NEW MEXICO RUNNERS 5TH SEASON SCHEDULE RELEASED

Rio Rancho, NM – The New Mexico Runners, New Mexico’s first Major Arena Soccer League team is set to kick off season 5 with the release of their 2023-24 season schedule. Exciting New Mexico Runners arena soccer action will again take place at the Rio Rancho Events Center with the first game of the season slated for Saturday December 30th, 2023. The Runners will be hosting the El Paso Rhinos with a scheduled 3:05 PM kick off time.

This 5th season marks an incredible milestone for the Runners as they have continued to grow at a grassroots level. The Runners have been around since 2018 and are currently the longest consistent running sports team tenant in the Rio Rancho Events Center. Mayor of Rio Rancho, Gregg Hull and several other key public servants in Sandoval County including County Commissioner Jay Block have consistently supported the New Mexico Runners as they are the only high level sports team with a business license in Rio Rancho. 

“It’s exciting to see the Runners continuing to make Rio Rancho their home. The City of Rio Rancho is ready for another season of fast paced and high scoring arena soccer. I can’t wait to see the community out there cheering on our team!” States Mayor Hull.

The New Mexico Runners organization is 100% owned and operated by a 100% percent Hispanic family born and raised in New Mexico. Team Owner Andres Trujillo continues to employ his family including co-owner, wife and Game Operations Director Kathryn Trujillo; his Ticketing Director and mother Annette; as well Fan Engagement Director and aunt Laura. 

“The fact that our family continues to bring New Mexicans a family fun and affordable sports entertainment option shows the community that we are 100% invested in building up a positive quality of life to inspire others to do the same.” Says Owner Trujillo. He goes on to mention, “We can’t wait to see everyone this season!”

Trujillo was recently recognized and given the Corazón de Cultura Award presented by the New Mexico Hispanic Heritage Committee which recognizes outstanding individuals, businesses, and nonprofit organizations within our Hispanic community. This recognition by one of the most notable Hispanic organizations in the country is a huge honor not just for Andres, but for the entire New Mexico Runners organization and showcases how the Runners organization is making a positive impact in the community all year long.

“We are absolutely ecstatic for this upcoming season! We are going to push our players to another level through programs that include our season partners Eric (Archuleta) at Athletic Training Center, chiropractic care by Dr. Tim Bateman of Care More, and even our recovery therapy partners at True Rest Float Spa.” Stated Head Coach Steve Famiglietta.

Last season, the Runners had an excellent start of 3 wins right out of the gate, but unfortunately injuries crept up on

several key players which slowed down their momentum and resulted in a 4-8 record in season 4. 

Head Coach Steve Famiglietta returns to the Runners organization for his fifth year at the helm. The USL soccer Hall of Fame Inductee and New Mexico Sports hall of Fame Nominee continues to build a solid program with his son Nick Famiglietta as Assistant Coach.

“Our goal is to get to the postseason for the first time in franchise history. We’ve got a solid as well as talented group of guys going into season 5 and we are ready to make some waves with key players returning that fans are going to love.” Says Famiglietta.

The Runners held open tryouts in mid-October to see what local talent can be picked up for the roster. Several local players were brought on to the player pool as well as several athletes from out of state. Player announcements will be released in the coming weeks leading up to the first home game..

Season 5 of New Mexico Runners action will consist of 6 home and 6 road games from December – March with playoffs scheduled for April 4-7, 2024 in Wichita, KS. Home Games in BOLD at the Rio Rancho Events Center:

Currently, there are 19 teams from across the country within the Major Arena Soccer League 2 (MASL2) for the 2023-24 season. New Mexico will play in the Midwest division which consists of Amarillo, Dodge City (KS), El Paso, New Mexico and Wichita (KS). El Paso is the newest franchise in the division due to Colorado folding this season. 

Season tickets for the New Mexico Runners are now on sale which start as low as $80 for all home games and can be purchased online at newmexicorunners.com/seasontickets. Youth sports groups, groups of friends, co-workers, and teammates can all get together for an exciting outing at a Runners game with discounted group tickets! Fans will get to see their favorite players back in action along with their favorite mascot “Rio The Roadrunner” and his hilarious antics at every home game.

The New Mexico Runners will kick off their fifth season at home hosting the El Paso Rhinos on Saturday December 30th, 2023 with a 3:05 PM MT kick-off at the Rio Rancho Events Center (3001 Civic Center Circle Dr. NW, Rio Rancho, NM 87144). Season tickets start at $80 and can be purchased online at newmexicorunners.com.

The New Mexico Runners are New Mexico’s arena soccer team based in Rio Rancho, NM and current members of Major Arena Soccer League (MASL2). The Runners play their home games at Rio Rancho Events Center and tickets can be purchased by calling 505.663.7RUN (7786). For more information on the Runners, visit http://www.newmexicorunners.com as well as LIKE, FOLLOW and SHARE on social media at @nmrunners.
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