The United States Open Cup clash on March 20, 2026, saw El Paso Locomotive FC secure a 2-0 away victory over the Laredo Heat. This match result sent the USL Championship side through to the next round at the expense of their lower-league opponents. The match process was controlled by the professional visitors, who opened the scoring midway through the first half with a well-worked team move finished from close range. The key moment came early in the second half when El Paso doubled their lead from a set-piece, effectively killing the contest. A focus point was the gulf in experience and physicality, with El Paso's professional pedigree showing as they managed the game efficiently after establishing their lead. There were no major controversies, though the Heat had a penalty shout waved away in the first half. The result had no direct league table impact, but it was a significant cup exit for Laredo and a confident step forward for El Paso in the tournament. Post-match voices from the Laredo camp would have praised their team's effort, while the El Paso manager highlighted the professional job done. The starting XIs reflected El Paso's strong first-choice lineup, which proved too much for the determined but ultimately outmatched hosts.