This match highlighted the nature of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, as New Mexico United hosted Cruizers FC of the NPSL on Wednesday night at the UNM Soccer Complex. Despite an unexpected performance from Cruizers, United secured a 3-2 victory to advance to Round 2. Goals from Grady Gilchrist and Cristian Nava contributed to the result.
New Mexico United made 10 changes to the starting lineup from its season opener against Oakland Roots, with Will Seymore as the only returning starter. Arturo Astorga was a late scratch and replaced by Zico Bailey, while Greg Hurst was included on the bench and later entered the match during the first half.
United created an early opportunity within the first four minutes when Justin Rennicks took a shot that went wide. The team maintained attacking pressure, and in the 12th minute, a low cross from Rennicks led to a misplay between Angel Ruiz-Hernandez and Ignacio Flores. The ball deflected off Flores and into the net for an own goal, giving United a 1-0 lead.
Cruizers responded in the 16th minute. After working the ball into the penalty area, Ariel Mbumba capitalized on a loose ball and scored from close range to equalize at 1-1.
Both teams made substitutions in the 31st minute due to injuries. Alex Kryazhev and Justin Rennicks were both forced to leave the match, with Greg Hurst replacing Rennicks.
Following a stoppage, United regained the lead in the 38th minute. Gilchrist advanced down the left side and attempted a cross, but the ball instead traveled directly into the net, marking his first professional goal and giving United a 2-1 advantage.
Cruizers equalized again during first-half stoppage time. In the 48th minute, a turnover in United’s defensive half allowed Mbumba to score his second goal of the match, tying the score at 2-2.
In the second half, United controlled possession but faced difficulty breaking down Cruizers’ defensive setup. Several chances were created, including headers by Luther Archimede and attempts by Valentin Noel, but none resulted in a goal.
The decisive moment came near the end of regulation. In the 90th minute, Nava received a pass inside the penalty area and scored with a right-footed shot to give United a 3-2 lead.
The closing minutes included multiple disciplinary actions. Cam Wilkerson received a second yellow card and was sent off in the 96th minute. Jorge Medina of Cruizers was also sent off after receiving a second yellow card in the 100th minute. Additionally, a member of United’s coaching staff was shown a red card.
Nava was named Player of the Match. In his first start in nearly three years, he played the full match and scored the game-winning goal.
With the win, New Mexico United advances to Round 2 of the US Open Cup. The opponent will be determined following the upcoming draw. Round 2 is scheduled to take place between March 31 and April 1.