Hurst Advocates for Candid Conversations Following Tough Loss for NM United

Greg Hurst, a forward for New Mexico United, embraces his Scottish heritage, evident in both his accent and his passion for the game. Following a disappointing 3-0 defeat against Phoenix Rising FC on April 11, Hurst felt a strong need to address the team directly on the field. He initiated what he described as a “pretty real talk” with his teammates, emphasizing the importance of open communication after a tough match.

“Looking back on it, a couple of (the) boys just wanted to talk about it and there’s no point sometimes in keeping things to yourself,” Hurst remarked ahead of their upcoming rematch against Rising. He underscored that discussing issues openly is key to building team cohesion, stating, “There’s going to be difficult times, there’s going to be good times and it’s all about, as harsh as you can be (in those moments), sticking together.”

Hurst’s central point was clear: players must come prepared and treat their commitment to United seriously. Fellow forward Niall Reid-Stephen echoed this sentiment, noting that “It’s good to have those conversations rather than leave it for later.” This proactive approach is something that head coach Dennis Sanchez supports; he believes that accountability must come from the players themselves, as they are the ones executing on the field.

Since that tough defeat, New Mexico United has demonstrated resilience, recording a 3-2-2 overall record, including a victory against AV Alta FC in the USL Cup. The team has climbed to seventh place in the Western Conference standings, currently tied with El Paso Locomotive FC with 14 points. Sanchez commented on the importance of a collective approach, encouraging players to hold each other accountable to maintain consistency and performance standards.

Hurst concluded by acknowledging the challenges of the league, expressing pride in how his teammates responded to the candid discussions. “This league is not easy, every game is a challenge,” he said, emphasizing the necessity to be prepared for every match. With the team rallying together, they aim to turn their recent insights into success on the field.