Before Tuesday night, the 2024 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup has 15 matches left to be played. One of those matches will take place in Queens, home of NYCFC II, the last remaining MLS Next Pro club. Their opponent is none other than New Mexico United, who are looking to make their second trip into the quarterfinals since 2019.
NYCFC II has already won an award of sorts in this year’s tournament. As the farthest advancing Division 3 club, they will be awarded $25,000 for their efforts. When the club is owned by the City Football Group, $25,000 is a drop in the bucket of their annual budget. City Football Group owns twenty clubs from four different federations across the globe. In past seasons, MLS clubs were known to loan players down to their developmental clubs for the tournament. NYCFC does not appear to have done so. Research as of earlier today could find no transactions between the two clubs.
In the Round of 32, NYCFC took advantage of an early goal from Jonathan Jimenez and rode that momentum to the end. Against the higher division Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, who also had a red card, the Next Pro side may have an argument for the biggest upset of the tournament. In their league season, NYCFC is sitting 9th in the MLS Next Pro standings.
Player to Watch
Jonathan Shore – Barring any major changes to the roster construction, Shore should be in the starting XI for NYCFC on Tuesday night. The seventeen-year-old midfielder has acquitted himself well in the league season. With four goals in eight appearances, he’s a threat that United will need to be prepared for.
Given the run that United is on right now and the level of the opposition, it would be easy for the club and fans to overlook this match. Head Coach Eric Quill has done his part in showing how seriously he takes this tournament. The team sheets that he has sent out have been more than enough to handle the opponents they’ve faced so far. With wins over clubs from the NPSL and MLS, United is well-positioned to at least make the Quarterfinals. There are some enticing matchups elsewhere that could potentially see the exit of more MLS clubs and open the path for another USL club to make the final.
In a broken record moment, United’s attack needs to drive from the midfield. Against younger players, United’s veterans can cause a lot of disruption. The midfield play turned into the key moments in the round of 32 and undid RSL. Zico Bailey and Marco Micaletto could be in for a big night in the Big Apple if they can pin NYCFC back. The duo running at the back of NYCFC will force them to turn and open up lanes for Greg Hurst or even Daniel Bruce up top.
Player to Watch
Daniel Bruce – The legend of Bruce can continue to grow as he extends his appearances mark and potentially works his way closer to the top of United’s scoring leaders in the US Open Cup. Bruce has been electric in each of his appearances this season and playing up top has sparked something in the Englishman and his club.
Coverage of the Round of 16 matchup between New Mexico United and NYCFC II will begin at 4:30 with the pregame show with Adam Diehl and Andy Hageman. Following the pregame show, the pair will bring every minute of every play starting with kickoff at 5:30. New Mexico United can be heard all season long on ESPN Radio 101.7 FM The TEAM, The TEAM website, and The TEAM apps.
