New York City FC II will host Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC on Wednesday, May 8 at 7:30 pm ET in the Fourth Round of the 2024 US Open Cup. The game will be held at Belson Stadium on the campus of St. John's University in Queens.
The Baby Blues advanced to the Round of 32 after a wild extra-time win last night over Hartford Athletic. New York City were underdogs entering the contest: A young and inexperienced NYCFC II traveled to Connecticut to face a Hartford stacked with former Major League Soccer players and current internationals. Hartford dominated much of the contest, but the Baby Blues scored first, then added goals in the 99th and 109th minutes to earn a hard-fought win.
Switchbacks FC of the second-tier USL Championship join the tournament in the Round of 32. Colorado Springs are winless in five league games, with only one goal scored. They not only currently sit in last place in the Western Conference, they have the worst record in all of USLC.
Cupset x 3
It was the third cupset in a row for the Baby Blues, who are competing in the US Open Cup for the first time in club history. Back in March, New York City shut out FC Motown of the National Premier Soccer League on the road, dominating a more experienced and physical side. On April 2, New York City defeated New York Red Bulls II by the score of 4-2, dominating a team that currently sit on top of the MLS NEXT Pro conference table.
New York City are one of just four away teams to advance from the First Round to the Round of 32. In addition, they are one of four teams to log an away win in the Third Round. The other 12 teams that made it to the Round of 32 played at home.
The Baby Blues are now the only MLSNP side left in the US Open Cup, and only one of three teams from the third tier of the US Soccer pyramid that remain in the tournament.
New York City attackers Taylor Calheira and JJ Jimenez both have three goals in the tournament, which put them in a three-way tie for second place among active goal-scorers in the tournament. They trail only Birmingham Legion FC's Stefano Pinho, who has four goals. New York City's Máximo Carrizo, who scored the game-winner against Hartford, has two goals.
New York City in the house
For the Fourth Round draw, New York City were placed in a group with Switchbacks FC and New Mexico United of USLC, and Real Salt Lake of Major League Soccer.
Real Salt Lake and Switchbacks join the tournament in the Round of 32. New Mexico United, like New York City, advanced by winning their Third Round match. New Mexico defeated Lubbock Matadors 3-1 at home on Tuesday, April 16.
New York City are now the only team left in the tournament from the Northeast after no other side from New England, New York, New Jersey, or Pennsylvania advanced from the Third Round.
