For the second time in franchise history New Mexico United will play in the quarterfinals of the U.S. Open Cup when they square off against LAFC from the MLS Wednesday night. The round of 16 is as far as United has gone in its history, but they feel confident about besting that mark this time around.
Unlike the other time, in 2019, United has played well enough to lead the Western Conference in the USL Championship. The team has a more talented feel to it than it has in the past. “They all know what they’re chasing,” said United second-year coach Eric Quill. “We had our preseason goals. This is one of them. They’ve earned the right to be here, which I’m proud of. And, these guys are playing as well as anybody and I just think that our football, our mindset, our togetherness is something that’s special and I think it’s going to bode well for us on the night.”
New Mexico United’s success has been on the road and at home this season where they maintain a perfect 7-0 record. They are traveling for Wednesday’s open cup match, but appear to be up for the challenge no matter if a match is home or away. “I think one of the biggest things this staff has infiltrated into the club is a winning culture, a desire and a deep willingness to win, whether that’s in training, whether it’s in friendly games or open cup, a real importance and desire to win in everything you do,” said NM United midfielder Daniel Bruce. United and LAFC have a 9 p.m. Mountain time start on Wednesday.