Remember the last time we faced Austin Bold? It was a great game where Austin lost 1-0 because Diego Luna scored his first professional goal. Ah, the memories. Well, now they are coming to Southwest University Park, where we haven’t lost in over one calendar year. Let’s make some more memories, yeah?
MATCH DETAILS: USL Championship Regular Season Game #16; vs Austin Bold FC; 7:30 p.m. MT kickoff; Gates Open at 6:30 p.m. MT
VENUE/WEATHER: Southwest University Park; El Paso, Texas; 98F degrees and sunny.
TICKETS: Click Here!
WATCH: ESPN+
RECORDS/STANDINGS: Locomotive: 10-1-4 (34 points, MTN-1); Bold FC: 6-4-5 (23 points, MTN-3)
PREVIOUS MEETING: These two Texas teams last clashed at the beginning of June at Bold Stadium in Austin, Texas. It was a wet and rainy day that threatened the game up until a few hours before kickoff, but the show went on in favor of El Paso Locomotive FC. What started off as a slow burn opened up in the second half as Macca King sent a cross to the far post to find Diego Luna who headed away his first professional goal in his first career start. Meanwhile, Adrian Zendejas recorded his third straight clean sheet to earn the full three points from Bold Stadium.
Needless to say, it’s been an exhausting two weeks for El Paso Locomotive. It started with a scoreless draw against New Mexico United on July 24, and since then it has been non-stop every Wednesday and Saturday leading up to this match against Austin Bold FC. In that time, Locos have come away with three wins and a draw. Now, after 15 days, the five-game stretch will come to a close with a Copa Tejas clash against Austin Bold FC. After Saturday, Locomotive will finally see a somewhat normal schedule, with week-long breaks between New Mexico United on the 14th and Rio Grande Valley FC on the 21st
El Paso Locomotive had a seemingly indestructible 18-game undefeated streak under its belt earlier in the season. In the regular season, El Paso had not lost a game since falling to New Mexico United on July 24, 2020. Now I know, I’ve brought up this 18-game undefeated streak many times and at this point, it’s old news, especially since Locomotive fell against Rio Grande Valley FC to end the streak. However, now Head Coach Mark Lowry and his Boys in Blue are rebuilding the streak. Since losing to RGVFC, Locomotive has laid down the foundation for another incredible undefeated streak, going seven games unbeaten with a record of 6-0-1. Yep, that’s right, now you’ll have to start hearing me go on about yet another incredible undefeated streak because, at the end of the day, this is a team that doesn’t quit. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Austin Bold FC may have stolen the title of “Road Warriors” away from New Mexico United this season. In fact, since falling at Isotopes Park against United in their season opener on May 15, Bold has yet to lose away from home. They carry a record of 3-1-4 after 8 games and that includes a seven-game undefeated streak on the road. Here’s the catch though: They haven’t played at Southwest University Park this year. El Paso Locomotive is undefeated at home in its last 17 games including playoffs. This year alone, El Paso boasts a record of 6-0-2, meaning Saturday’s contest will be the new “Road Warriors” against the indomitable fortress of Southwest University Park.
El Paso topped San Antonio last Wednesday on a 2-0 win that vaulted Locomotive to the top of the Copa Tejas standings with 12 points on the Texas table. In a reflection of the Mountain Divison, Rio Grande Valley FC is the closest competitor to challenge the Locos for the top of the table with 10 points. This weekend however is a double-header of Copa Tejas action as El Paso hosts Austin and Rio Grande Valley clashes with San Antonio. Should Locomotive claim the win over Austin and San Antonio walk away with the full three points over RGV, El Paso would further claim the Copa Tejas with games in hand. Locomotive has put itself in a prime position to claim the Copa Tejas as the 2021 season turns towards the second half.