EL PASO, Texas – El Paso Locomotive FC announced today that midfielder Denys Kostyshyn and forward Emmanuel Sonupe will not be returning for the 2024 season.
Kostyshyn arrived in El Paso ahead of the 2023 season and brought with him a technical playmaking ability that would help spearhead the attack throughout the campaign. The Ukrainian would go on to make 31 starts in 35 matches across all competitions, scoring and assisting four times (joint-most in assists this season) to help Locomotive on its path to clinch a 2023 playoff berth.
Kostyshyn’s performances throughout the season saw him win several individual accolades, including the Locomotive Offensive Player of the Year Fan Award, three shouts to the USL Championship Team of the Week (twice in the Starting XI) and one Goal of the Week award for his game-winner at San Diego Loyal SC.
Sonupe arrived as the first addition to the 2022 roster, bringing speed and creativity down the wing for Locomotive’s offense. The Englishman hit the ground running at the beginning of his tenure, scoring a goal in his Locomotive debut at Sacramento Republic FC followed by assists in two of his next three matches.
Sonupe would also play a major role in the tail end of the 2023 campaign, scoring an equalizer against the Charleston Battery to rally El Paso to a 3-2 win followed by the opening goal against Oakland Roots SC in the regular season finale, which would help Locomotive secure a return to the USL Championship Playoffs.
In total, Sonupe scored four goals and assisted two in his 50 appearances for Locomotive.
El Paso Locomotive FC would like to thank Kostyshyn and Sonupe for their time with the club and wish them luck moving forward.
Future roster transactions will be announced as Locomotive prepares for its sixth season in the USL Championship.