Before he was the club’s top goal-scorer, Greg Hurst had a journey representing many clubs. In 2023, he committed to representing the black and yellow.
Born and raised in Stirling, Scotland, Hurst grew up playing soccer with his family, starting at an early age.
“Soccer has always been something that’s been in my family. My brother played, my dad played, so just out in the backyard playing with my brother and my dad, I fell in love with it. At that point and from then on, I figured that’s what I wanted to do with the rest of my life, hopefully,” Hurst said.
As a young adult, Hurst played for local professional clubs in Scotland, including Stirling Albion FC and St. Johnstone FC. When he realized his potential for a career in professional soccer, he headed to the United States.
“There’s good structure (in Scotland), but I think it could be a little bit better. It can get monotonous playing against the same teams three or four times a year, and I got to a point where I wasn’t really enjoying it as much,” Hurst said. “I was lucky enough I had the opportunity to come out to America, and I thought that was the perfect opportunity for me to restart my career.”
When Hurst arrived in the U.S. he signed for three USL teams around the country before coming to New Mexico. In the five years he has been in the U.S. he has represented four different clubs.
“In Chattanooga, Tennessee … (even with COVID-19) in 2020, I managed to have a good year, and moved on from there to Union Omaha and was fortunate enough to win the USL championship with them,” Hurst said.
After Omaha, Nebraska, he played for Phoenix Rising FC. His experience on that team is what brought him to New Mexico, he said.
“The team didn’t have a great year that year, so they wanted to change things up, and that’s how I ended up in New Mexico,” Hurst said.
Phoenix and New Mexico worked out a trade offer to bring him to New Mexico United, Hurst said, and he’s been playing for United ever since.
“I’ve really enjoyed it, not just playing for New Mexico, but living in Albuquerque … I really enjoy being here. There’s always lots to do and the people have been brilliant with me since I got here and I can’t thank them enough for that,” Hurst said.
Through Sunday, June 23, Hurst has been the top scorer for United – scoring six goals in 14 matches.
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Hurst described his strategy for scoring goals on the field.
“I think the biggest thing is confidence … I know what it’s like to play without confidence and it can be tough sometimes … You just have to believe that every opportunity you get, you’re going to make the most of it,” Hurst said.
There can be pressure from fans for an athlete when they step on the field in front of a big crowd, but according to Hurst, New Mexico fans are different from any others he has encountered.
“They’re absolutely amazing; I don’t think I’ve ever played for a team that’s been so well supported. Through good spells and bad spells, their ability to stay locked in, switched on and stay loud for the whole game, the (team) absolutely (appreciates) that and I wouldn’t want it any other way,” Hurst said.
With Hurst’s scoring, United has fought their way to the top of the Western Conference 14 matches into the season.
Being in New Mexico, Hurst is surrounded by red and green chile in food. The Daily Lobo asked him the official state question: Red or Green?
“I’ll be honest, I’m not a big chile guy, but if I had to choose, I’d go (with) green chile. Red chile is a bit too much for me. I am trying to eat more spicy food – I am starting with the basics and trying to work my way up,” Hurst said.
Leila Chapa is a freelance reporter for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at sports@dailylobo.com or on Twitter @lchapa06
