NM Runners get rolling with open tryouts

RIO RANCHO — The New Mexico Runners, Rio Rancho’s own semi-pro arena soccer team, got its season rolling this past weekend when owner Andres Trujillo hosted open tryouts at the Rio Rancho Events Center.

More than two dozen players showed up for the tryouts, which lasted two days and kicked off with a kids' soccer camp.

“A lot of teams do a single-day tryout,” Trujillo said. “We like to do two days because sometimes you have nerves, or it’s just an off day. Also, a lot of these guys are coaches helping in the community and Saturday doesn’t always work for them. We want to be respectful of that.”

Attendees at the tryouts were a mix of veterans and newbies, according to Trujillo.

“Lots of new faces, which we like to see,” said Trujillo on social media after the tryouts ended on Sunday. “Of course, a lot of our vets showed back up, and we’re just really excited about the upcoming sixth season. I would consider season six tryouts a success.”

The NM Runners play in the Major Arena Soccer League 2 (MASL2), which is the second tier of MASL. The league consists of 16 teams across three divisions, and the Runners play in the Midwest/West Division along with six other teams: Certified Lions FC, Chihuahua Savage 2, Empire Jets, San Diego Sockers 2, Turlock Cal Express and the Wichita Wings.

Trujillo’s squad takes the pitch for their home opener at the Rio Rancho Events Center Dec. 29 against Certified Lions FC from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Single-game and season tickets are on sale now at newmexicorunners.com.