup.

With no injury data available and both teams yet to keep a clean sheet in this Cup, another open, high-intensity contest is likely. Verdict: a tight game, with Phoenix slightly better placed to avoid defeat, but home advantage keeps New Mexico firmly in the mix.