Austin FC shuts out New Mexico United to advance in U.S. Open Cup

This was the performance Austin FC needed.

After more than eight weeks since its last win in any competition, El Tree began its U.S. Open Cup campaign with a 2-0 win over New Mexico United on Wednesday night at Q2 Stadium in a game more lopsided than the score indicated.

First-half goals from Rodney Redes and Maxi Urruti paced Austin FC to a lead where it could sub key players and coast in the second half.

Here are some thoughts from the match as El Tree will have a quick turnaround when it returns to MLS play Saturday in a home derby game vs. FC Dallas.

Austin FC looked sharp and was never in danger

Games against USL teams can be a bit tricky, as teams from the lower division are severely hyped to play MLS clubs and treat them like a World Cup final. But Austin FC never let New Mexico United get any kind of momentum or sense that an upset would be possible and did what you’d hope to do against a team from a lower division — dominate.

While possession in the game ended up close to even, it’s because El Tree simply played out the second half and trailing teams usually control the ball more.

There’s something to be said about getting an expected result, and Austin FC deserves a tip of the cap for that.

More: What has gone wrong for Austin FC over its first 10 matches?

Man of the match: Rodney Redes

Redes continues to be a breath of fresh air for the club, something that’s dearly needed with its well-documented injury issues.

It also comes as a bit of a surprise as Redes entered the season as someone who looked to just be a bottom-of-the-roster player and who some in the press box — including this writer — wondered how long would be in the MLS. But his excellent play the last month now presents Austin FC coach Josh Wolff with the pleasant problem of whom to start once — if? — Austin FC gets healthy again.

Goals were no fluke

The goals by El Tree were of high quality.

Redes’ flick on a header off Emiliano Rigoni’s corner kick was the smart play and well-executed, while Urruti had an easy finish thanks to a solid cross by Adam Lundqvist.

More: Late goal gives Austin FC a draw with Portland Timbers

After failing to score in four out of five games, Austin FC now has two goals in each of its last three games.

Sure, no one will be wowed with two goals against a team from a lower division, but it continues a trend and you don’t apologize for scoring, no matter who it’s against.

Early lead key for keeping players fresh the rest of May

Leading 2-0 at halftime allowed Wolff to sit starting center backs Leo Väisänen and Alex Ring in the second half and keep them available for Saturday.

Julio Cascante and Aleksandar Radovanovic — making his first appearance for the club — held down the back line in the second half, and with the lack of pace the final 45 minutes, should also be available for the derby.

Cascante’s return seems to have come at the perfect time with Sebastián Driussi out for a couple of weeks with a groin injury and Owen Wolff on international leave with the U.S. youth national team at the under-20 World Cup. But it was also crucial that the team received 90 minutes from 34-year-old defender Hector Jimenez and defensive midfielder Jhojan Valencia.

Momentum? We’ll see

Saturday may provide an opportunity to build some momentum for Austin FC.

Dallas lost on the road at Nashville on Wednesday and now has to travel and play on only two days rest.

While it’s off to a good start, it hasn’t won in four matches, and an early goal for El Tree could be key in taking a derby win, snapping a seven-game league winless streak and starting what it hopes is a rise up the conference standings.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Austin FC tops New Mexico United 2-0 in U.S. Open Cup opener