Club News

Forward Lucho Solignac Named USL Championship Player of the Week

El Paso Locomotive is coming off a two-game week that saw the club claim a pair of victories over San Antonio FC and Real Monarchs on the road and at home respectively. To help earn the six points and create distance at the top of the Mountain Division was forward Luis ‘Lucho’ Solignac, who scored three goals across the two games to be named USL Championship’s Player of the Week for Week 15.

Lucho came to the Sun City ahead of the 2021 season and has since made himself the club’s leading goal scorer with six goals in 14 appearances – three of which were the goals scored in the last week. On Wednesday, the Argentinian converted a penalty kick against his former club, San Antonio FC to open the scoring and help provide the 2-1 win. With momentum at his back, Lucho performed against the Monarchs as a 58th minute substitution, breathing life into the game with fresh legs to score two goals and extend the now 16-game (including playoffs) undefeated streak at Southwest University Park.

Lucho earned 50 percent of the ballot to claim the honor of Player of the Week. Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC’s Alex Dixon finished second on 25 percent while Sacramento Republic FC’s Luis Felipe Fernandes finished third on 20 percent.

Midfielder Diego Luna also earns a nod on the Team of the Week, being selected to the bench for Week 15. Luna scored the insurance goal against San Antonio FC in the 71st minute to help secure the victory before being one of the subs that revitalized the Locomotive side against the Monarchs on Saturday.

The Championship’s Player of the Week is selected by the USL National Media Panel, which is made up of representatives from each media market in the Championship.

USL Championship Team of the Week – Week 15

GK – Austin Guerrero, San Diego Loyal SC: Austin Guerrero recorded a five-save shutout to help SD Loyal bounce back from a midweek defeat with a 2-0 victory against the LA Galaxy II on Sunday evening.

D – Darnell King, Phoenix Rising FC: Darnell King scored the opening goal in Phoenix’s 3-1 win against Rio Grande Valley FC and also recorded eight recoveries and completed 37 of 47 passes during the contest at Wild Horse Pass.

D – Josh Bauer, Atlanta United 2: Josh Bauer put in a big defensive performance to help his side earn a 2-2 draw on the road against Birmingham Legion FC, winning 10 of 14 duels while making five interceptions and 12 recoveries.

D – Mark Segbers, Memphis 901 FC: Mark Segbers delivered a pin-point assist on Michael Salazar’s game-winning goal in Memphis’ 2-1 win on the road against Sporting Kansas City II on Sunday and also completed 29 of 31 passes and won 6 of 6 duels.

M – Luis Felipe Fernandes, Sacramento Republic FC: Luis Felipe Fernandes scored his first two goals of the season in Republic FC’s 3-1 win against the New York Red Bulls II and defensively won 13 of 19 duels while recording two interceptions and five recoveries.

M – Arturo Rodriguez, Phoenix Rising FC: Arturo Rodriguez notched a pair of assists and seven key passes overall in attack while also recording eight recoveries and completing 40 of 51 passes in Phoenix’s 3-1 win against Rio Grande Valley FC.

M – Brian Ownby, Louisville City FC: Brian Ownby recorded the assists on both goals for Louisville in its 2-1 victory against Sporting Kansas City II on Wednesday night and had four shots and six key passes while completing 28 of 33 passes overall.

M – Mikko Kuningas, Orange County SC: Mikko Kuningas recorded a pair of assists and had six key passes overall to lead Orange County to a 3-0 victory against Oakland Roots SC on Saturday night, and also made six recoveries and completed 20 of 27 passes.

F – Cal Jennings, Las Vegas Lights FC: Cal Jennings scored a pair of goals to lead Las Vegas to a 3-1 victory against Orange County SC on Tuesday night, while finishing the night with five shots overall and completing 11 of 16 passes.

F – Luis Solignac, El Paso Locomotive FC: Luis Solignac scored three goals across two games to help El Paso to a six-point week with victories against San Antonio FC and Real Monarchs SLC, while also completing 37 of 50 passes and recording six shots.

F – Alex Dixon, Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC: Alex Dixon scored twice on his only two shots of the game to lead the Hounds to a 3-1 victory against Hartford Athletic and also recorded two key passes and six recoveries.

Bench: Patrick Rakovsky (OC), Duke Lacroix (SAC), Kobi Henry (OC), DZ Harmon (CHS), Aodhan Quinn (PHX), Diego Luna (ELP), Claudio Repetto (CHS)

El Paso Locomotive Hosts San Antonio FC for Midweek Match

EL PASO, Texas (August 2, 2021) – El Paso Locomotive hosts its Copa Tejas rival, San Antonio FC, at Southwest University Park on Wednesday. The match is scheduled for a 7:00 p.m. MT kickoff and will be broadcast live digitally on ESPN+. Tickets are available for purchase at https://www.eplocomotivefc.com/tickets, through the official El Paso Locomotive FC App, or by calling 915-235-GOAL.

Just one week after the two sides met last, El Paso Locomotive and San Antonio FC clash again, this time at Southwest University Park. Last Wednesday, Locos and SAFC played to a 2-1 finish in favor of the El Paso side. In that game, FW Lucho Solignac converted a penalty kick against his former club before MF Diego Luna doubled the El Paso in the 71st minute. Though San Antonio began firing back, earning a goal in the 74th minute, they couldn’t find the equalizer to take the point against El Paso.

Going into their second meeting of the week, the two sides after three points gains against Real Monarchs and Austin Bold FC. For the Locos Blue, after going down in the 17th minute, the team bounced back with a goal from FW Aaron Gomez and the brace from Lucho – making three in two games – to earn three points at home and cement a hold at the top of the Mountain Division. For San Antonio, they claimed three points on the road against Austin Bold behind two penalty conversions by Emil Cuello and Nathan before the young Jose Gallegos recorded his second goal of the season to book the win.

Follow El Paso Locomotive FC at San Antonio FC – Wed., August 4, 2021

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

Game Notes for El Paso Locomotive FC vs Real Monarchs SLC can be found in PDF format below. Media members looking to receive the Game Notes as an attachment or have further questions are asked to please contact Derick Fox at dfox@https://www.eplocomotivefc.com.

El Paso Locomotive Dismantles Real Monarchs in 3-1 Win Saturday

El Paso Locomotive (9-1-4, 31 points) dismantled Real Monarchs, 3-1, at Southwest University Park on Saturday night. Forward Lucho Solignac recorded two goals to lead the Locomotive attack while Forward Aaron Gomez opened the Locos scoring to extend his all-time club leading goal count.

“It’s another Final,” said Head Coach and Technical Director Mark Lowry. “Today was Final #14 of the season against Real Monarchs. On Wednesday, it will be Final #15 of the season against San Antonio. That’s the kind of mentality that we have and that’s how you keep accumulating points across the season which ultimately leads you to where you want to be.”

Saturday’s match kicked off to a slow opening in the first half that saw neither side with any real opportunities towards goal. For Locomotive the best chance came through Fox who took a chance that was barely deflected and sent wide over. It wouldn’t be until the 17th minute that Real Monarchs broke the deadlock through Charles Wehan though their lead would not last long. MF Sebastian Velasquez expertly out dribbled his defenders, creating an opening for Gomez to bury one deep into the net for the equalizer in the 24th minute. The two continued to battle through the midfield though the first half ultimately ended even.

As has been the tale of the season, El Paso Locomotive exploded out of the gate in the second half, dominating its visitors from Utah. Lucho, Velasquez, Gomez, and Forward Leandro Carrijo paired expertly in the final third, dismantling the defensive lineup set by former MLS Defender of the Year, Monarchs Coach Jamison Olave. The pairing ultimately paid off as Lucho recorded his brace tapping in the ball saved by Jeffrey Dewsnap in the 68th minute before doubling it up by rounding the Monarch’s keeper for an open goal in the 81st. The overall complete performance by El Paso Locomotive earned the full three points in the middle of a tough stretch of games.

UP NEXT: El Paso Locomotive continues its homestand with a rematch against San Antonio FC on Wednesday, August 4. Kickoff from Southwest University Park is set for 7:00 p.m. MT. Tickets are available for purchase at https://www.eplocomotivefc.com/tickets or by calling 915-235-GOAL. The match will also be broadcast life digitally on ESPN+.

GOAL SCORING RUNDOWN

SLC: Charles Wehan (Aris Briggs), 17th minute: With quick passing, Briggs picked up the ball, turning it in the box before laying it back into the path of Wehan. Wehan took the opportunity to settle the ball before firing low to tuck it into the corner for the opening goal.

ELP: Aaron Gomez (Sebastian Velasquez), 24th minute: Velasquez broke down the Monarchs’ defense with incredible ball control and dribbling, beating his marked defenders with apparent ease. When the chance opened itself, Velasquez passed the ball into the center of the box where Gomez capitalized with a quick shot deep into the back of the net to equalize.

ELP: Lucho Solignac, 68th minute: Defender Eder Borelli set up a picture-perfect cross to find Lucho at the center of the box. Lucho hit the header into the hands of Monarch’s goalkeeper Jeffery Dewsnap but cleaned up the deflection with a right-footed shot into the back of the net.

ELP: Lucho Solignac (Nick Ross), 81st minute: Lucho wrapped up the night’s scoring as he and Ross broke past the Monarchs backline. Ross laid the ball off to find Lucho on the side, who rounded the Monarch’s keeper to create a wide-open net, which he passed the ball into for the third Locos goal of the night.

NOTES:

– DF Andrew Fox and DF Macca King make their returns to the Starting XI. For Fox, it is the first time he has appeared in the Starting XI since September of 2020 while King makes his return following a month out.

– Mark Lowry’s lineup saw significant changes to the team that won 2-1 against San Antonio FC on Wednesday. Most notably, DF Eder Borelli and FW Lucho Solignac earned rest in favor of DF Andrew Fox and FW Leandro Carrijo.

– FW Aaron Gomez scored his 4th goal of the season, extending his regular-season club leading goal count to 15.

Match: El Paso Locomotive vs Real Monarchs
Date: July 31, 2021
Venue: Southwest University Park; El Paso, Texas
Weather: 88F and partly cloudy

Scoring Summary 1 2 F

El Paso Locomotive FC 1 2 3

Real Monarchs 1 0 1

SLC – Charles Wehan (Aris Briggs), 17’
ELP – Aaron Gomez (Sebastian Velasquez), 24’
ELP – Lucho Solignac, 68’
ELP – Lucho Solignac (Nick Ross), 81’

Lineups:

El Paso Locomotive FC (4-2-3-1): Logan Ketterer; Andrew Fox (Eder Borelli, 58’), Mechack Jerome, Yuma, Macca King (Bryam Rebllon, 46’), Chapa Herrera (Matt Bahner, 79’), Richie Ryan, Aaron Gomez, Dylan Mares (Nick Ross, 76’), Sebastian Velasquez (Diego Luna, 79’), Leandro Carrijo (Lucho Solignac, 58’)

Subs not used: Ben Beaury

Real Monarchs (4-2-3-1): Jeffrey Dewsnap; Bret Halsey, Kyle Adams, Noah Powder, Jaziel Orozco (James Moberg, 64’), Ibrahim Bance (Esequiel Coronel, 82’), Malik Johnson, Charles Wehan (Bode Davis, 46’), Jeizon Ramirez (Josimar Quintero, 58’), Sam Brown, Aris Briggs (Max Mata, 64’)

Subs not used: Gavin Beavers, Daniel Flores

Stats Summary: ELP | SLC

MISCONDUCT SUMMARY:

SLC – Jeizon Ramirez (Caution), 29’
ELP – Macca King (Caution), 40’
ELP – Chapa Herrera (Caution), 64’
SLC – Josimar Quintero (Caution), 68’
SLC – Esequiel Coronel (Caution), 84’

Gameday Rundown | El Paso Locomotive vs Real Monarchs

It feels good to be home! What’s better, we are home for the next three! It’s the longest home stretch of the season and I’m here for it. Very few things actually beat the sound of 8th Notch cheering on our guys and the sound of the passing train just behind Southwest University Park. So let’s kick off this “homestand” right!

MATCH DETAILS: USL Championship Regular Season Game #14; vs Real Monarchs; 7:30 p.m. MT kickoff

VENUE/WEATHER: Southwest University Park; El Paso, Texas; 93 degrees and partly cloudy.

TICKETS: Click Here!

WATCH: ESPN+

RECORDS/STANDINGS: Locomotive: 7-1-4 (25 points, MTN-1); Monarchs: 3-8-4 (13 points, MTN-7)

PREVIOUS MEETING: Locomotive met Real Monarchs at the beginning of the month, taking home the 3-1 win. After Forward Lucho Solignac opened the scoring with an expertly placed goal from the top of the penalty area. Just 10 minutes later, the Monarchs were able to pull one back through Aris Briggs but Los Locos would not be undone. Midfielder Diego Luna provided the advantage once again late in the game and Forward Aaron Gomez headed home the insurance goal in second-half stoppage time to claim three points at Zions Bank Stadium.

You ever play the same team so much you just kinda wish you played you could play another team? Don’t get me wrong, I like the games between Locomotive and the Monarchs. After eight meetings – nine if you count playoffs – these matches still provide quality entertainment. On the other hand though, after eight (nine) matches within three years, you just get ready for something else. It’s just a product of the times though, so now these two teams will face off once again, but this time it will be at Southwest University Park in El Paso. It bodes well for the Locomotive who not only boasts one calendar year undefeated at home but it’s a venue that the Monarchs have only come away from with one point in three matches (Locomotive leads the record 2-0-1).

In a true David vs Goliath matchup, the Top of the Mountain Division welcomes the Bottom of the Mountain Division to its home. El Paso Locomotive has been an unstoppable force through the 201 USL Championship season with an impressive 8-1-4 record, 16 Goals For, and only 9 goals against – the lowest in the league. The Monarchs enter Saturday as an underdog by a large margin on a 4-3-6 record, matching with 16 Goals For, but bleeding 24 goals throughout the Championship season. the Monarchs are so much so the proverbial underdogs in this one that FiveThirtyEight has given the Utah club a mere 16% to come away with a win. There is still a better-predicted chance for a draw with 25%, however, the task feels insurmountable compared to the 61% prediction for Locomotive to come away with the full three points at Southwest University Park.

For weeks now, El Paso Locomotive has been playing its depth, courtesy of a few knocks and non-COVID-related illnesses. The light at the end of the tunnel of those woes seems to be drawing closer however as last Saturday against San Antonio, El Paso fans saw the return of some familiar faces to the line-up. Midfielder Dylan Mares came on as a substitution and immediately made sure everyone knew it. Within minutes of subbing onto the field, Mares rifled the ball twice forcing San Antonio goalkeeper Matt Cardone into admittedly amazing saves. Also notable, Defender Andrew Fox made his first appearance in a Locomotive jersey since picking up an ankle injury in September last year, coming on as a substitution to play roughly 10 minutes. With those two back, and others not too far behind them, Locomotive is in a position to be at its prime going into the second half of the season, just in time for the playoff push.

After winning against San Antonio FC on Wednesday, El Paso Locomotive finally put some breathing room between itself and Rio Grande Valley FC at the top of the Mountain Division. The two had been battling for supremacy all month long, standing tied in points with Locomotive ahead only in goal differential. With the 2-1 win against San Antonio mid-week, El Paso now has a three-point lead over the RGVFC. This weekend’s lineup of games provides El Paso another prime opportunity to get ahead of the pack when it hosts Real Monarchs at home – a game where the Sun City is favored to come out the winner. Meanwhile, Rio Grande Valley travels to Phoenix to play Rising FC in a game that favors Locomotive as Phoenix Rising FC has yet to lose at home this season after seven matches. Should Locomotive pick up a win over the Monarchs and RGV fall to Phoenix, El Paso will hold a six-point lead RGV in the battle for Mountain Division leadership.

El Paso Locomotive Hosts Real Monarchs For Saturday Night Match Up

EL PASO, Texas (July 29, 2021) – El Paso Locomotive welcomes Real Monarchs to Southwest University Park for the third match between the two sides this season. Kickoff from Southwest University Park is scheduled for Saturday, July 31 at 7:30 p.m. MT. Tickets are still available at https://www.eplocomotivefc.com/tickets or by calling 915-235-GOAL. The match will also be broadcast live digitally on ESPN+ and locally on the CW.

Fans are encouraged to arrive at Southwest University Park early as the first 1,500 fans through the gates will receive a Locomotive ‘Locos’ flag to wave in support of the Boys in Blue.

Locomotive kicks off a series of home games with its match against Real Monarchs SLC. After picking up a point on the road in Albuquerque against New Mexico United behind a scoreless draw and controlling the second half in a 2-1 win over San Antonio FC, El Paso is eager to get back home and keep momentum on its side. The upcoming home stretch includes competition against Real Monarchs, San Antonio FC, and Austin Bold FC, all within a seven-day period. It will be a tough stretch; However, recent weeks have proved the depth of the Locomotive squad and Coach Lowry’s side is ready to answer the challenge.

This won’t be the first time Locomotive and the Monarchs have met in recent weeks. At the start of July, the El Paso side traveled to Utah for its second match of the season against Real Monarchs, taking home three points off a 3-1 win that saw goals from Lucho Solignac, Aaron Gomez, and Diego Luna. While Locomotive is on a five-game unbeaten streak and over one calendar year undefeated at home, the Monarchs have struggled, losing three of their last four games. Monarchs have never been the better against Locomotive in regular season and will have their work cut out for them when they visit Southwest University Park on Saturday.

Follow El Paso Locomotive FC vs Real Monarchs SLC – Sat., July 31, 2021

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

Chapa Herrera Surpasses 50 Hometown Club Appearances

Nearly three years ago, a chance opportunity changed the life of El Paso native Louis ‘Chapa’ Herrera. Chapa – who had dreamed of playing soccer at the professional level since he was young – was offered an invitation to try out for El Paso’s latest sports addition, El Paso Locomotive. Chapa performed well in the tryouts ahead of the Locomotive inaugural season, turning his dream into a reality, earning the young El Pasoan his first professional contract. Now, nearly three years later, Chapa has made his 50th appearance for his hometown club.

“It’s really amazing. I never thought it would come so quick,” shared Chapa. “I’m just grateful for Mark [Lowry] and Locomotive for giving me the opportunity and trusting in me. This is only the beginning and I’m still working hard to get in more games.”

Chapa started playing in local amateur games and tournaments while juggling a job in construction as a roofer. Joining the Alianza de Futbol tournament in 2018, Chapa’s life changed when one of his Santander teammates approached him after a game.

“He saw Mark scouting the game,” said Chapa. “He told me, ‘Hey, Mark came and asked for you.’ I couldn’t believe it. After three games, Mark came up to me and said, ‘I want to invite you to the tryouts.’ I couldn’t believe that because I was actually already planning on paying for the tryouts, so it was a surprise.”

After performing in the tryouts ahead of the Locomotive inaugural season, Chapa got the call and he knew positive news was coming. He and his family were invited to come by the stadium and it was at that moment he knew he was going to be wearing his hometown badge.

Since signing his first professional contract, Chapa has played 2,592 minutes over his 50 appearances following the scoreless draw against New Mexico United last weekend. Since that time, Chapa has accomplished incredible firsts.

“I’ve grown a lot,” continued Chapa. “I’ve learned a lot with Mark and all the players around me. It feels good to play with players that teach you something new every day. I’m just blessed with the opportunity Locomotive has provided me. I’m ready to keep learning each and every day.”

On March 23, 2019, coming in as a substitution in the 80th minute against Rio Grande Valley FC, Chapa Herrera made his professional debut. He made his way into the rotation as a regular sub before earning his first Locomotive start in its inaugural Open Cup match against Forward Madison on May 15 the same year. A couple of weeks later, he would start again, this time in the USL Championship against LA Galaxy II.

In 2020, for Locomotive’s second year, Chapa became more of a regular starter, earning his first two professional goals in incredible fashion. In the 66th minute against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, Chapa found his first through beautiful passing and team play. Before the smoke could settle, in the 68th minute, he would double that with a perfect run through the Switchbacks defense to get on the end of a cut-in pass for his second professional goal. It was a performance that earned a nod from the league with his first Team of the Week spot.

All the while, Chapa Herrera has helped lift his hometown club to two back-to-back Western Conference Final, starting and playing just over an hour in the 2020 Conference Final against Phoenix Rising FC. It has been a dream come true for the 25-year-old El Pasoan, who has noted that it’s a special moment to reach 50 games for Locomotive.

“I come here and enjoy every day. I used to work in the sun, on the roof, so coming here and doing what I love is something incredible,” shared Chapa.

“A lot of guys have reached that milestone this season,” said Head Coach and Technical Director Mark Lowry. “Logan [Ketterer], Richie [Ryan], Yuma, and a few others have come through to 50 this season. Having Chapa there, it’s special for me, it’s special for him, and it’s special for this club.

When we brought him in three years ago, he was kind of an amateur player, playing in local leagues, working a building site. If you had said to me he would get 50 appearances for the club, I might not have believed it. We knew he had potential. Every season he has gotten better and stronger. He applies himself every day.”

Lowry certainly believes in Chapa. He believes he will earn another 50 appearances for the Borderland club, noting that the El Pasoan has the mentality and drive that he wants to keep around in the club. As for what’s next for Chapa, his goals are aligned with Mark’s and the rest of the club.

“Keep working with the team,” said Chapa. “Hopefully we can get a Championship for El Paso. We’ve managed to get to two Western Conference Finals, I think it’s time now to get that trophy here in EP.”

Chapa Herrera and El Paso Locomotive continue that journey to find its first Championship trophy on Saturday, July 31 when it hosts Real Monarchs SLC at Southwest University Park. Kick-off is set for 7:30 p.m. MT and tickets are still available to purchase online at https://www.eplocomotivefc.com/tickets or by phone by calling 915-235-GOAL.

El Paso Locomotive Down San Antonio FC, 2-1

El Paso Locomotive (8-1-4, 28 points) claimed a 2-1 win over San Antonio FC at Toyota Field on Wednesday night. Forward Lucho Solignac and Midfielder Diego Luna each added to their season team-leading goal count with a goal apiece. Meanwhile, Defender Andrew Fox made his first appearance of the season for Locomotive, subbing into the match in the 87th minute.

The Locos looked aggressive coming out of the gates, testing the waters through early chances from Solignac and Forward Aaron Gomez. The high pressure led to a scramble in the box that ended with a San Antonio handball to gift Locomotive the penalty kick opportunity. Solignac coolly converted the penalty in the 18th minute to provide a lead. San Antonio kicked it up to chase the equalizer before the half, as SAFC’s Jose Gallegos took a shot towards goal that was easily read by Goalkeeper Logan Ketterer.

El Paso kept its momentum through the second half, striking towards goal through a beautiful header by Defender Eder Borelli before Luna doubled the Locomotive lead in the 71st minute with a cheeky chip. While San Antonio was able to pull one back just minutes later through Axel Sjoberg, the defensive work from Defenders Yuma and Matt Bahner as well as box-to-box action from Midfielder Richie Ryan kept San Antonio from salvaging a point at home. Locomotive ultimately claimed the full three points on a 2-1 goal line.

UP NEXT: El Paso Locomotive continues through its gauntlet of quick turnaround games by hosting Real Monarchs at Southwest University Park on Saturday. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. MT and tickets are still available at https://www.eplocomotivefc.com/tickets or by calling 915-235-GOAL. The match will also be broadcast live digitally on ESPN+ and locally on the CW.

GOAL SCORING RUNDOWN

ELP: Lucho Solignac (Penalty Kick), 18th minute: Following a San Antonio FC handball in the penalty area, the referee pointed to the spot. Solignac converted the PK once but was forced to retake it for encroachment. Upon the second kick, the penalty kick was good providing Locomotive with a first-half lead.

ELP: Diego Luna, 71st minute: Sebastian Velasquez sent a ball within 6-yards in towards the center where Luna fought with a San Antonio defender, out dribbling him before scooping the ball up and around his mark and SAFC goalkeeper Matt Cardone to provide EL Paso a two-goal lead.

SA: Axel Sjoberg (Cameron Lindley), 74th minute: From a deep freekick opportunity, Lindley hit it far into the penalty area where Sjoberg rose above the rest to get a head on the ball. The headed effort was just enough to beat Goalkeeper Logan Ketterer, pulling one back for San Antonio and keeping them in the fight for a point.

NOTES:

– This clash at Toyota Field is only the second time El Paso has traveled to San Antonio. The first was in June 2019, a match that ended in a scoreless draw.

– The lineup going into tonight’s action saw three changes from the squad that earned a scoreless draw against New Mexico United. DF Matt Bahner, MF Jose Aguinaga, and FW Aaron Gomez replace FW Ricardo Zacarias, MF Chapa Herrera, and FW Sebastian Velasquez in the Starting XI.

– FW Lucho Solignac scored against his former club with his penalty kick conversion in the 18th minute. In 2020, Lucho captained San Antonio FC, leading the club’s scoring with 8 goals in 15 appearances.

– DF Andrew Fox made his first appearance of the season coming on as a substitution in the 87th minute. This was Fox’s first appearance for Locomotive since September 19 against the Monarchs where he picked up an unfortunate leg injury.

Match: El Paso Locomotive at San Antonio FC
Date: July 28, 2021
Venue: Toyota Field; San Antonio, Texas
Weather: 91F and clear skies

Scoring Summary 1 2 F

El Paso Locomotive FC 1 1 2

San Antonio FC 0 1 1

ELP – Lucho Solignac (PK), 18’
ELP – Diego Luna, 71’
SA – Axel Sjoberg (Cameron Lindley), 74’

Lineups:

El Paso Locomotive FC (4-4-2): Logan Ketterer; Eder Borelli, Yuma, Mechack Jerome, Matt Bahner, Richie Ryan, Jose Aguinaga (Chapa Herrera, 61’), Nick Ross (Andrew Fox, 87’), Diego Luna (Dylan Mares, 74’), Lucho Solignac (Leandro Carrijo, 87’), Aaron Gomez (Sebastian Velasquez, 61’)

Subs not used: Ben Beaury, Ricardo Zacarias,

San Antonio (4-2-3-1): Matt Cardone; Sam Gleadle, Connor Maloney (Chris Lema, 73’), Mathieu Deplagne, Axel Sjoberg, Mohammed Abu, Cameron Lindley, Jose Gallegos, Emil Cuello (Justin Dhillon, 61’), Marcus Epps (Ollie Wright, 73’), Nathan

Subs not used: Joaquin Varela, Jose Mercado, Leo Torres, Liam Doyle

Stats Summary: ELP | SA

MISCONDUCT SUMMARY:

SA – Cameron Lindley (Caution), 23’
SA – Axel Sjoberg (Caution), 27’
ELP – Matt Bahner (Caution), 30’
ELP – Diego Luna (Caution), 37’
SA – Mohammed Abu (Caution), 42’
ELP – Richie Ryan (Caution), 59’

Gameday Rundown | El Paso Locomotive at San Antonio

Almost feels like a normal season right? Traveled to New Mexico over the weekend and now we are headed to San Antonio, both for the first time since 2019! Now if only we could play more teams than just the same few four times. I miss the home-and-away series against everyone. To the rest of the USL Championship: I miss you! So for now we’re going to San Antonio and here is that run down:

MATCH DETAILS: USL Championship Regular Season Game #13; at San Antonio FC; 6:30 p.m. MT kickoff

VENUE/WEATHER: Toyota Field; San Antonio, Texas; 93F degrees and clear skies.

WATCH PARTY: The Palomino Tavern (205 Cincinnati Avenue)

WATCH: ESPN+

RECORDS/STANDINGS: Locomotive: 7-1-4 (25 points, MTN-1); San Antonio: 4-3-6 (18 points, MTN-6)

PREVIOUS MEETING: Locomotive dismantled a San Antonio FC 11-game undefeated streak in a game that saw two penalty conversions and an own goal. El Paso Locomotive opened the scoring in the 40th minute when Forward Aaron Gomez converted his penalty kick opportunity, though that lead was quickly diminished with a penalty kick going the other way through then-San Antonio Forward and now-Locomotive striker Lucho Solignac. With the game level, El Paso threw everything it could to regain the advantage, eventually forcing SAFC’s Mitchell Taintor into a poor backward clearance that found his own goal to give Los Locos the 2-1 win.

The start of our Locomotive season was fairly quiet with action. Locomotive didn’t start until the third week of the USL Championship, then even after its 1-1 draw with New Mexico United, El Paso took a bye-week in week four. It was only a matter of time before those three early weeks of no games started coming back and that time is now. In a 14-day span, El Paso has five games scheduled, with the first being the scoreless draw against New Mexico United this past weekend. With four games still left to play, Los Locos are off and running on one of the tighter portions of their schedule. Over the last two and half seasons though, Los Locos have shown time and time again that they are a resilient team that can rise to the occasion no matter the adversity. The Locos Blue will be digging deep and full-ready to put that resiliency on display once again as it takes on this stretch of games that will see it travel to San Antonio before hosting Real Monarchs, Austin Bold FC, and San Antonio.

Last year, San Antonio boasted an incredible attack – one of the most dangerous in the league – that helped raise it to an impressive 11-game undefeated streak to start the season. Leading that attack was their team captain, forward Lucho Solignac. Of course, since then, Lucho has come to the better side of Texas, joining El Paso Locomotive FC in the offseason ahead of the 2021 season. Since coming to Locomotive, Lucho has continued his incredible run, leading the team in goals alongside Aaron Gomez and Diego Luna. This will be his first trip back to Toyota Field and against his former team, something that Lucho has mentioned he is looking forward to doing.

We’ve known from the start of the season that El Paso Locomotive has been strong – arguably the strongest side of the 2021 USL Championship season. It kicked off to earn an 18-game undefeated streak and completed building one full calendar year of not losing at Southwest University Park. Through illness and injuries, Locomotive has earned points in all but one match, losing only to Rio Grande Valley FC. Locomotive is a tough team to play, no matter what form of the team you’re playing and that was evident against New Mexico United on Saturday. Lowry fielded a little different of a lineup than we got used to seeing in the first many weeks of the season, however, the club didn’t miss a beat against a United side on a tough playing field. Through long grass, and a rough physical game, El Paso still pulled a point away from Albuquerque. That strength will continue to be on display as the team travels to another tough stadium to play in as it visits Toyota Field for the first time in 2019.

After dominating Group D in 2020, San Antonio was a favorite going into the 2021 USL Championship season. Despite having a few club departures in the off-season, San Antonio looked towards MLS to replenish its ranks, bringing in different players from caliber clubs. A string of injuries however has kept San Antonio from being the team that everyone expected them to be. San Antonio FC kicked off the 2021 season with a series of draws, winning only twice in their first 10 games. The start to the season has left SAFC near the bottom of the Mountain Division. Sitting in sixth place, SAFC has been fighting with Switchbacks FC just below the playoff line while attempting to catch Austin Bold FC and New Mexico United just over that same line. In recent weeks, SAFC has been able to accomplish just that, picking up back-to-back wins over Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC and New Mexico United. They’ll be looking to make it a three-streak against a Locomotive side that has only lost once and is currently four games undefeated.

One Calendar Year Undefeated at Southwest University Park

On July 24, 2020, El Paso Locomotive fell at Southwest University Park against New Mexico United. Since that night, Locomotive has strengthened, persevered, bounced back, and dominated to put in 52 solid weeks of soccer. Since July 24, 2020, Locomotive has played 15 home games to earn an undefeated record of 10-0-5, recording a full calendar year without losing in the Sun City.

“Twelve months since we lost at home. That was important for us to get that,” said Head Coach Mark Lowry.

Through 52 weeks, Locomotive has welcomed some of the top talents from around the USL Championship, taking on the likes of San Antonio FC, Rio Grande Valley FC, Indy Eleven, and more. Southwest University Park also played host to high-stake games with playoff matches against New Mexico United and FC Tulsa.

After all the adversity, late-game goals, comebacks, and commanding performances at Southwest University Park over the last year, Los Locos secured the milestone of one year unbeaten with a 1-0 win over Las Vegas Lights FC. Forward Aaron Gomez recorded his third goal of the season to put Locomotive ahead while Goalkeeper Ben Beaury made his Locomotive debut to record a clean sheet and put down his name in the club’s history books.

“That’s amazing. A lot of teams can’t say that,” exclaimed Beaury post-game when he learned of the record. “That’s absolutely amazing to see how Mark and the rest of the coaching staff handle business day in and day out. You can tell why our team is good and why we have that streak. It’s because of how hard everyone works every single day. There are no days off.”

To go one full calendar year without losing at home is no small feat. Only a hand full of USL Championship teams can claim the accomplishment. According to the USL Championship record books, eight other teams have been able to create a grandstanding fortress of their home stadium.

Of the current teams still in the Championship, Tampa Bay Rowdies (‘17- ‘18) and Orange County SC (‘13- ‘14) have gone past the year mark with 426 and 399 calendar days, respectively. A handful of teams including Indy Eleven (’18- ’20), Charleston Battery (’14- ’16), and Pittsburgh Riverhounds (’18- ’20) have each made it over two years undefeated at home at 759, 749, and 732 calendar days, respectively.

The longest record? Richmond Kickers – now of USL League One – remained undefeated at home for 791 days from June 2012 to August 2014. El Paso Locomotive is still putting its name into the record books alongside each of these teams, raising its unbeaten count with each passing day. Since that July 24 night, Locomotive has gone 366 days undefeated at home.

To build an undefeated streak of any kind is an achievement only accomplished because of grit, determination, and a team-first mentality that exemplifies Mark Lowry’s group. All which Locomotive embodies alongside the support of thousands of Locomotive loyal that attend every match at Southwest University Park.

“It’s a credit to the fans and how well they support us,” said Lowry. “It’s a credit to the players that have made this place a fortress. We haven’t made it easy. The fans have seen some good entertainment with some last-minute goals. I’ll take records every day and look to improve on it.”

These records have begun to pile up for El Paso Locomotive. The club started its history strong, reaching a Western Conference final in its first-ever year of play, before repeating the performance the very next season. To go along with its now full calendar year of being undefeated at home, Locomotive just set its own club record of 18-games undefeated.

It’s not just club records either, individual players are putting their names down in the record books, even if it’s just the internal books for El Paso. Forward Lucho Solignac found his 18-second stunner against Rio Grande Valley FC to set the club record for the fastest goal. Defender Macca King became the first Locomotive defender, and the second Locomotive player, to feature on the Team of the Week for three weeks straight.

Speaking of the USL Championship Team of the Week, in seven of the last eight weeks, El Paso Locomotive has had players named to the shortlist including, Lucho, King, Defenders Yuma and Eder Borelli, and Midfielders Dylan Mares and Diego Luna. For Week 11, Dylan Mares was selected as the Player of the Week, becoming the second Locomotive player to do so since the inaugural season when Aaron Gomez earned the accolade in Week 27 of 2019.

“I love records,” said Lowry. “People say our records don’t mean anything, but they do. Anytime you can have an unbeaten streak, one year without losing at home, it feels good and there is satisfaction in that, but it also gives you the motivation to work towards the next goal. Now, let’s go two years unbeaten at home.”

While the Boys in Blue will be celebrating the incredible milestone, this is a locker room that is never truly satisfied. The goal of the club is to be the best in the league. The locker room mentality is to keep striving for the next record-setting milestone and ultimately bring a trophy to El Paso.

“You have these little goals and objectives and it’s what you wake up for every day,” explained Lowry. “You wake up every day to try and achieve these things because they all add up at the end of the year to a championship. I think it’s important.”

El Paso Locomotive Plays to Scoreless Draw with New Mexico United

El Paso Locomotive (7-1-4, 25 points) earned a point on the road following a scoreless draw against New Mexico United on Saturday. Midfielders Aaron Gomez and Chapa Herrera made their 50th appearances for the club across all competitions.

“It’s a difficult field to play on both teams,” said Head Coach and Technical Director Mark Lowry. “But the guys fought, they did well. We got a clean sheet away from home so there are a lot of positives to take.”

The Derby de Camino Real wasted little time reigniting the ongoing feud, as both El Paso Locomotive and New Mexico United battled out through the opening 45 minutes. United got off to a quick start, pressing the attack with dangerous crosses into the center, though the effort was not enough to get past Defender Mechack Jerome. Jerome made multiple clearances in the early stages to keep the scoring level while Locomotive began to shift the attack into its own favor. Forward Lucho Solignac and Midfielder Sebastian Velasquez led an aggressive attack through the end of the first half but were unable to break past the United defense to find an opening goal in the first half.

The chippy game continued to get heated as tensions rose with both sides creating dangerous opportunities but unable to break through the other’s defense. Ultimately the heated bout saw red as United’s Juan Guzmán was sent off with a second caution. With the man advantage, El Paso Locomotive fought searching for the go-ahead goal, but the defensively packed United side was able to keep El Paso from finding the net to keep the game scoreless.

UP NEXT: El Paso Locomotive stays on the road for a midweek match-up against San Antonio FC. The match is scheduled for Wednesday, July 28 with kickoff from Toyota Field set for 6:30 p.m. MT and will be broadcast live digitally on ESPN+.

NOTES:

– Midfielder Chapa Herrera made his 50th club appearance across all competitions, appearing in the Starting XI before subbing out in the halftime break.

– Locomotive Youth Soccer Club player Joel Maldonado made an appearance on the bench tonight, shining a light on the early successes of the Locomotive Youth movement.

– Forward Aaron Gomez also made his 50th club appearance across all competitions, subbing into the match in the 85th minute.

Match: El Paso Locomotive at New Mexico United
Date: July 24, 2021
Venue: Southwest University Park; El Paso, Texas
Weather: 82F and partly cloudy

Scoring Summary 1 2 F

El Paso Locomotive FC 0 0 0

New Mexico United 0 0 0

Lineups:

El Paso Locomotive FC (4-4-2): Logan Ketterer; Eder Borelli, Yuma, Mechack Jerome, Ricardo Zacarias, Chapa Herrera (Jose Aguinaga, 46’), Nick Ross, Diego Luna, Richie Ryan, Lucho Solignac (Jose Aguinaga, 85’), Sebastian Velasquez (Aaron Gomez, 85’)

Subs not used: Ben Beaury; Macca King, Matt Lewis, Joel Maldonado

New Mexico United (4-2-3-1): Alex Tambakis; Rashid Tetteh, Kalen Ryden, Daniel Bruce (Brian Brown, 76’), Josh Suggs, Juan Guzmán, Andrew Tinari (Michael Azira, 77’), Austin Yearwood, Isidro Martinez (Justin Schmidt, 85’), Sergio Rivas, Ilija Ilic (Devon Sandoval, 69’)

Subs not used: Philipp Beigl, Cristian Nava, Alex Touche

Stats Summary: ELP | NM

MISCONDUCT SUMMARY:

NM – Juan Guzmán (Caution), 26’
NM – Juan Guzmán (2nd Caution, Ejection), 66’
ELP – Ricardo Zacarias (Caution), 75’
NM – Andrew Tinari (Caution), 83’
ELP – Yuma Monsalvez (Caution), 90’+4

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