Competition: Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, Round of 32
Opponent: New York City FC II of MLS Next Pro
Match Date: May 8
Location: Belson Stadium on the campus of St. John’s University in Queens, New York City
Kickoff: 5:30pm MT
How to Watch: Streaming online through USSoccer.com
Coach Chamber’s Comments: “Obviously [it was a] good result [against El Paso Locomotive]. [It was] fits and spurts. The performance was good, but I think we dug in really well. At one-nil we obviously came under a little bit of pressure, but bodies were on the line, and the willingness to keep the clean sheet is something that I’m really, really happy with – and the boys are delighted with too! “I think we have a small bit of momentum – like a tiny little bit. [We are] obviously three games unbeaten, and we want to keep that going. NYC obviously turned over Hartford [Athletic], and we go to Hartford [on] Saturday. We’ll take the Open Cup when it comes around. We’re obviously really, really happy with the result [against El Paso Locomotive], but we move on and we look after NYC and we approach them and hopefully we go on and put on a performance [on Wednesday]. And then we’ll look at the league game the following Saturday [against Hartford Athletic] and take that when it comes. “[NYCFC II] have got a lot of energy. They’ve got some good players, [and] they obviously have a game model that replicates the first team that they’re trying to implement, so they’ll pose a really good threat to us. We’re excited to get there. Obviously, look, we’d like to win and get to the next round of the Open Cup. It’s a really prestigious competition and it’s something that we want to do well in!”
Vargish’s View: NYCFC II reached the Round of the 32 in the US Open Cup after a tempestuous 3-2 win over USL Championship’s Hartford Athletic on April 17th . Wednesday’s hosts will honor the time-tested approach of younger, lower division teams facing more experienced opposition by relying on their energy and intimate environment to discombobulate the Switchbacks. The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup presents a unique opportunity for the Switchbacks to perform in the pressure of a knockout competition, and perhaps give some valuable game-time to players who’ve so far been on the fringes of the first team in 2024. Make no mistake, the Switchbacks want to win on Wednesday, and if they can do so while giving priceless experience to their entire squad, it will make the team – and club – all the stronger as they look to claw themselves into a place in the 2024 USL Championship Playoffs in the fall.
