Club News

El Paso Locomotive Travels for Midweek Match Against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC

El Paso Locomotive (13-2-6, 45 pts., MTN-1) travels to take on its Mountain Division opponent Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC at Weidner Field on Wednesday night. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. MT and will be broadcast live on ESPN+.

Entering the final third of the 2021 USL Championship Regular Season, El Paso Locomotive and Switchbacks FC are sitting at the top of the Mountain Division. Locomotive has amassed 45 points with a record of 13-2-6 while Switchbacks are fighting for home playoff positioning with the rest of Mountain Division, holding 36 points and a 10-7-6 record. As the two clubs meet for just the second time this season, a three-point swing in either direction could provide lasting playoff implications in this final stretch.

The last time these two sides clashed, the match ended in a 1-1 draw after Macca King put Locomotive on the scoreboard early in the 12th minute only to be nulled by a penalty kick conversion by Hadji Barry in the 73rd minute. That match put the regular series record to 4-0-3 in favor of Locomotive, who boasts a +7 goal differential against the team from Colorado Springs. Despite Switchbacks never coming away with the full three points over Locomotive in regular season, the El Paso side will enter with an air of caution as the deadliest attack in the league takes one of the most ironclad defenses.

Follow El Paso Locomotive FC at Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC – Wed., September 15, 2021

·         Coverage Begins: 7:00 p.m. MT;
·         Watch: ESPN+
·         Social Media: @EPLocomotiveFC & #COSvELP on Twitter
·         Additional Content: Official El Paso Locomotive FC App (iOS / Android)

Locomotive Emphatically Claims 2-0 Win over Sacramento Republic

El Paso Locomotive (13-2-6, 45 points) claimed the full three points with a 2-0 win over Sacramento Republic at Southwest University Park on Saturday night. Forward Aaron Gomez provided an early lead with his fifth goal of the season and Defender Eder Borelli opened his 2021 scorecard by becoming the 12th player to earn a goal this season. Meanwhile, Goalkeeper Logan Ketterer and his backline secured the club’s ninth clean sheet of the year, keeping Sacramento without a shot on target.

“Feels good to get back to winning ways and it feels good to play at home,” said Head Coach and Technical Director Mark Lowry. “[It was a] great crowd, a good performance from the guys with two goals – we could have had a couple more I think early on in the game. All-in-all, we have to be happy with winning and the performances. Sacramento is a good team with experienced, quality players and they are difficult to play against. It’s also good to get a clean sheet again. We are a team that prides ourselves on how we defend so it’s good to get back to keeping a clean sheet.”

El Paso kicked off to a dream start, immediately containing Sacramento Republic, preventing them from building from the back. The incredible containment and passing play to capitalize on early Sacramento mistakes paid off in the 7th minute as Gomez headed away the opening goal for a Locomotive lead. The Boys in Blue continued to dominate the first half, as Midfielders Diego Luna and Sebastian Velasquez tore through the Sacramento lineup to feed Gomez and Midfielder Dylan Mares with opportunities towards goal.

Los Locos continued their dominating display throughout the second half, keeping Sacramento Republic off the ball and away from any threatening goalscoring opportunities. The possession style play led to more chances for El Paso as Velasquez sent a low cut back pass to find Borelli who cleanly swept the ball into the back of the net from distance. While Republic fought back chasing the game, being rewarded a penalty kick in the 88th minute, the shot would fly wide giving Locomotive a clean sheet and three points at home.

UP NEXT: El Paso Locomotive goes on the road once more for a quick turnaround game, playing on Wednesday, September 15 against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC. Kickoff from Colorado Springs is set for 7:00 p.m. MT and will be broadcast live digitally on ESPN+.

GOAL SCORING RUNDOWN

ELP: Aaron Gomez (Diego Luna), 7th minute: Aaron got an initial header off a Locomotive corner but a poor clearance from Sacramento Republic saw Locomotive put the ball back into play with Richie Ryan crossing the ball to Luna who sent the ball back deep to the far post to an unmarked Aaron Gomez. Jumping to meet the ball once again with his head, Gomez cleared the goalkeeper on his second attempt to put Locomotive up early.

ELP: Eder Borelli (Sebastian Velasquez), 57th minute: Velasquez took a run down the left-hand side dominating his marked defender off the dribble. Finding an open space in box traffic, Velasquez cut back the pass low finding Borelli, whose clean sweep sent the ball sweetly into the back of the net.

NOTES:

– It’s been two years since El Paso and Sacramento played each other, last meeting in a 3-0 victory for Locomotive in the 2019 Western Conference Semifinal.

– Aaron Gomez added to his club-leading goal count, scoring his 16th goal in Locomotive colors during the regular season. Four of Gomez’s five goals this season have come off of headed attempts.

– Defender Eder Borelli found the back of the net to secure his first goal of the 2021 USL Championship season and becoming the 12th Locomotive to score this year.

– El Paso Locomotive is now 20-games undefeated at Southwest University Park including playoffs. The win against Sacramento Republic also puts El Paso on a seven-game win streak at home.

Match: El Paso Locomotive vs Sacramento Republic FC
Date: September 11, 2021
Venue: Southwest University Park; El Paso, Texas
Weather: 91F and clear skies

Scoring Summary 1 2 F

El Paso Locomotive FC 1 1 2

Sacramento Republic 0 0 0

ELP – Aaron Gomez (Diego Luna), 7’
ELP – Eder Borelli (Sebastian Velasquez), 57’

Lineups:

El Paso Locomotive FC (4-2-2-2): Logan Ketterer; Eder Borelli, Yuma (Matt Bahner, 45’), Mechack Jerome, Macca King, Richie Ryan, Bryam Rebellon (Nick Ross, 71’), Sebastian Velasquez (Leandro Carrijo, 87’), Diego Luna (Chapa Herrera, 93’), Aaron Gomez (Lucho Solignac, 71’), Dylan Mares

Subs not used: Ben Beaury, Jose Aguinaga

Sacramento Republic (4-1-4-1): Rafael Diaz; Nabilai Kibunguchy, Dan Casey, Duke Lacroix, Jordan McCrary (Hayden Sargis, 74’), Julian Chavez (Dariusz Formella, 45’), Kharlton Belmar, Emil Cuello (Maalique Foster, 60’), Jaime Villarreal, Luis Fernandes, Cameron Iwasa (Mario Penagos, 83’)

Subs not used: Andrew Wheeler-Omiunu, Jesus Sanchez, Shannon Gomez

Stats Summary: ELP | SAC

MISCONDUCT SUMMARY:

SAC – Jordan McCrary (Caution), 14’
SAC – Julian Chavez (Caution), 29’
ELP – Eder Borelli (Caution), 75’
SAC – Maalique Foster (Caution), 80’
ELP – Logan Ketterer (Caution), 88’

Gameday Rundown | El Paso Locomotive vs Sacramento Republic FC

It’s a little refreshing playing new teams. The team we are playing this weekend, we haven’t played since 2019 and that’s pretty cool. It’s good to see you again friends from Sacramento! Hope you’ve been well! I love what you have done with your kits. Welcome back to El Paso,! I hope you enjoy your stay as much as you did the last time you were here!

MATCH DETAILS: USL Championship Regular Season Game #21; vs Sacramento Republic FC; Kickoff 7:30p.m. MT // Gates Open at 6:30 p.m. MT

VENUE/WEATHER: Southwest University Park; El Paso, Texas; 97 degrees and clear skies.

TICKETS: Click Here!

WATCH: ESPN+ | El Paso – Las Cruces CW

RECORDS/STANDINGS: Locomotive: 12-2-6 (42 points, MTN-1); Sacramento: 6-7-8 (26 points, PAC-5)

PREVIOUS MEETING: To see the previous meeting between El Paso Locomotive, you have to go all the way back to 2019. On November 2 of that year, El Paso Locomotive hosted Sacramento Republic FC for the Western Conference Semifinal. Aaron Gomez kicked off the scoring in the 40th minute, heading away the freekick opportunity to the far post. Sacramento fought for an equalizer but was unable to get past Andrew Fox who headed the ball out on the goal line or Logan Ketterer who made a massive save in the 80th minute. The late-game drama of a penalty in the 82nd minute provided a simple conversion for Sebastian Contreras. For the nail in the coffin moments later, Sebastian Velasquez rifled a shot on a tight angle for the 3-0 victory to send Locomotive to its first ever Western Conference Final.

It’s really easy to bill this one as a long-awaited rematch between the two sides since the last meeting had championship implications as both sides were fighting to get to the Western Conference Final. Obviously, that match didn’t end quite the way Sacramento Republic would have liked, and certainly in favor of El Paso, and since that night these two teams have yet to meet again on the pitch. Well now it’s finally time, and while the badges and team names are the same, I find it hard to look at this one as a true rematch. The two teams are vastly different. In two years, Sacramento Republic changed out their Head Coach Simon Elliott for Mark Briggs while retaining just eight from its 24-man roster from 2019. For El Paso Locomotive in the time frame, Head Coach Mark Lowry has retained 10 players from its 24-man roster but has done nothing but strengthen the roster to create a 19-game undefeated streak at home.

These two teams look different than their 2019 counterparts, meaning this weekend’s contest could be vastly different from the Western Conference Semifinal we saw in 2019.

We talk about this every home game and for good reason. This truly is a Fortress in the Southwest desert. Including the playoff games in the 2020 postseason, El Paso Locomotive has made a grandstanding fortress of their stadium with an aforementioned 19-game undefeated streak (14-0-5) to go over one full calendar year undefeated in the Sun City. In fact, since the kickoff of the home-undefeated streak, Locomotive is now 412 days calendar days undefeated, breaking into the Top 5 of current USL Championship teams by surpassing Orange County SC (399 days). A result against Sacramento Republic on Saturday would guarantee extending that streak to 431 calendar days, to surpass the Tampa Bay Rowdies record of 426 days.

With only 12 games remaining in the 2021 regular season, every game counts to keep El Paso in the best possible standing heading into the 2021 USL Championship playoffs, and home is the best place to pick those points up.

Over the summer, Locomotive exploded to the top of the Mountain Division, using its games in hand to catch up eventually control the top seed of the division. Los Locos still have games in hand over the rest of the Mountain Division, but a momentary hiccup in an otherwise spectacular 2021 season for Locomotive has given the rest of the Division an opportunity to catch up. And that they did. El Paso is still in good standing, but the lead isn’t as comfortable – even with games in hand. Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, who has played two more games than El Paso, has climbed into second place with 35 points while New Mexico United and Austin Bold have take advantage of the glitch in the Locomotive season to slightly close the gap.

It’s not as dire as it sounds. Locomotive is still 13 points clear of the playoff line, however, finishing in the top two positions of the Mountain Division guarantees a home playoff game. While El Paso used to have a 10-point clearance over its closest competitor the gap has tightened to seven. Head Coach Mark Lowry and his squad view every game as a must-win and as the club aims to hold on to its top seed.

As I said before, points are starting to count a lot more than they did in the beginning. The playoff picture is becoming clearer and clearer with each passing week. While El Paso is in a strong position now, it needs to get back into the win column to stay comfortable entering the final stretch of the 2021 USL Championship season. After 20 games, El Paso sits at the top with 42 points, currently in fifth place across the league for the coveted top seed to guarantee to host every possible playoff game up to the USL Championship final. At the top of the Mountain Division, it guarantees opening the playoff run to the trophy with a home game against the fourth place in the Pacific Division (Currently Tacoma Defiance). To keep control of its playoff destiny and hold onto that home-field advantage comfortably, El Paso Locomotive will be eager to move back into the win column.

El Paso Locomotive FC Join Alianza de Futbol for El Paso Tour Stop

Alianza de Futbol, ââthe largest and most prestigious amateur soccer organization in the United States, and El Paso Locomotive FC today announced a collaboration at the September 11-12 tour stop that will allow the USL club to engage with the soccer community in the area.

Alianza de Futbol will visit El Paso on September 11-12 at Westside Sports Complex, where players can register for free and play in front of El Paso Locomotive FC scouts. Registrations are open for the U-15, U-17, U-21, and Women’s (2000-2006) categories. Players wishing to participate can register for free through alianzadefutbol.com.

As part of its projects and activities, Alianza de Futbol has in Allstate Sueño Alianza the most recognized scouting program in the United States, of which more than 30 players have achieved the dream of becoming professional players. The best players from the city will also receive the opportunity to participate in the Allstate Sueño Alianza National Showcase.

“We have been working together with Alianza de Futbol for some years now and we feel very proud to support the biggest Hispanic soccer initiative in the country”, mentioned Andrew Forrest, General Manager, Business Operations, of El Paso Locomotive. “We currently have four players in the first team (‘Chapa’ Herrera, Ricardo Zacarías, Javier Beker and Niall Logue) that were discovered through Alianza and we are looking forward to working with Alianza this year”.

“El Paso Locomotive FC is one of the USL teams that are working closely with the Hispanic community,” said Joaquín Escoto, Executive Vice President of For Soccer Ventures, owner of Alianza de Futbol. “We are very excited to have the opportunity to work together in benefit of the Hispanic community and create more access for the most talented players”.

El Paso Locomotive and Sacramento Republic Set for Saturday Meeting at Southwest University Park

El Paso Locomotive (12-2-6, 42 pts., MTN-1) returns home for its final Saturday home game of the 2021 USL Championship season. The Sun City club will host Sacramento Republic FC at Southwest University Park on Saturday, September 11 with kickoff scheduled for 7:00 p.m. MT.

In honor of First Responder’s night, all first responders, active military, and veterans can receive a free Estrella Jalisco and pretzel as well as 25% savings on tickets to Saturday’s game. Saturday night’s action will be capped off with a fireworks show for fans in attendance to honor the men and women who serve as first responders to keep our communities safe. Tickets are available for purchase online at https://www.eplocomotivefc.com/tickets, by phone at 915-235-GOAL, or through the official El Paso Locomotive FC App. For the First Responder and Military discounted tickets click here.

It has been nearly two years since El Paso Locomotive and Sacramento Republic took to the pitch against one another. Their last meeting took place in the 2019 Western Conference Semifinals, in a game that saw El Paso claim an emphatic 3-0 victory in its very first hosting playoff game to book a ticket to the Western Conference Final. Before then, Locomotive played Sacramento twice, sweeping the regular-season series on 2-1 and 3-1 wins.

The two meet once again at Southwest University Park, though this time as two drastically different teams. In 2019, El Paso finished 6th in the regular season just above the 7th place Sacramento Republic with two points, the two sides ending with a record of 13-10-11 and 14-14-6, respectively. Now in 2021, El Paso Locomotive dominating its Mountain Division, contending with teams across the league for the Top Seed in the USL Championship. Meanwhile, Sacramento Republic started its season on the wrong foot but has since found its form to contend for a spot above the playoff line in the Pacific Division. A win for El Paso could keep the distance over the rest of the pack in the Mountain Division, while a win for Sacramento would close the gap to the playoff line in the Pacific.

Follow El Paso Locomotive FC vs Sacramento Republic FC – Sat., September 11, 2021

·         Coverage Begins: 7:30 p.m. MT; Gates Open at 6:30 p.m. MT
·         Watch: ESPN+ | El Paso – Las Cruces CW
·         Social Media: @EPLocomotiveFC & #ELPvSAC on Twitter
·         Additional Content: Official El Paso Locomotive FC App (iOS / Android)

Locomotive Unveils New Noche de Locos Sugar Skull

El Paso Locomotive announced today its new Noche de Locos Sugar Skull as a third logo for the club. Bandanas featuring the Noche de Locos Sugar Skull design will be given to the first 2,500 fans in attendance for the match against Real Monarchs that kicks off at 7:00 p.m. MT on Wednesday, September 29.

“Noche de Locos has been a part of our club since 2019,” said Director, Marketing and Communications Sarah Nollner. “It’s something we know our fans look forward to. Each Noche de Locos is a celebration of our city’s culture and as a part of this year’s celebration, we wanted to create a Sugar Skull that will live on past our annual Noche de Locos celebration. The Noche de Locos Sugar Skull is a great representation of our city and club, and we can’t wait to see our fans wearing these in the stands.”

The Noche de Locos Sugar Skull, designed by Brandiose – the company which designed the El Paso Locomotive crest and Locos alternate logo – is a perfect blend of elements from both Club and City. Featuring the Locomotive colors of Desert Dusk, West Texas Sky, and High Noon Sun, the Noche de Locos Sugar Skull has the trademark cowcatcher of the Locomotive crest as its mouth, the iconic El Paso Mountain Star fixed to its eyes, as well as a cactus flower fitting of the desert scenery embedded to its crown.

An influential part of Hispanic culture, Sugar Skulls are a celebration of life, a form of appreciation and thoughtfulness for both the living and loved ones who have passed on. In the modern-day, Sugar Skulls are representative of different festivities, and for the El Paso Locomotive, it is a celebration of the community behind the crest. The Noche de Locos Sugar Skull is the perfect blend of Club and City.

As a new addition to the Locomotive branding, the Noche de Locos Sugar Skull will soon be found on merchandise in the Locomotive Team Shop online and in-store. Locomotive gear such as shirts, hats, and scarves will incorporate the Noche de Locos Sugar Skull in unique and creative ways.

Fans can get a head start on their Noche de Locos Sugar Skull collection by arriving early when gates open at 6:00 p.m. MT to get one of 2,500 Noche de Locos Sugar Skull bandanas on Wednesday, September 29 against Real Monarchs. Good tickets for that match are available online at https://www.eplocomotivefc.com/tickets, by phone at 915-235-GOAL, or through the official El Paso Locomotive FC app.

El Paso Locomotive Youth Soccer Club Announces Partnership with Texas Tech Physicians of El Paso

EL PASO, Texas (September 7, 2021) – El Paso Locomotive Youth Soccer Club announced today a new partnership with Texas Tech Physicians of El Paso as the title partner and the official health care provider of choice for El Paso Locomotive FC Youth Soccer Club.

“To be able to join our rapidly growing youth soccer club with one of our original corporate partners is truly incredible,” said Locomotive General Manager, Business Operations Andrew Forrest. “We trust Texas Tech Physicians of El Paso with the health and wellness of our first team. That trust is now extended to the Youth Soccer team and will allow them to showcase their brand as a top-tier healthcare network committed to the El Paso Community.”

The partnership between Locomotive Youth Soccer and Texas Tech Physicians of El Paso deepens the already existing relationship between the two. Texas Tech Physicians of El Paso will be the front kit sponsor for El Paso Youth Soccer Club as well as the presenting partner for Youth Soccer Academy contracts.

“Texas Tech Physicians of El Paso is proud to expand our partnership with Locomotive FC to provide world-class patient care to young athletes and their families,” said Richard Lange, M.D., Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso president and dean of the Foster School of Medicine. “From physicals to orthopedics, TTP El Paso’s over 250 specialists are committed to improving the overall health and wellbeing of youth in our community.”

To celebrate the announcement, Locomotive Youth Soccer and Texas Tech Physicians of El Paso welcomed the signing of 14-year-old, Diego Garcia to a Locomotive Youth Soccer Academy contract. Garcia, a technical and creative midfielder, is currently a sophomore at Pebble Hills High School and has been a part of the Locomotive Youth Soccer 2006 club team (U-15) since its inception in 2020.

Under the Academy contract, Garcia joins fellow Borderplex natives Joel Maldonado (17), Jimmy Villagomez (17), and Edwin Villareal (18) as part of the group that makes up part of El Paso’s elite Academy team. Together they will compete in the USL Academy League against top talent across the nation while highlighting El Paso as a hotbed for the World’s Game.

Garcia and his fellow Academy teammates will be invited to play under the Locomotive crest in some of the top tournaments, competitions, and events, regionally and nationally. The Locomotive Youth Soccer Club Academy Team will also have opportunities to train alongside the Locomotive First Team, receiving exclusive coaching from professional players as well as getting an inside look at the professional game.

Since its inception in 2020, El Paso Locomotive Youth Soccer Club has featured the best and the brightest for the future of soccer in El Paso. Boasting club and academy teams ranging from Under-11 to Under-18, Locomotive Youth Soccer has established itself as a premier organization for soccer development in the El Paso area by competing regularly against elite teams regionally and nationwide in prestigious youth soccer competitions.

El Paso Locomotive FC and Texas Tech Physicians of El Paso first partnered in 2019, the two have sought to provide the highest quality of sports health to professional athletes in the Borderplex. The two are excited to heighten the relationship and continue striving for their common goal of growing soccer in the region while promoting world-class patient care, health, and fitness by offering resources now to young soccer hopefuls.

El Paso Locomotive Ends Level, 2-2, With Orange County SC

El Paso Locomotive (12-2-6, 42 points) earned a point on the road with a 2-2 draw against Orange County SC at Championship Soccer Stadium on Friday night. Midfielder Nick Ross opened the scoring in the 20th minute while Forward Leandro Carrijo closed out the game in the 90th minute to take the point.

El Paso dominated the opening moments of the match, controlling possession and the tempo of the game. Within the first ten minutes, Forward Lucho Soliganc picked a lobbed pass forward that Midfielder Diego Luna was able to pick out with a half volley to test the OC keeper and set the tone for the first half. While Luna would take another chance and Defender Macca King would create meaningful chances, it would be Ross that opened the scoring in the 20th minute with nothing but time and space to coolly provide Locomotive a lead going into the halftime break.

In a complete reversal from the first half, Orange County controlled the second 45 minutes putting El Paso Locomotive on the backfoot, testing the best defense in the USL Championship. In the end, Orange County had the answers finding two goals within minutes of each other through Ronaldo Damus in the 61st and Sean Okoli in the 67th. Not to be undone, Head Coach Mark Lowry made tactical changes to the field to swing momentum back into Locomotive control, affording a capitalized opportunity through Carrijo to earn the equalizer and steal a point from Championship Soccer Stadium.

UP NEXT: El Paso Locomotive returns home for another inter-division matchup against Sacramento Republic FC of the Pacific Division. The contest is scheduled for Saturday, September 11 with kickoff from Southwest University Park set for 7:30 p.m. MT. Tickets are available for purchase online at https://www.eplocomotivefc.com/tickets or by calling 915-235-GOAL.

GOAL SCORING RUNDOWN

ELP: Nick Ross (Sebastian Velasquez), 20th minute: From the corner of the field Velasquez cut deep into the middle before laying the pass off to an unmark Nick Ross at the top of the 18-yard-line. With no one from the Orange County side testing Ross, he had nothing but time to settle on the ball and prepare his shot before sending it to the back of the net for the opening goal of the night.

OC: Ronaldo Damus (Eric Calvillo), 61st minute: With nothing but pace, Calvillo got in behind the Locomotive defense, sprinting down the right side, attacking the Locomotive final third. With some time, Cavillo sent a low pass across the face to goal to Damus who simply redirected the ball to equalize the scoring.

OC: Sean Okoli (Brent Richards), 67th minute: Just shy of the 70th minute, Brent Richards sent in a cross from a far distance to an unmarked Okoli at the center of the box. Free near the penalty spot, Okoli connected the header that slipped past Logan Ketterer for the go-ahead Orange County goal.

ELP: Leandro Carrijo, 89th minute: In the dying moments of regulation time, Locomotive got on the front foot offering an attack that ended with a deadly cross to the center of the box. While the Orange County SC ‘keeper Patrick Rakovsky deflected the initial chance on frame, it bounced back into the patch of Carrijo who put away the last-minute goal to split points at Championship Soccer Stadium.

NOTES:

– The last time Locomotive visited Championship Soccer Stadium was for the 2020 Season Opener, just a week ahead of the temporary season hiatus.

– Forward Leandro Carrijo found his third goal of the season, scoring on his birthday in the dying moments of regulation time to steal a point from Orange County.

– Midfielder Nick Ross earned his second goal of the season with his 20th-minute goal. Ross last scored against Indy Eleven with an early 2nd-minute stunner.

– El Paso Locomotive rebounds from only its second loss of the season with a comeback rally to secure a draw.

Match: El Paso Locomotive at Orange County SC
Date: September 3, 2021
Venue: Championship Soccer Stadium; Irvine, California
Weather: 75F and clear skies

Scoring Summary 1 2 F

El Paso Locomotive FC 1 1 2

Orange County SC 0 2 2

ELP – Nick Ross (Sebastian Velasquez), 20’
OC – Ronaldo Damus (Eric Calvillo), 61’
OC – Sean Okoli (Brent Richards), 67’
ELP – Leandro Carrijo, 89’

Lineups:

El Paso Locomotive FC (4-2-3-1): Logan Ketterer; Eder Borelli (Matt Bahner, 75’), Yuma, Mechack Jerome, Macca King (Bryam Rebellon, 75’), Nick Ross (Aaron Gomez, 75’), Richie Ryan, Diego Luna (Leandro Carrijo, 78’), Dylan Mares (Chapa Herrera, 94’), Sebastian Velasquez, Lucho Solignac

Subs not used: Ben Beaury, Jose Aguinaga

Orange County SC (4-3-3): Patrick Rakovsky; Michael Orozco, Brent Richards, Rob Kiernan, Kevin Alston, Dillon Powers, Eric Calvillo, Thomas McCabe (Ben Mines, 68’), Brian Iloski (Thomas Enevoldsen, 92’), Ronaldo Damus, Sean Okoli (Aidan Apodaca, 81’)

Subs not used: Seth Casiple, Nathan Smith, Kobi Henry, Abraham Romero

Stats Summary: ELP | OC

MISCONDUCT SUMMARY:

OC – Thomas McCabe (Caution), 59’
ELP – Diego Luna (Caution), 64’
ELP – Yuma (Caution), 83’
ELP – Richie Ryan (Caution), 87’
ELP – Matt Bahner (Caution), 90’

Rundown | El Paso Locomotive at Orange County SC

Some out there might say we are looking to bounce back into the win column (sorry about that subtweet, Nicholas). I say we never really left the win column. Sure, we might have lost against San Antonio this past weekend, but remember what happened the last time we lost a game? We went on a 10-game undefeated streak to rocket into first of the Mountain Division and challenge for the top of USL Championship. We’re still winning even when we lose! Check. Mate. While I have your attention though, we should really talk about those Power Rankings…

MATCH DETAILS: USL Championship Regular Season Game #20; at Orange County SC

VENUE/WEATHER: Championship Soccer Stadium; Irvine, California; 82 degrees and clear skies.

WATCH PARTY: Cabo Joe’s ( 7942 Gateway BLVD E)

WATCH: ESPN+

RECORDS/STANDINGS: Locomotive: 12-2-5 (41 points, MTN-1); Orange County: 8-7-6 (30 points, PAC-3)

PREVIOUS MEETING: The last time Locomotive visited Orange County SC, El Paso returned home with a point in hand after holding off the Orange County attack and recording a clean sheet on a 0-0 draw. It was a game for the goalkeepers as Marios Lomis peppered the Orange County goal with shots on target, but each one came up with big-time saves. On the other end of the field, Goalkeeper Logan Ketterer kept Orange County off the scoreboard making a multitude of massive saves, including one that was low and through the legs of Distel Zola. In the end, the two 2019 playoff teams split the points to kick off their 2020 season.

Locomotive felt the unfamiliar experience of dropping all three points for the second time this season. It was just a momentary lapse in the defense, but it was enough to allow San Antonio FC to slip a goal in at the dying breath of the game. Now it’s time for Locomotive to do what it does best: Showcase its resiliency and resolve and respond. I said it above in the opening, but the last time El Paso fell it went ten games undefeated for a record of 8-0-2. That’s 26 points. Those 26 decidedly advanced Locomotive into the top of the Mountain Division. It put Locomotive’s name into the top contender list for the apex position of the USL Championship.

“We spoke about [the loss], we hold each other accountable, and we move forward,” said Head Coach Mark Lowry after training on Tuesday. “Today, we got after it a little bit. Obviously, I don’t want the guys to feel super happy because winners don’t like losing. We’ve done a lot of winning lately so we want to get back to our winning ways and the guys have done a good job at getting back to our basics and put a good [training] session in.”

There are only 13 games left in the season, including this one against Orange County SC. With another incredible ten-game run, Locomotive can truly cement its spot in the playoff picture. Speaking of which…

It really feels like a formality at this point for Locomotive. In 19 games, El Paso Locomotive has claimed 41 points to stand at the top of the Mountain Division, 15 points above the playoff line. Still, despite the overwhelming lead, it isn’t over until it’s over and that’s exactly how Mark Lowry and the Loco Blue are looking at the final stretch of the season.

“Playoffs are not guaranteed. Until it’s mathematical, it’s not guaranteed,” said Lowry. “You have a Mountain Division with New Mexico, RGV, San Antonio, and Austin that are capable of beating any on their day – they are capable of beating us on their day. We have to remain focused on every single game each day at a time. Let’s not focus on the playoffs, let’s just focus on the next game. The next game is Orange County, let’s get three points, let’s keep that gap between us and second place intact. Until it’s mathematically possible, playoffs aren’t guaranteed, Copa Tejas is not guaranteed, none of it is guaranteed. We have to keep picking up points to make sure that it is sooner rather than later.”

For what it’s worth, Locomotive is growing increasingly close to mathematically eliminating the possibility of placing 7th in the Mountain Division. For now, though, it’s important to keep heads grounded and focusing on the next challenge, which as Coach Lowry said, is Orange County…

Courtesy of the abbreviated season in 2020, El Paso and Orange County haven’t met since before the pandemic. Locomotive traveled to Championship Soccer Stadium in March, the week before the pandemic hit full force. That match, as mentioned in the ‘Previous Meeting’ portion of this segment, ended in a scoreless draw to bring the all-time series record to 1-1-1. With this being only the fourth time the two have met each other in the last three years, Orange County feels like an unfamiliar foe much like how Indy Eleven felt earlier this season. When it comes playoff time, Locomotive will have to face off against teams it hasn’t met for a while, so this meeting with Orange County provides a unique opportunity.

“These kinds of games are important for us,” shared Forward Lucho Solignac. “It’s going to happen in playoffs as well – facing teams that we don’t usually face. So this is a great test for us and we take it that way. I know they are a team that has been doing well lately but it’s great for us to go in there without knowing much about them.”

Heading into Championship Soccer Stadium, Locomotive has yet to pull a win. Before the 2020 visit, the Boys in Blue traveled to Irvine, California in 2019, falling 2-0. The lone win in the 1-1-1 record was at Southwest University Park, where Locomotive shut down Orange County 2-0. It will be a true test for El Paso against a potential playoff opponent in somewhat unfamiliar territory.

El Paso Locomotive Travels to California for Orange County SC Clash

El Paso Locomotive (12-2-5, 41 pts., MTN-1) heads to the Golden State to take on Orange County SC at Championship Soccer Stadium on Friday, September 3. The evening kickoff is set for 8:00 p.m. MT and will be broadcast live digitally on ESPN+.

After suffering only its second loss of the season against San Antonio FC last Saturday, El Paso Locomotive is primed and ready to bounce back and begin another undefeated streak to close out the 2021 USL Championship regular season. Following its first loss, Los Locos hit the ground running for a 10-game undefeated streak that saw Locomotive pick up 26 points behind an 8-0-2 record. With momentum still squarely on the side of El Paso in the final stretch of the regular season, the Boys in Blue are aiming to end their season strong to steamroll into the playoffs.

The first challenge to test the Locomotive response comes in the form of a moderate Orange County SC side that Locomotive hasn’t seen since the season opener of the 2020 USL Championship season. In that meeting, the two split the points by adding a draw to the now 1-1-1 record in the all-time series record. While Locomotive has been white-hot through the 2021 season, OCSC has seen an average season, holding a record of 8-7-6 and +3 Goal Differential after 21 games. Orange County has only earned the full three points once in its last five games as it fights to stay above the Pacific Division playoff line. Under the Friday night lights, it will be a very different matchup from the 2020 USL Championship season opener.

Follow El Paso Locomotive FC at Orange County SC – Fri., September 1, 2021

·         Coverage Begins: 8:00 p.m. MT;
·         Watch: ESPN+
·         Social Media: @EPLocomotiveFC & #OCvELP on Twitter
·         Additional Content: Official El Paso Locomotive FC App (iOS / Android)

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