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Winston Starr already had a few minutes to digest what had happened by the time he popped down the steps leading into the first-base dugout. And yet, the New Mexico United academy midfielder looked like he still couldn鈥檛 believe any of it.

Not the ball hitting the back of the net. Not his teammates鈥� reactions 鈥� so much more effusive than his own. Not his name being announced over the PA system or the cheer from the crowd.

鈥淚t was a shock,鈥� a wide-eyed but collected Starr said after scoring his first career goal on a late equalizer in United鈥檚 3-3 draw against Liga MX鈥檚 Atlante FC in Wednesday鈥檚 international friendly. 鈥淵ou always dream of moments like this and for it to happen right now, it鈥檚 just crazy.鈥�

Perhaps what made it all the more special 鈥� maybe all the more insane 鈥� was the score came for a club that鈥檚 been such an important part of Starr鈥檚 childhood.

The recent La Cueva graduate was in the stands for United鈥檚 inaugural game, a 1-1 draw against Fresno FC 鈥� a club that folded after the season 鈥� at Isotopes Park in 2019. He joined United鈥檚 developmental academy as a 13-year-old when it officially opened two years later. All things that helped Starr grow and evolve and develop a further love for soccer. 

He鈥檚 made sure to take advantage, both in United gear and out of it.

Starr had a part in 27 goals 鈥� 15 scores and 12 assists 鈥� during his senior season at La Cueva, one that ended with a Class 5A state championship. In June, he was named the Journal鈥檚 All-Metro boys soccer player of the year and the state鈥檚 top player by Gatorade.

鈥淚 always wanted to be on this field, representing this state,鈥� Starr said. 鈥淎nd to represent it (Wednesday) and score a goal was amazing.鈥�

It happened in the 89th minute, one after Joaquin Moxica gave Atlante back the lead and nine minutes after Starr subbed in for Joseph Melto to join fellow academy players Grady Gilchrist, Fabian Mata and Kyle Hofmann.

Will Seymore and Cam Wilkerson, a pair of first-team players, set him up. Seymore provided a pass to Wilkerson to the left side of the box. Wilkerson, spotting Starr, offered a cross in front of the goal. A wide-open Starr just had to chip his shot in.

Not too bad for a player who was just hoping to see the pitch at some point.

And Starr? He celebrated by simply jogging towards the sideline, the moment having not set in quite yet.

鈥淭he academy guys did really well. It鈥檚 something that I hold close to my heart, that鈥檚 my background,鈥� manager Dennis Sanchez said. 鈥溾�� I want to credit David Estrada as academy director and academy coach. (He) does a great job with them.

鈥淵ou see (players like) Cristian Nava coming through. This is something that we want to continue to do as a club and whether it鈥檚 a direct pro route or going (to) college and coming back, you see that there鈥檚 quality there. I thought all the guys handled themselves well, performing at a high level. Winston found his goal, so a lot of great moments for the young players.鈥�

The match gave United something else too. Call it a certain confidence and a realization. Everything that comes with playing up a level.

鈥淭o play against a Liga MX team 鈥� I mean, it鈥檚 the top, top,鈥� Starr said. 鈥淵ou can鈥檛 get much higher than that, so the level is insane. I think it鈥檚 a great feeling to know that I can play at this level. I know there鈥檚 still a lot more work to go to be able to keep playing with these boys and then just keep grinding until my time comes.鈥�

And until then, there was a little celebrating to do. After all, you only get to score your first goal once.

Starr, of course, opted to keep it simple. Just like his reaction in the 89th minute.

鈥淒efinitely going to eat with the family,鈥� Starr said with a grin. 鈥�(That鈥檚) for sure.鈥�

That was believable.

David Glovach covers New Mexico United and other sports for the Journal. Reach him at dglovach@abqjournal.com or via X .