The first ever New Mexico vs. New Mexico U.S. Open Cup match had a very distinct Rio Rancho vibe Tuesday night.

USL Championship side New Mexico United toppled New Mexico State University — University Degrees Abroad, a combination club/academy team, 6-0 at Rio Rancho Stadium in front of 1,680 fans who braved the miserable, frigid  and windy weather. The game was played at Rio Rancho Stadium because of a scheduling conflict with the Albuquerque Isotopes.

Rio Rancho City Councilors Jeremy Lenentine and Bob Tyler and New Mexico Runners head coach and soccer icon Steve Famiglietta took part in pre-match festivities. Despite the windy, cold conditions, New Mexico United received a warm welcome from the City of Vision.

“It’s awesome to have them out here in Rio Rancho,” Tyler said. “I’ll tell you what, having these folks out here, having New Mexico United out here, it’s just amazing. It’s just a great time for everyone, and it’s great to see this awesome team out here with us in the city of Rio Rancho. We’re happy to have them here and we wish they were here all the time.”

United fans from Albuquerque, including more than a dozen from The Curse, United’s official supporters group, also came running up the hill to watch NMU advance in the U.S. Open Cup. Josh Dolling scored all three of his goals in the second half to help United move on to the third round.

New Mexico United owner Peter Trevisani was also in attendance, enjoying showing his team off to a different city in New Mexico.

“I love it. I wish we could export every game around the state,” Trevisani said. “We’re so grateful Rio Rancho said yes and made the stadium available. We got a great turnout. Rio Rancho is part of New Mexico, and New Mexico United is part of Rio Rancho.”