In a renewal of the regional rivalry within the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, El Paso Locomotive FC defeated New Mexico United 4-0 at the UNM Soccer Complex on Wednesday night. The result marks the second consecutive year New Mexico has been eliminated from the tournament by El Paso, as the hosts played the final 31 minutes with ten men.
The match began with El Paso controlling the tempo and creating the more clinical chances. New Mexico struggled to establish consistent possession early, though the defensive unit remained compact for the opening half-hour.
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The disciplinary narrative began in the 22nd minute when United midfielder Ousman Jabang received a yellow card following a sliding challenge on Robert Coronado. Despite the pressure, the score remained level until the 37th minute. Following a deep throw-in by the visitors, Omar Mora recovered the ball on the endline and centered it into the box. United’s defense was unable to clear the service, allowing the ball to fall to Alvaro Quezada, who struck a right-footed shot past goalkeeper Raiko Arozarena to give El Paso a 1-0 lead.
The momentum shifted decisively in the 59th minute. Jabang, already on a caution, committed a foul on Ricky Ruiz during a midfield transition. The referee issued a second yellow card, resulting in a red card and reducing New Mexico to ten players.
El Paso capitalised on the man advantage almost immediately, with three goals following the advantage being given their way.
In the 63rd minute, while United was in the process of making tactical substitutions following a foul on Mora, El Paso executed a quick restart. Alex Mendez took a direct free kick from approximately 27 yards out, catching Arozarena off-guard at the left post to make it 2-0.
Minutes later in the 69th, a turnover in the United defensive half allowed Rubio Rubin to break free on a one-on-one. Rubin lifted his shot over the charging Arozarena to extend the lead to 3-0.
The visitors added a final goal in the 85th after a long ball over the top forced Arozarena off his line. While the initial danger was slowed, United failed to decisively clear the area. After a blocked shot by Diego Abitia, Eric Calvillo hit a first-time lob over the keeper to finalize the 4-0 scoreline.