Week 1 of the 2019 USL Championship season is officially in the books.

But before we move on to Week 2, I’d like to take a minute to address a few lingering questions that fans across social media have sent my way since the action concluded on Sunday night in Birmingham.

Welcome to the Mailbag, let’s do this…

@Sportsblogfc asks: Will the good attendance in Birmingham, El Paso and New Mexico be sustained throughout the season?

Of course they will! A slight drop-off after a record-breaking opening weekend would be normal, but I think all four expansion cities that hosted their inaugural games this weekend (including Memphis) will continue to see crowds similar to Week 1. The atmosphere at each of the venues was electric and having that level of energy from the get-go will keep everyone engaged locally.

I was really impressed with the fans in Birmingham, who turned up the heat at BBVA Compass Field despite having the match postponed a day because of weather. When the UAB students return to campus after Spring Break, that place is going to be rockin’.

Reddit user @20goillini05 asks: The expansion clubs went winless this weekend, but which of those clubs showed the most promise and have the best shot at making the playoffs?

Before the regular season began, I picked New Mexico United as the expansion team that I thought could compete for the USL Cup in 2019. I also said that NMU would be the only one of the seven new clubs to reach the USL Cup Playoffs in its inaugural season. So far, I haven’t seen anything to change my mind on that.

I thought New Mexico turned in a solid performance against Fresno FC on Saturday, and while I’m sure it was disappointing to settle for a draw, it was still a good first step. I believe the pieces are in place for Head Coach Troy Lesesne and his squad to have success right away, but we’ll see just how ready they are when they visit Phoenix Rising FC this weekend. In the long term, though, the incredible crowds at Isotopes Park will help the home side turn draws into wins.