It’s been a slow start to the season for New Mexico United. They currently sit ninth in the USL Championship Western Conference. However, things have started to turn around in recent games as the Black and Yellow start to find their footing. Much of the team’s recent success can be attributed to first-year New Mexico United striker, Josh Dolling.
The English striker joined the Black and Yellow in December after spending the 2022 season with St. Louis FC’s reserve team. Dolling has been immense in recent weeks, scoring four goals and adding three assists in the team’s last six games across all competitions. New Mexico United hope Dolling can keep up his scintillating form as the team looks to climb up the Western Conference table.
Rising the Ranks to the USL
Dolling enjoyed a strong season with St. Louis City FC 2 in 2022. The striker scored nine goals, including four match-winning goals. Of all of his goals scored, none were more important than the winner in last year’s MLS Next Pro Western Conference Final.
Prior to joining the STL City reserve team, Dolling found success playing Division 1 collegiate soccer for Missouri State. Over the course of his collegiate career, Dolling scored 40 goals and received All-American Honors three times. During the 2021 season, Dolling helped lead the Bears to an undefeated regular season and a Missouri Valley Conference Tournament title. The Bears qualified for the Division 1 tournament where they upset the Maryland Terrapins in the first round.
New Mexico United Striker Finding His Form
Dolling’s most recent performance in the Black and Yellow’s 3-1 victory over Orange County SC earned him USL Team of the Week honors for week 8 of the regular season. The striker caused the Orange County defense fits, providing assists on all three of New Mexico’s goals. Dolling became the first player in club history to achieve this feat.
First player in club history to record 3⃣ assists in a single game
@JoshDolling earns a mention in the Team of the Week! #SomosUnidos pic.twitter.com/KUU6QxhXWL
— New Mexico United (@NewMexicoUTD) May 2, 2023
On top of his most recent performance, Dolling is leading the team in scoring in the U.S. Open Cup. The striker has scored four goals in two Cup matches so far this season. Dolling scored a hat trick in the team’s 6-0 win over UDA Soccer in the second round and netted the winner in their most recent victory over Phoenix Rising in the third round.
More Goals to Come
Onlookers might be surprised by Dolling’s brilliant form over the past several weeks. One person who won’t be would be New Mexico United Head Coach, Zach Prince. Prince knew how special of a player New Mexico was getting. Following his signing in December, here’s what Coach Prince had to say about the English striker: “Josh has a real instinct for bringing others into the game. His ability to lead the line defensively with his pressing is top end. His physical size and ability to be a target mixed with his ability to make plays around the box make him a consistent threat to score or set the table for others. We look forward to adding Josh to our attacking group.”
Much of the reason Dolling was brought in was to add versatility to the front line. He has clearly shown early on his ability to impact the game as both a scorer and provider. He is a physical presence who can single-handedly control games. If Dolling can keep up this form, keep an eye on New Mexico United climbing the table.
Photo Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports on March 25, 2023, of a Josh Dolling Headshot.
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