UNM Soccer Complex — Albuquerque, New Mexico
Broadcast: Paramount+
This is the 21st all‑time meeting between the rivals, with New Mexico hosting for the second straight year.
Venue Information
Stadium: UNM Soccer Complex
City: Albuquerque, NM
Capacity: ~6,000
Surface: Natural grass
Atmosphere: One of the most intense rivalry environments in the Southwest
Weather Forecast — Albuquerque, NM (April 1, 2026)
Based on early‑April climate norms for central New Mexico.
Temperature: 60–66°F at kickoff
Conditions: Clear to partly cloudy
Wind: 8–14 mph (typical spring winds)
Rain Chance: <10%
Pitch Impact: Fast, dry surface—favors transition play and long‑range shooting
Injury & Availability Report
(No official injury lists published as of March 30, 2026.)
New Mexico United
No confirmed absences.
Cristian Nava scored the late winner in the First Round and is expected to feature.
El Paso Locomotive FC
No major injuries reported.
Coming off a clean 2–0 First Round win.
Team Records & Recent Form
New Mexico United
2026 Cup Form:
3–2 win vs. Cruizers FC (NPSL) with a late winner from Cristian Nava.
Strengths:
Strong home support
High‑energy midfield
Historically strong in rivalry matches
Weaknesses:
Defensive inconsistency in Cup play
El Paso Locomotive FC
2026 Cup Form:
2–0 win vs. Laredo Heat (USL2).
Strengths:
Organized defensive structure
Proven Cup resilience (eliminated NMU on penalties in 2025)
Weaknesses:
Occasional scoring droughts in league play
Series History
All‑time series: New Mexico leads 7–5–8.
Last U.S. Open Cup meeting:
April 16, 2025 — 2–2 (El Paso advanced 4–1 on penalties).
Rivalry Notes:
One of the most heated matchups in the Southwest since 2019.
El Paso knocked NMU out of the 2025 Cup.
Key Player Matchups
Cristian Nava (NMU) vs. El Paso Back Line
Scored the decisive goal in NMU’s First Round win.
El Paso must limit his ability to drift between lines.
El Paso Attack vs. NMU Center‑Backs
El Paso’s Cup win featured strong wing play and late‑game composure.
NMU conceded twice to a lower‑division opponent—defensive discipline is a concern.
Midfield Battle
NMU’s high‑tempo midfield vs. El Paso’s structured double pivot.
Whoever controls tempo likely controls the match.
Betting Trends
New Mexico United
Won First Round via late goal.
Historically strong at home in Cup play.
Leads all‑time rivalry series.
El Paso Locomotive
Knocked NMU out of the 2025 Cup on penalties.
Clean sheet in First Round.
Strong recent Cup performances.
Rivalry Trend
Last Cup meeting ended 2–2 before penalties.
Matches often tight and physical.
MATCH ODDS
New Mexico United – 130
El Paso Locomotive FC + 265
Draw + 245
Over 2.5 + 100 Under 2.5 – 120
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, March 31, 2026
