The magic of the US Open Cup is returning to Albuquerque on Wednesday, and for the first time ever New Mexico United gets to host an MLS club at The Lab. In the Round of 32, United was drawn as the hosts to Real Salt Lake of the MLS.
For everything that United has done in the past in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, this will be their toughest test ever. RSL comes into the match-up as the top club in the Western Conference of the MLS. Prior to their debut in this year’s tournament, RSL are riding a seven-match unbeaten run in league play. Their last loss was two months ago, back on March 9 against the Colorado Rapids.
The biggest question coming into the evening will be how does the MLS side approach this match? Do they take it seriously and use their A-team? Or do they approach it using some of the lesser-used players? At the time of writing, one MLS clubs has already been #Cupset by a USL club. Given the change in format for the 2024 edition of the tournament, it’s highly likely that the MLS sides take their initial appearance far more seriously than they have in the past. That being said, there is a familiar face that may make an appearance at The Lab for RSL.
Former El Paso Locomotive forward Diego Luna made the jump to MLS in 2022 and has not had great success in the top division. Largely used as a sub, Luna could see the Cup tie as a chance to earn valuable minutes with the first team. If he is chosen to make the trip to Albuquerque, he may be in for quite the response from the Black & Yellow faithful.
Player to Watch
Andres Gomez – If Gomez makes the trip, he’ll be one to keep an eye on. An attacking midfielder, Gomez plays a critical role in what RSL likes to do. He’s creative and can take over a match. United may struggle to contain him if he breaks into the defensive third, but if they can, RSL may have some issues creating chances from the midfield.
Without a doubt, RSL is the favorite in this match. Despite being on the road and playing on a pitch that they’re not used to in terms of size and composition, they’re carrying that mantle because of how they’ve played in their season so far. United can still pull off yet another win over an MLS club against the odds if they can control the midfield.
Outside of two matches on the East Coast, United has played well this season. Including the prior Open Cup match, United would have a +7 goal differential and are currently sitting second in the Western Conference of the USL. United has to play fundamental football against RSL. The issues that have been seen from United when trying to play out of the back have to be ironed out, and they almost completely went away from that tactic against Lights at the weekend. United needs to play through the middle in order to put pressure on the back line of RSL in order to have chances in and around the area. The wide areas will be harder to play in, so the middle of the area will be where they need to attack.
Player to Watch
Greg Hurst – After sitting out against Lights, Hurst should be rested and ready for the week ahead. He’ll have to play off the shoulder and attack from the deeper position to force mistakes out of RSL. The forward has a chance to put United into the Round of 16 if he has a strong night on Wednesday.
Wednesday’s coverage will start at 6 PM (MT) with Adam Diehl and Andy Hageman on the pregame show. Following the pregame show, the pair will bring every minute of every play starting with kickoff at 7 PM (MT). Follow along with all the action on ESPN Radio 101.7 FM The TEAM, The TEAM website, and The TEAM apps.