That wasn’t the way New Mexico United wanted to end the 2025 Open Cup. Losing at home to their rivals in a shoot out was not in the script. But, after giving up the first goal of the match and having to come from behind, they surrendered a last-second goal to El Paso Locomotive FC, before falling in a penalty shootout, 2 (1) – 2 (4).
This was not the same El Paso club that United faced in league play just a few short weeks ago. Back then, there was a sense that the Locomotive was just happy to try and come out with a point. After some positive results in the following weeks, there was confidence about them in the Open Cup match.
Instead of sitting back as they did in the first match, the visitors were highly aggressive and sought out chances from the opening whistle. A familiar face, Amando Moreno, was the culprit early and tried to get his side ahead. El Paso took advantage of the space they were being given and found ways to get into the area. Despite not getting a goal as soon as they would have liked, it looked like the match was theirs to control.
The scoreline finally broke in the 20th minute when the Locomotive took the lead off a set piece. After winning a corner, Ricardo Ruiz was given the chance to send the ball into the area. His delivery drew United goalkeeper Kris Shakes off his line and made him think he could deflect it. The ball sailed out of the reach of Shakes, leaving him caught in no man’s land, and fell for a header from Daniel Carter. Carter was able to get enough on it and head the ball into the left corner of the net for the lead, 0-1.
This match was nowhere close to settling down. The intensity only picked up, and the teams would each see yellow before the half was over. A scuffle between the sides took place at each end of the pitch and led to some interesting decisions from the center referee as he tried to control the match.
After being run off the pitch for the first twenty-five minutes, United finally started to find some chances after the half-hour mark. Fernando seemed to have a sure-fire goal in the 29th minute after a cross came in from McKinze Gaines. But the ball took a 90-degree angle off the foot of the Brazilian and completely away from goal.
It may have been a bit lucky, but United got an equalizer in the 40th minute. In a moment that would make the highlight reel for a particular X account, When Playing It Out of the Back Goes Wrong, El Paso conceded in one of the worst possible ways. Keeper Sebastian Mora-Mora tried to play the ball to his left, but left the ball hanging long enough for Gaines to make an interception. Gaines saw that he had Marlon Vargas alone in the middle of the area, and sent the ball back in, allowing Vargas to capitalize and level the score line with a right-footed shot, 1-1.
The fiestiness of the first half gave way to a much more controlled opening twenty minutes of the second. As the rivals clashed, they looked for ways to break the deadlock, and once again, El Paso was the first side to come close. In the 70th minute, Andy Cabrera put a screamer on goal, but Shakes was able to deflect the shot up and off the crossbar.
Just three minutes later, United grabbed the lead for the first time in the evening. Recovering from the earlier attempt by Cabrera, United had a sequence of possession, moving the ball from side to side and trying to pull the visitors out of position. In doing so, both Mukwelle Akale and Jaylin Lindsey were able to find space on opposite ends of the box. Akale crossed the ball to the far post where Lindsey waited and sent a header past Mora for the lead, 2-1.
As it happens in Derby fashion, the drama wasn’t done. United cleared the bench and looked to see the end of the match out, and as the second half wound down, it looked like the match was in hand. In the final minute of stoppage time, Talen Maples committed a foul near midfield, giving El Paso a chance to stack the box with bodies as Mora-Mora came forward to deliver the ball. Unable to clear the ball, United allowed Gabi Torres to find Cabera, who laced a low, left-footed shot into the bottom right corner to square the match, 2-2.
United was gifted a golden opportunity in the first period of extra time, but they couldn’t convert the chance. In the 104th minute of play, Akale and Thomas Amang found themselves deep in the goal area of El Paso, as Akale tried to square the ball for a sure goal, his touch failed, and he turned the ball over, reminiscent of his touches early against North Carolina.
Neither team would find a winner in Extra Time and sent the affair to Penalty Kicks.
The penalty kicks didn’t go New Mexico United’s way. Their first attempt by Gedion Zelalem was saved, and the attempt by Kalen Ryden went off the crossbar. By the time Ryden’s shot missed, United was already in a 1-3 hole and needed a save by Shakes to keep their hopes alive. Unfortunately, Cabrera stepped to the mark and converted, giving El Paso the goal they needed to advance to the US Open Cup Quarterfinals.
Player of the Match
McKinze Gaines – While he didn’t find a goal, Gaines was a handful for El Paso to deal with all night long. His play resulted in United’s first goal of the evening and found multiple opportunities to put the ball into dangerous areas for his forwards.
Up Next
With the Cup behind them, United can now focus on league play and the Jaegermeister Cup. When they return to play next Wednesday, United will face off against Western leading Monterey Bay FC. Coverage of that match will begin with the pregame show with Adam Diehl and Andy Hageman at 6 P.M. (MT) followed by kickoff at 7 P.M. (MT). Catch every minute of every play all season long on ESPN Radio 101.7 FM The TEAM, The TEAM apps, and The TEAM website.