New Mexico United announced its first academy program player to earn a first team contract will miss the 2023 season due to an ACL tear.Cristian Nava, a 19-year-old forward and Albuquerque native, sufferred a season-ending injury at a training session on Friday. Nava made several starts for the club, including two goals over the course of last season.United head coach Zach Prince said the team will have to step up with Nava's absence in the lineup.“Serious injury is far and away the worst part of our sport, and sports in general," Prince said. “Cristian is a massive part of our team, and he personifies the identity of our group. The charisma and energy he brings to our group are infectious. It will be a challenge to the rest of this group of players to rise up in his absence.“Cristian’s mentality is very strong, and any adversity that has come his way ends up turning into a positive. He will be greatly missed on the field, and our team is committed to helping him through his rehabilitation process.”