Saturday
When: 7:25 p.m.
Where: Isotopes Park
TV/streaming/radio: New Mexico 50/ESPN+/FM-101.7
Records: San Antonio FC (8-5-8), New Mexico United (11-4-4)
The series: United leads 10-5-1.
They might have arrived at the New Mexico United training facility with their parents — such is life when you’re 8 and 7 years old — but Santiago and Sebastián Casaus Natale more than held their own.
Really, they stole the show — before training, during the practice session and afterward.
Then again, it was their day. The hope is it’s the first of many at the club. A lifetime, some might say.
The brothers signed honorary permanent contracts with United on Friday. And like any new player, each received their own jersey to go along with their new deals. Santiago No. 22. Sebastián No. 14.
Sebastián and Santiago Casaus Natale signed their permanent contracts and receive their jerseys with New Mexico United …
A packed presser for it, too, with players, coaching staff and front office members. https://t.co/k2CUb4XVH1pic.twitter.com/XBAS7JL8Z6
— David Glovach (@DavidGlovach) August 28, 2026
“When we started this club, we thought a lot about what it meant to be United,” said Peter Trevisani, the club’s owner and CEO. “And we knew we wanted players on our team who had each other’s backs, who were there to celebrate wins like their own and when things get tough for your teammates, you pick them up.
“All those things go way beyond soccer and (these) two young men know that lesson better than most of us.”
Santiago and Sebastián certainly do.
From the cancer — myoepithelial carcinoma — Sebastián has been battling since he was 2 years old, one so aggressive and rare most major medical organizations have little published data on it, let alone treatments or survival rate.
From Santiago always being by his brother’s side. Through the good times and the bad.
United wants to help both enjoy more of the good.
The club became acquainted with Santiago and Sebastián through the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation, which pairs sports teams — from the high school, college and professional ranks — with children fighting pediatric cancer and their siblings.
And that means more than just a training session, two honorary contracts or a pair of custom jerseys.
There’s a plan in the works for United to donate 100% of the proceeds for each Sebastián and Santiago jersey sold to cureMEC, the foundation started by their parents, Michael Casaus and Naomi Natale.
On Saturday, the brothers will walk out of the tunnel with the team ahead of the match against San Antonio FC.
But Friday? Well, that was just about being two kids around professional players and maybe even teaching them a thing or two. Maybe about soccer. Perhaps offering perspectives much more important.
“This is what dreams look like when they come true,” Naomi said. “There’s no doubt, and as a parent, your dream is your child’s dream.”
Sometimes, they even come with a small obligation or two.
Like any new player, Santiago and Sebastián had to fulfill their introductory press conference. In front a crowded full filled with members of the front office featuring Trevisani, president Ron Patel, vice president Clint Gray and technical director Itamar Keinan; members of the coaching staff that included manager Dennis Sanchez and assistants Armando Quezada and Daniel Bruce; and some of their new teammates like Greg Hurst, Ousman Jabang and Joseph Melto.
There were few cameras and microphones to deal with, too.
But it was important not to miss Santiago and Sebastián field the important questions.
Their preferred positions? Wingers. Sorry, Melto.
Their roles? Playmakers, of course. Goals or assists. Watch out, Hurst.
Their playing time? Well, that usually has to be earned. But there are exceptions to the rule. How does 90 minutes sound? Keep it in mind, Sanchez.
Their goal?
“To help get this team to the USL championship,” Santiago said.
You heard him, players. Not that there were any arguments.
About the only one came when it was time to leave for the day. Training was over.
“Can we go to practice every day?” Sebastián asked.
They say practice makes perfect. The plan is for it to be over a lifetime.
Free kicks
1. STILL LOOKING DOWN: Full disclosure: This will be important to note from here on out.
It’s what happens when you’re (United) atop the 12-club Western Conference.
New Mexico, which has 37 points, retained that spot thanks to its 2-1 win over Lexington SC on Wednesday. A good thing, too. Second-place El Paso Locomotive FC, which also has 37 points, also won. El Paso hosts Loudoun United on Saturday.
San Antonio, meanwhile, isn’t far behind even if it’s in fifth place. The club has 32 points.
2. IT’S BEEN A MINUTE: Saturday will mark the second of three regular-season meetings between the clubs.
The first? That took place all the way back on March 21, the third week of the regular season, in Texas. San Antonio won 1-0 behind a 74th-minute goal from Daniel Barbir.
United finished with 10 shots in that match with four on target. The problem was San Antonio recorded 20 shots overall with nine on target.
The third meeting is set to take place in San Antonio on Oct. 17.
3. DON’T SAVE IT FOR LATER: Saturday looks like it could feature some notable goalkeeper play.
United’s Kris Shakes ranks third in the USL Championship in regular-season saves (68) and is tied for fifth in clean sheets (7).
His counterpart, Joseph Batrouni, is eighth in saves (51) and tied for ninth in shutouts (5).
4. ADDING THEM UP (WELL, ON): Another opponent also means another new player.
San Antonio announced it signed forward Andres Paredes on Wednesday.
It will be the 25-year-old’s second stint with the Texas club. The Colombian played for Antonio in 2025, recording three goals and two assists in 16 appearances before a season-ending injury. He was not with another club this season.
San Antonio is tied for 15th in the Championship with 15 regular-season goals.
Key matchup
United forward Dayonn Harris vs. San Antonio defender Alex Crognale
Harris returned to New Mexico’s lineup due to injuries and provided the assist on Niall Reid-Stephen’s go-head goal in the 78th minute against Lexington. He played 85 minutes. It will be interesting to see if he plays that much Saturday. Crognale leads San Antonio in clearances (79) and has also been a scoring threat (4 goals).
Player of the match
United forward Joseph Melto
Well, aside from having his position threatened (maybe) by newcomers Santiago and Sebastián Casaus Natale (see above), Melto is coming off a one-match suspension. He was given two yellows in New Mexico’s 0-0 draw at Loudoun two weeks ago.
By the numbers
7: The number of clubs separated by six points or less at the top of the West.
8: The number of yellow cards a player can accumulate in the regular season before potentially earning a one-match suspension. United midfielder Zico Bailey is at eight.
14: San Antonio’s spot in the Championship’s power rankings. It’s not a new week, so United remains No. 1 on the 23-club list.
15: What United could run its unbeaten streak to — for statistical purposes — with a win or draw.
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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