United, Locomotive Set for Clash of Old Rivals in US Open Cup

New Mexico United to host El Paso Locomotive in Round of 32 matchup on April 1

Mar. 21, 2026 at 3:06am

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New Mexico United and El Paso Locomotive, longtime rivals in the USL Championship, will meet in the Round of 32 of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on April 1 at the UNM Soccer Complex in Albuquerque. The two clubs have a history of intense matchups, with United currently leading the all-time series 7-8-5 across all competitions.

Why it matters

The U.S. Open Cup is a prestigious national tournament that pits professional and amateur clubs against each other, providing an opportunity for smaller clubs to take on MLS and USL powerhouses. The rivalry between New Mexico United and El Paso Locomotive is one of the most heated in the USL Championship, making this a must-see event for fans of both teams.

The details

Both teams advanced to the Round of 32 by defeating lower-division opponents in the first round. New Mexico United hosted and defeated Cruizers FC of the NPSL 3-2, while El Paso Locomotive traveled to Laredo, Texas and beat USL2 side Laredo Heat 2-0. The last time these two clubs met in the U.S. Open Cup was in 2025, when El Paso advanced on penalties after a 1-1 draw.

  • The match will take place on April 1, 2026 at 7:25 p.m.
  • The last meeting between United and Locomotive in the U.S. Open Cup was on April 16, 2025.

The players

New Mexico United

A professional soccer club based in Albuquerque, New Mexico that competes in the USL Championship.

El Paso Locomotive

A professional soccer club based in El Paso, Texas that also competes in the USL Championship.

Clint Gray

Vice president of New Mexico United.

Cristian Nava

A player for New Mexico United who scored the late winning goal against Cruizers FC in the first round.

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What they’re saying

“We are excited for the opportunity to host our rival in this historic competition. We look forward to seeing the best fans in the league pack the stands at UNM once again for this match.”

— Clint Gray, Vice President, New Mexico United

What’s next

Tickets for the match will go on sale early next week.

The takeaway

This highly anticipated clash between New Mexico United and El Paso Locomotive in the U.S. Open Cup promises to be a thrilling showdown between two of the USL Championship's fiercest rivals, providing an opportunity for the smaller club to take down a regional powerhouse in a prestigious national tournament.