New Mexico United's run in the 2024 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup came to an end on Wednesday night, but the traits the side showed augur well for what's to come in the USL Championship. | Photo courtesy U.S. Soccer
There’s no getting around it – losing is no fun.
As proud as New Mexico United’s players and fans were at the end of Wednesday night’s 3-1 defeat to Los Angeles FC at BMO Stadium in the Quarterfinals of the 2024 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup – where the multiple sections of yellow-clad supporters remained until well after the final whistle and drew plaudits from the home fans – it was still the end of the aim the club had this season to go further than it had five years ago.
When the dust settles, however, there will be plenty that United will gain from competing against a club currently rated in the Top 10 in North America per Concacaf’s rankings.
Gracias Familia Nothing but love to the best supporters! #SomosUnidos pic.twitter.com/JBvaS6Cp5p
— New Mexico United (@NewMexicoUTD) July 11, 2024
With this weekend off in the Championship before it returns home to face Birmingham Legion FC on July 20, there will be time to reflect on the good and the bad from Wednesday night before focus switches to what’s next.
There should be little doubt, though, that New Mexico can – and probably will – come out on the other side a better team than it entered.