U.S. Open Cup — Round of 32
El Paso Locomotive FC vs. Houston Dynamo FC
Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM CT
Shell Energy Stadium — Houston, Texas
Houston Dynamo FC are confirmed hosts for this Round of 32 matchup.
Venue — Shell Energy Stadium
Location: Houston, Texas
Broadcast: Paramount+ (national streaming)
Atmosphere: One of the most challenging Open Cup venues for visiting lower‑division sides, with strong supporter culture and MLS‑level facilities.
Weather Outlook (Inference Only)
No weather data was provided in the sources. Based on typical mid‑April Houston conditions:
Temperature: 75–82°F
Conditions: Warm, humid, light breeze
Impact:
Humidity may tax El Paso’s defensive work rate.
Fast pitch conditions favor Houston’s possession and tempo.
(This section is inference because no weather information was included in the sources.)
Team Records & Tournament Context
Houston Dynamo FC (MLS – Division I)
Two‑time U.S. Open Cup Champions: 2018 and 2023
Entering the 2026 tournament in the Round of 32 as an MLS club.
If they advance: They will host the winner of Austin FC vs. Louisville City FC in the Round of 16.
Recent Cup success:
Won the 2023 Open Cup, defeating Inter Miami CF 2–1.
Advanced to the Round of 16 in 2025 after a 4–1 extra‑time win over Phoenix Rising FC.
El Paso Locomotive FC (USL Championship – Division II)
Advanced to the Round of 32 after a 4–0 win over New Mexico United on April 1, 2026.
Back‑to‑back Round of 32 appearances for the first time in club history.
Recent Cup history:
Faced Austin FC in the 2025 Fourth Round.
Entering 2026 with strong early‑round form:
2–0 win vs. Laredo Heat SC (March 19, 2026)
4–0 win vs. New Mexico United (April 1, 2026)
Recent Team Form (Competition-Based)
Houston Dynamo FC
Entering fresh as MLS clubs begin their Open Cup journey in this round.
Strong Cup pedigree under head coach Ben Olsen, who has won the tournament with two different clubs.
El Paso Locomotive FC
Entering with momentum from two straight Cup wins (2–0, 4–0).
Have not conceded a goal in the 2026 tournament.
Injury Report
No injury information was provided in any sourced material.
(This section cannot be filled with factual detail due to lack of available data.)
Key Player Matchups (Inference-Based)
1. Houston’s MLS Attack vs. El Paso’s Defensive Shape
Houston’s attacking core includes multiple players with Open Cup championship experience.
El Paso’s back line has kept two straight clean sheets in Cup play.
2. Midfield Control: Herrera & Artur vs. El Paso’s Engine Room
Houston’s midfield features 2023 Cup‑winning veterans like Héctor Herrera and Artur.
El Paso must disrupt tempo and avoid long defensive phases.
3. Transition Play
El Paso’s best chance lies in quick counters and set pieces.
Houston’s possession‑heavy style can leave space behind fullbacks if transitions are not managed.
Series History
No prior U.S. Open Cup meetings between the clubs were referenced in the sources.
This is a first‑ever Cup meeting between Houston Dynamo FC and El Paso Locomotive FC.
Betting Trends (Competition-Based)
Houston Dynamo FC Trends
Two‑time Open Cup champions (2018, 2023).
Strong home Cup performances historically.
MLS teams overwhelmingly advance at home vs. lower‑division opponents.
El Paso Locomotive FC Trends
Entering with two dominant Cup wins (2–0, 4–0).
Strong defensive form in early rounds.
Historically competitive vs. MLS sides but have not yet advanced past the Fourth Round.
