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 still chasing control of Group 2.

The hosts sit 4th with a goal difference of -3 after two games (form: W-L), having won their only home outing 2-1 but been thrashed 4-0 away. Phoenix are 3rd (form: W-L), also on three points but with a neutral goal difference after two home matches, winning 2-1 and losing 1-0. Neither team has kept a clean sheet in the competition so far, hinting at another open contest.

Head-to-Head

Head-to-head, Phoenix have edged recent meetings, winning 3-0 at home in April 2026 and 2-1 in Albuquerque in May 2025. New Mexico did claim a 2-1 home win in the 2024 USL Championship playoffs, while Phoenix advanced on penalties after a 3-3 draw in the 2025 USL League One Cup group stage. Overall, Phoenix have won three of the last five competitive encounters (including that shootout).

With Phoenix’s recent superiority and New Mexico’s defensive fragility (five conceded in two group games), the balance of evidence tilts slightly toward the visitors avoiding defeat, with a draw or narrow Phoenix win the likeliest outcome.