One thing became immediately apparent before New Mexico United began its press conference: both players and coaching staff are enjoying an entire week in Albuquerque, and the perks that come with it no travel, training at their own facility and sleeping in their own beds.And if there were any doubts, it didnt take long to set the record straight.Especially after last week, manager Dennis Sanchez said Thursday, referring to Uniteds double-postponed match at Birmingham Legion FC.It was less than ideal. Certainly as a way to close a three-week road stint that covered a little more than 5,900 round-tip miles, 2,600 of which by way of that final stop in the Deep South.Originally scheduled to take place at Dunnavant Valley Fields a 50-acre public sports complex in Shelby County, Alabama, outside Birmingham last Friday, inclement weather pushed the match back a day. Last Saturday, however, wasnt better and a waterlogged playing surface led to the second postponement. No makeup date has been announced.Complicating matters was the match taking place in what is essentially a park.Much of those issues likely could have been avoided had Protective Stadium, a 47,000-seat turfed facility that is Legions normal home, been available. It was being set up for an Usher and Chris Brown concert that took place Tuesday and Wednesday.In the end, it was a lot of starting and stopping, and plenty of preparation for not much benefit.Honestly, I would say it was difficult, goalkeeper Kris Shakes said. We were planning to play on Friday got postponed. Were ready to play the game and it was just staying together. Obviously, were away from home, in a hotel for four or five days, just bonding together and keeping the energy up. We had training sessions there. So we just kept preparing for it if it did happen.Ultimately, it didnt happen, so that motivates us for this week back at home.Perhaps in more ways than one.Uniteds match against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC (7-5-4) on Saturday will be the clubs first at Isotopes Park in 28 days. It will also be coming off a 17-day gap between games, the longest of the season for New Mexico (7-4-3). Uniteds previous high was 14 days from the April 11 match at Phoenix Rising to hosting AV Alta FC in a USL Cup game on April 25.That recent delay dropped United (24 points) from third in the Western Conference table to fifth, allowing FC Tulsa (26) and Colorado Springs (25) to move ahead at least temporarily. Six other clubs in the West, meanwhile, are three points behind or less.Surrounding all this? Uniteds nine-match unbeaten streak across all competitions regular season, the USL Cup and an international friendly which has included five clean sheets.The hope is, being back home makes coming off that layoff a little easier. If not, a bit more palatable.Last week was a little different than having a planned weekend off, per se, Sanchez said. There was no physical aspect to not playing a game. We maintained a level of freshness, but from a mental standpoint, we prepared for a game on two separate days. It is what it is.I think that specifically this week, rather than trying to do too much and make up for something that didnt happen, is just staying in our normal rhythm.David Glovach covers New Mexico United and other sports for the Journal. Reach him at dglovach@abqjournal.com or via X @DavidGlovach.More New Mexico United reading*Chicharito sees different opportunity in joining Atltico DallasMexico's all-time leading scorer is 1st signee for Championship expansion club*Giddy up: NM United plans to honor jockey Mike SmithNew Mexico native, Triple Crown winner will be at Aug. 26 match against Lexington SC*Weather again leads to postponement of NM United matchMakeup date to play Birmingham Legion FC still to be determined*NM United, Girl Scouts team up for 'girls in the game' eventAn old patch helped serve as the catalyst for the partnership*NM United match in Alabama postponedSquad will play Birmingham Legion FC on Saturday*Match day: New Mexico United at Birmingham Legion FCNMU gets to play at unique site to close road swing*NM United routs Lexington, extends unbeaten streak to nineSimplifying a short week paid off as NMU tied its season high in scoring with a dominant road win*NM United stadium at Balloon Fiesta Park clears another legal hurdleCourt of Appeals rules in soccer club's favor against neighborhood associations*Match day: New Mexico United at Lexington SCNMU is on an 8-game unbeaten streak and doing better in road matches*For NM United, keeping unbeaten streak intact outweighs USL Cup exitNMU out on tournament tiebreaker, but win over El Paso means 8 straight without a loss*Match day: New Mexico United at El Paso Locomotive FCNMU still has chance to advance in USL Cup with some help*A nice ring: Nol made most of NM United's break by proposingNMU midfielder popped the question to now-fiance Kate Levitt on June 26*Starr, Mata latest to sign academy contracts with NM UnitedAlbuquerque natives now eligible to play for NMU's first team*Nava is healthy and making the most of his chance to showcase his quality for NM UnitedAlbuquerque native has made key plays since entering lineup and enjoying 'every single second of it'*Matchday: Oakland Roots SC at New Mexico UnitedNMU looks to carry first-half momentum into second half of season