New Mexico United made sure to get one more transaction in before the USL’s roster freeze for Championship and League One clubs.
United recalled midfielder Marlon Vargas from Union Omaha, it was announced Wednesday. Vargas was sent on loan to the League One side on June 29.
The move was retroactive to Monday, the USL’s deadline to have for clubs in each league to have their final rosters set for the remainder of the season. Teams cannot sign new players, make trades or bring on any loans or transfers. Clubs also cannot switch a player’s status — from active to inactive or vice versa.
It’s the second roster alteration New Mexico made ahead of the roster freeze. United brought in midfielder Charlie Dennis on loan from Phoenix Rising FC, which was announced Tuesday.
New Mexico is looking to retain its spot atop the 12-club Western Conference with nine regular-season games left. United currently has 40 points, the same as El Paso Locomotive FC, but currently owns the tiebreakers between the two.
New Mexico (12-5-4) hosts Indy Eleven (8-8-5, 7th in the Eastern Conference) at 7:30 p.m. Friday. El Paso (12-7-4) plays at Louisville City FC (9-8-6, 6th in the East) at 5 p.m. Saturday.
Tampa Bay Rowdies (14-3-6) is the one club to clinch a Championship playoff spot. It leads the East — and the league as a whole — with 48 points.
Union Omaha (15-6-4), meanwhile, is second in the League One table, but tied with Charlotte Independence with 49 points.
But it remains to be seen how much Vargas, who may or may not be available for Friday, will — and can — help United.
The 25-year-old played just 208 minutes for New Mexico before the loan to Union Omaha. And those minutes were limited to either U.S. Open Cup or USL Cup competitions. He did not appear in any league matches.
Vargas logged 90 minutes and recorded an assist in a 3-2 win against Cruizers FC on March 18 and came off the bench for 28 minutes in a 4-0 loss against El Paso Locomotive FC on April 1. Both were U.S. Open Cup matches. He tallied 90 minutes in a 4-0 loss at Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC in a USL Cup match on May 19.
Vargas made eight appearances — five starts — for Union Omaha. He finished with two goals and one assist.
David Glovach covers New Mexico United and other sports for the Journal. Reach him at or via X @DavidGlovach.
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