El Paso Locomotive FC (1-2-2, 5 pts, Group C – 2) vs Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC (1-2-1, 4 pts, Group C – 3)
Saturday, August 8 | Southwest University Park, El Paso, Texas
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. MT.
Live on El Paso – Las Cruces CW and ESPN+
@EPLocomotiveFC | #ELPvCOS
Group C action is back with Locomotive FC hosting Switchbacks FC, in a contest that could have big implications on the group table. With both sides seeing their share of woes in recent weeks, Saturday is a chance for redemption and for three crucial points in a packed group.
2020 Stats Snapshot (ELP/COS)
Goals For 5 / 7
Goals Against 7 / 8
Min/goal 90 / 51.4
Possession 57% / 51%
Passing Acc. 83.4% / 81.6%
Fouls 53 / 48
Yellow Cards 14 / 5
Red Cards 0 / 1
Locomotive Run Down
Despite being the better team in the last three games, Locomotive FC’s winless skid extended three games last Saturday against the 2019 Regular Season title winners, Phoenix Rising FC. With distance from the top of the table growing and the gap with closing below them, Locomotive FC will be looking towards a win against Switchbacks FC on Saturday to maintain its spot above the playoff line.
Player to Watch: With two goals in the last two games Forward Aaron Gomez has found his attacking stride within the last two outings. Against New Mexico United on July 24 and Phoenix Rising FC on August 1, Gomez took six shots towards goal, four of which were on target. The Bravos Loanee placed himself as the team’s leading goal scorer for 2020 with his converted penalty against United and the opening goal against Rising FC.
Switchbacks FC Run Down
Switchbacks FC has proven to be a team not to sleep on after the temporary season suspension. After falling 2-1 against New Mexico United, Switchbacks FC fought back on a two-goal deficit to pull a point from Real Monarchs. Colorado Springs nearly split the points against the reigning champs, however, it was just taken out of reach from a late stoppage-time goal. Winless in their last three, Switchbacks FC is looking to show they have the fight in 2020 as they travel to Southwest University Park.
Player to Watch: An all-around player who can provide threats from the left, Defender Joan Cervos is Saturday’s player to watch for Switchbacks FC. On the attacking front, Cervos has recorded an assist and a goal, while creating an additional five chances for his side on goal to boost the Colorado offensive. Behind the ball, Cervos has recorded eight clearances, four tackles and four interceptions. With a good read on the ball both behind and in front, watch for Cervos to be a dangerous element on Saturday.