The first plane was sponsored by First Financial Credit Union and Blake's Lotaburger – both New Mexico-based companies. A second plane sold out just as fast. Though not a charter affair, that one’s subsidized in part by Spear D Construction so as to make it more affordable for fans. It’s all charming and local and a great example of how so-called lower-league teams can do big things on and off the field.
“The excitement of being on the plane with a hundred fans and players and staff is really something hard to describe,” Steve Reil added about the club he loves and another chance to share in a special moment.
Yellow-and-Black in LA
In addition to the two full plane loads of New Mexico United fans, the club’s Vice President for Media and Impact, David Wiese-Carl (himself plucked from the ranks of the Curse), estimates another 400 or so will make the trip to LA via (other) planes, trains and automobiles.
“We’ve found something people can really rally behind here,” said Bolte, born and raised in Albuquerque, about how the city has embraced its new soccer club. “People take pride in this club here and they make it part of their lives. It’s special. Beating MLS teams is special, going on these journeys is special too.”
Not just happy to be there, Bolte points to New Mexico United’s record against MLS opposition in the Open Cup since 2019 as reason for optimism. “We have a winning record against them,” he said of the 3-wins-and-2-losses record against teams from the top flight. “And we want to keep it going.”
“We expect to see some really great soccer and some of that Cup Magic,” concluded Erin Reil ahead of the trip out to LA, before her husband, devoted partner in New Mexico United’s glories and sorrows, chimed in: “A Cupset sure would be nice.”
Fontela is editor-in-chief of usopencup.com. Follow him at @jonahfontela on X/Twitter.
