In the Western Conference, it's a tight race at the top, with FC Tulsa, San Antonio FC, New Mexico United, and Sacramento Republic FC all fighting in the top four, sitting within five points of each other.
In New Mexico, though, a familiar name for those involved in the depths of the U.S. Soccer lens over the past decade is spearheading their attacking run: winger Mukwelle Akale.
Akale, 28, was a teenage star over 10 years back, becoming a breakout player at the youth levels, which earned him a move to the Villareal system in Spain as a teenager. In 2014, he was nominated for U.S. Soccer Young Player of the Year, alongside Christian Pulisic, Haji Wright, Emerson Hyndman, and DeAndre Yedlin - the winner of the award.
In 2014, Akale won MVP at the Copa del Atlantico and the International Tournament of Vaclav Jezek with the U.S. U-18s and was touted to be a star for club and country. Although Akale never developed into the player many thought, he's found a home in the USL with New Mexico, and is now propelling them towards the race for the Western Conference title.
The 28-year-old Minneapolis native has scored two goals and recorded five assists this season, and leads The Road Warriors in goal contributions this campaign.
