A first half hat trick from Colombian striker Angelo Rodriguez provided the momentum Minnesota United needed to steal the slippers out from underneath this years Open Cup Cinderella side, New Mexico United.
The guests at Allianz Field scored the opening goal in the seventh minute of play, but a powerful and transitional Loons offense proved to be too much for the USL Championship side.
“I want to congratulate New Mexico, I think they’ve done incredibly well,” coach Adrian heath said. “They’re really well coached, Troy (NMU head coach) has a bright future. Their support was fantastic (away traveling fans) and they can be really proud of what they’ve done in this competition, considering it’s a first year club.