GAME DAY: REAL SALT LAKE AT NM UNITED
Wednesday, U.S. Open Cup, 7 p.m., 101.7 FM, ussoccer.com (streaming)
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Salt Lake (6-2-3 MLS): Whether RSL fields its usual lineup for this Open Cup matchup remains to be seen. Assuming such, Salt Lake’s roster is formidable. Colombian striker Chicho Arango is off to a sizzling start this season with nine goals and seven assists. He’s also attempted 45 shots — 21 more than anyone else on the club. United fans may see one familiar face suited up for RSL in former El Paso Locomotive star Diego Luna. After tormenting USL Championship foes to the tune of 41 goals from 2021-22, Luna signed a record deal to play with Salt Lake and performed up to expectations. He has a goal and five assists in MLS competition so far this season.
New Mexico (5-2-1 USLC): United has simply found ways to win through a difficult stretch this season. Both the attack and the back line have been hot and cold, but each has come up with big performances at times. NMU will need a more consistent outing on both ends against a topquality Real Salt Lake side. Daniel Bruce netted a pair of goals in last week’s 2-1 win at Las Vegas, but United missed numerous early chances to add more. Greg Hurst, Dayonn Harris and Mukwelle Akale will need to cash in quickly if opportunities arise Wednesday. United’s back line stood tall in the second half at Las Vegas, making a 2-1 lead stand up. Talen Maples continues to excel in the absence of injured Kalen Ryden.
NOTEWORTHY: Wednesday’s match will be New Mexico’s first at home against an MLS opponent, but United held its own against the top American tier in the previous meetings on the road. NMU knocked off two MLS foes (FC Dallas and Colorado Rapids) in the 2019 U.S. Open Cup before falling to Minnesota United in the quarterfinals. United was knocked out of last season’s tournament by MLS Austin FC.