El Paso Locomotive FC (1-0-1, 4 pts, Group C – 1) vs New Mexico United (1-1-0, 3 pts, Group C – 3)
Wednesday, July 15 | Southwest University Park, El Paso, Texas
Kickoff: 7:00 p.m. MT.
Live on ESPN+
@EPLocomotiveFC | #ELPvNM
El Paso Locomotive FC takes on its first opponent in Group C when it welcomes New Mexico United to Southwest University Park. In a condensed season where every point counts, Los Locos have an opportunity to put space between themselves and the rest of the pack with a win over their regional rivals.
2020 Stats Snapshot (ELP/NM)
Goals For 1 / 2
Goals Against 0 / 2
Min/goal 180 / 90
Possession 59% / 52%
Passing Acc. 84.2% / 78.7%
Fouls 23 / 27
Yellow Cards 5 / 2
Red Cards 0 / 0
Locomotive Run Down
Saturday’s return to play saw Locomotive come away with a clean sheet and a 1-0 victory after a slow a first half motivated the Locos Blue into a high-octane offensive. Pressure from the Locomotive offense paid off with a smooth strike from MF Dylan Mares late in the match to give the home side the advantage. With momentum on its side and the rust shaken off, Locomotive FC will aim to secure another critical three points to further cement its position at the top of Group C.
Player to Watch: Midfielder Dylan Mares was one of few players to go the full 90 minutes on Saturday, completing 80% of his passes and taking two chances in towards goal. While one chance was blocked by the opposing backline, the other found the back of the net to earn the win for Locomotive. Paired with creating two key chances for goal, Mares has proven himself an excellent addition to the Locomotive squad and is one to watch moving into Wednesday’s match against New Mexico United.
New Mexico United Run Down
United had a successful return to play with a 2-1 victory over Group C rival, Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC on Saturday. New Mexico was able to get on the board early in Colorado, but a late first-half goal equalized the two at the break. Late game heroics from the United offense pulled out the win. Paired with the loss New Mexico suffered in March, United sits third on the Group C table, tied in points with Switchbacks FC.
Player to Watch: Midfielder Chris Wehan is leading New Mexico United in the attack, providing the late game-winning goal to lift his side to victory over Colorado Springs on Saturday. Wehan has taken seven shots on target across two appearances so far this season, creating an additional three for his side to provide a dangerous offensive. The last time Locomotive FC and New Mexico United met, Chris Wehan proved to be Locomotive’s undoing, as two quick goals shortly after the 70th minute shut out Los Locos.