ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – New Mexico United announced on Wednesday it had acquired forward Marlon Vargas on loan from the Colorado Rapids II of MLS NEXT Pro for the remainder of the 2024 USL Championship season. The transaction was completed prior to the 2024 USL Championship Roster Freeze on Monday, Sept. 9.

A native of Bakersfield, Calif., Vargas has recorded 10 goals and six assists for Rapids II in MLSNP this season, placing him first on the team, and in the top six in the league in both categories. The 23-year-old also made a pair of appearances in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, where he recorded an assist in the Rapids II’s Second Round defeat against USL League One club Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC.

“We are excited to welcome Marlon into the United family, and are very pleased to have completed this deal prior to the roster freeze,” said New Mexico United Sporting Director Itamar Keinan. “Marlon brings an exciting attacking mindset to the team, and will be an important player for us in our quest to win a championship.”

Prior to his time in Denver, Vargas played for Tacoma Defiance in MLSNP and the USL Championship. In 2022 he led with 13 goals on the season, including a goal in the Quarterfinal of the MLSNP Playoffs against Houston Dynamo II, earning MLS NEXT Pro Best XI honors. He had previously made 65 appearances for Defiance in the Championship, recording four goals and seven assists.