Super Mario & Bucket Billy Are Back In Action

Matute & Fuentes are back in action to one up the competition FOR the 2022-23 SEASON

The 2022-23 season keeps building up with the re-signing of #16 Midfielder Mario Matute and #22 Forward Sergio Fuentes. Both Matute and Fuentes are set to one up the competition in season 4 for the New Mexico Runners.

Mario Matute has an extensive career in the Major Arena Soccer League boasting 38 games played in the league since 2017. Matute also known as "Super Mario", played a crucial role in field support in last season's rally with 3 wins out of the last 5 games. He has played with the Runners since 2018 and continues to be key in his ability to move up and down the field quickly.

Matute is not just a talented player, but in fact a community advocate for the sport. He currently is an Assistant Coach for the West Mesa High School Boys Varsity Soccer squad and Head Coach for JV. Mario also provides soccer lessons and training to youth athletes looking to improve their game. This season will be packed with high energy on the field with Mario at the helm.

Sergio Fuentes is an "Original Runner" and local soccer icon with a ton of experience. As a graduate from Volcano Vista High School and Wittier College as well as several seasons with the Albuquerque Sol (PDL), Sergio has become a powerful force in the arena soccer game. He's played a career total of 24 games in the league where he owns 23 goals and 9 assists in 3 seasons.

Fuentes maintains multiple skill sets on and off the field. Currently, he is in process to become an aviator with plans to obtain his pilot's license in the coming months. Fuentes has become one of the most important pieces to the Runners' chemistry and will be a force this coming season in the MASL2!

This player announcement is Presented by High Noon Restaurant & Saloon

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The New Mexico Runners will kick off their fourth season on the road against the Kansas Bandits December 18th. The first home match will take place on Saturday January 7th, 2023 with a 2:05 PM 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. 

ABOUT THE NEW MEXICO RUNNERS

The New Mexico Runners are New Mexico’s professional arena soccer team based in Rio Rancho, NM and current members of Major Arena Soccer League 2 (MASL2). The Runners play their home games at Rio Rancho Events Center and season 4 season tickets are on sale NOW 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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