ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – No love was lost this weekend between Albuquerque and El Paso, as New Mexico United took on their league rival, Locomotive F.C. Thousands of fans showed up Saturday, with a sea of blue and yellow flags covering the stadium. "Best fans in the USL," said PJ Hess, a New Mexico United fan. "That's what it says on the belt. I've been wearing this every day since the first year. New Mexico United has led this league in attendance since its first game ever." And what better way to celebrate New Mexico United's first home game of the season, than to play against their closest rival? New Mexico United: Big first win and now looking to home opener "It goes a lot deeper than that, like even just geographically," said Andrew Burlingame, a United fan. "One of our former players, he was phenomenal with us. He shipped out there, we still might be a little salty about it but that's rivalries, man." "We're here just to have a good time, tailgate, and go, go, go!," said Jacob Montoya, another United fan. Long-time fans are expecting a championship-caliber season, after a devastating loss to Las Vegas Lights F.C. in 2024, during a quarter-final match of the USL Championship. "We get that number one seed, guaranteed," Burlingame said. "We're winning a championship in that stadium." Send us your New Mexico United pride photos! Other fans are looking forward to just watching their team play, and enjoying the atmosphere the fans and community bring to the stadium. "We're excited," said Rosalie Ortega. "First game. We're pumped for the season." "This is very much like my community and family, and I love New Mexico United," Hess added. ...read more read less