The Colorado Rapids are one step away from advancing to the final of the 2024 edition of the Leagues Cup, they will face LAFC this Wednesday at BMO Stadium, and Mexican-American midfielder Omir Fernandez could be one of the players to follow in this important duel.
The team coached by Chris Armas reaches the semifinals, its best performance in this tournament, after four consecutive matches without defeat against Mexican teams, after defeating Leon in the group stage, and then FC Juarez, Toluca and America in the knockout round.
“It is a very special tournament for us, as it can open many doors for us. From the beginning we have taken it very seriously and passionately. When you play against Mexican teams you open the possibility for other fans to see you. Our last four games have been very important and exciting,” commented Fernández.
The history of Mexican teams and players may have been new to many Rapids members, but not to Omir Fernandez, who was born in New York, but both of his parents are from Alpuyeca, Guerrero, Mexico, so every game against Liga MX squads has been special to him.
“My whole family has played soccer at some point in their lives, I started when I was four years old and it was never because of pressure from my father, he just took me to the park to have fun. I chose it, I loved it from the beginning. With luck and hard work I have been able to be in good teams,” added Omir.
Fernandez, who started playing soccer at the age of four and later formed part of the academy and the first team of the New York Red Bulls, is in his first season with the Rapids and has participated in 16 games as a starter, scoring one goal and four assists in the current Major League Soccer season.
“It has always been my dream to play professional soccer and I have been a fan of Liga MX since I was a kid, but facing a team like América I never thought about it, that's the good thing about this tournament. I'm very happy and I couldn't believe it when we beat them the previous game, I didn't know what to say or do when we beat a team that was so important.”
One of his idols since childhood is Cuauhtémoc Blanco, former player of the Aguilas, so he replicated one of the striker's famous celebrations when he scored a goal and dedicated it to his father. “I don't have the pleasure of meeting him, but when I do I wouldn't know what to do. I would tell him that he has been an inspiration to me.”
The 25-year-old midfielder was the Red Bulls' hero in last year's Leagues Cup Round of 32, scoring the Big Apple side's only goal in the match against New York City.
The fans have been a very important part of his time in MLS, as he receives many signs of affection wherever he goes. “Many Latinos and Mexicans, without knowing me, come up to me to tell me that they are proud that I am here and that I have their full support. It makes me very happy that many fans follow me and show so much emotion, that motivates me”.
Fernandez and Colorado will now look to reach the Final of Leagues Cup when they face Los Angeles FC Wednesday night at 10:00 pm ET on Apple TV.
