It was a thrilling first ever Lamar Hunt US Open Cup game for the Lubbock Matadors as they hosted professional side Arizona Monsoon of NISA, who were also making their tournament debut. The Matadors fought hard, battling adversity, including giving up an early goal, but ultimately came back to beat Arizona in extra time, 2-1.
An announced sellout crowd of 2,258 packed LCU Field at Lubbock Christian University on a picture perfect afternoon in West Texas. According to TheCup.us records, it was the first time that the oldest tournament in American soccer took place in Lubbock.
The match was dominated early on by the Matadors. It was reported before the match that Arizona had only traveled with 13 players, and it showed in the way they approached the game. As the first half developed, you could see Arizona growing into the game inch by inch.
This culminated in an amazing curling effort by Izsak Fierro in the 37th minute that landed perfectly in the top right corner, completely against the run of play. The Matadors had some smaller chances, but going into the half, they had a 1-0 deficit to come back from.
Talking about second half adjustments, Lubbock Matadors head coach Paul Gilbert talked about dropping players more into the central area to open up that attacking third for his team.
The second half began, and it was all Matadors from there. They were constantly knocking at the door of the Arizona goal, and overall, they were a much more dangerous team. Thirty-five minutes passed by, with chances occurring but nothing concrete for the home team. Then the game broke open for the Matadors as Arizona midfielder Giancarlo Canas-Jarquin was given a straight red for dangerous play when he stuck out his foot straight into the stomach of Lubbock foward Luke Jones.
From here, the attacks got more dangerous, with the Matadors having the man advantage. Then, in the 83rd minute, Shuma Sasaki whipped in a cross that was scored by Salvador Martinez. Coach Gilbert could not stop singing his praises for the Japanese winger calling him “unbelievable” and being grateful that he has joined the Matadors. With the game all tied up after regulation, the game went into extra time.
Early into extra time, it was now the Matadors who were on the receiving end of a red card, as Bruno Garcia was given his second yellow. This still did not stop the Matadors from attacking, as the fatigue from the Monsoon was clearly showing having already used up their lone substitute.
Time was winding down in the second half of extra time. It seemed all but certain that the game was heading for penalty kicks. Then, in the 118th minute, a brilliant move from Shuma Sasaki allowed him to slip a pass into Lucca Motta, who perfectly squared it to the hero of the night for Lubbock: Toufik Najem. Najem’s goal sent the packed stadium into a frenzy.
The referee would blow his whistle for full-time and Lubbock came away with a 2-1 victory.
“This Open Cup is so special, and we gotta keep this going in our country because it brings people together; it brings the soccer community together,” said Gilbert.
The Matadors will advance to the Second Round which will take place the week of April 2-3.
