Game Recaps

OKLAHOMA CITY – July 6, 2019 – El Paso Locomotive FC rallies in come behind draw against Energy FC to pick up a well-earned point in their road campaign. The homegrown hero, Louis “Chapa” Herrera’s offensive proficiency led to the own goal by OKC. Chapa has made himself a regular starter in the Locomotive lineup and continues to provide that spark on the pitch. Months prior to signing his pro contract, the 22-year-old was working construction when he was discovered by Coach Mark Lowry in a local soccer tournament.

Logan Ketterer came up big yet again for El Paso and saved his fourth penalty of the season which set up the El Paso counter attack. Defender Andrew Fox received the ball near the midline and sent a booming through ball over the top of the Energy FC backline, finding Chapa who redirected the ball with his head and finished it off with a half-volley that caught an OKC defender, sending it into the net. The contest would end in a 1-1 draw, closing El Paso’s third straight road match journey. Locomotive sit in fourth place in the Western Conference.

El Paso Locomotive FC plays their next match at home on Wednesday, July 17th against San Antonio FC. Season Ticket Memberships, Group Tickets, and Individual Match Tickets can be purchased at https://www.eplocomotivefc.com/ticket or by calling 915-235-GOAL!

El PASO – July 3, 2019 – El Paso Locomotive FC have acquired Tulsa Defender Moses Makinde via trade pending league and federation approval. Tulsa will acquire El Paso midfielder Calvin Rezende early this week.

“I want to thank Calvin for his service here and wish him nothing but the best at Tulsa. Moses is going to offer us much needed depth to the back line that has been down to the bare bones this last couple of weeks. We look forward to integrating him into the group this week,” said Coach Mark Lowry.

The English-American defender was born in London and played his collegiate career with North Carolina State Wolfpack from 2010-2013, making 69 appearances and scoring twice. Makinde has played in the United States, England, Germany, Romania and Sweden. Makinde made 21 appearances with Syrianska FC (Sweden) and that season the club was promoted to the second division in Swedish Football.

El Paso Locomotive FC plays their next match at home on Saturday, July 17th against San Antonio FC. Season Ticket Memberships, Group Tickets, and Individual Match Tickets can be purchased at https://www.eplocomotivefc.com/ticket or by calling 915-235-GOAL!

FRESNO – June 29, 2019 – El Paso Locomotive FC lost their first road match in the club’s history. An injury riddled roster and road fatigue played heavily into the Locomotive performance this evening. El Paso wraps up their third consecutive road match next Saturday when they travel to Oklahoma City.

The Borderland’s own Memo Diaz saw his first professional appearance in tonight’s match resulting in all four local players (Omar Salgado, Louis ‘Chapa Herrera, Aaron Gomez, and Diaz) sharing the pitch for the first time this season.  Daniel Navarro also returned from his short-term loan to Chattanooga.

El Paso Locomotive FC plays their next match at home on Saturday, July 17th against San Antonio FC. Season Ticket Memberships, Group Tickets, and Individual Match Tickets can be purchased at https://www.eplocomotivefc.com/ticket or by calling 915-235-GOAL!

EL PASO – June 26, 2019 – El Paso Locomotive FC remain unbeaten on the road with a nil-nil draw in San Antonio. This is the first of their three straight road games over the next 10 days. El Paso will travel to Fresno to face the Foxes this Saturday.

Goalkeeper Logan Ketterer came up with a massive save in the opening minutes of the match to keep things scoreless. San Antonio FC was awarded a penalty in the 17th minute and sent a booming shot into the right corner of the goal. Ketterer showed his professionalism under pressure and got explosive, getting both hands on the shot to deny San Antonio the lead.

Drew Beckie had to exit the match in the 43rd minute seeing midfielder Omar Salgado drop to left back. Locomotive came out with a gutsy draw and a road point in front of 75 plus traveling supporters from El Paso.

El Paso sit in third place in the Western Conference with 27 points and have conceded the least amount of goals (13) in the West this season. Ketterer is in second place across the league for most clean sheets (eight).

El Paso Locomotive FC plays their next match at home on Saturday, July17th against San Antonio FC. Season Ticket Memberships, Group Tickets, and Individual Match Tickets can be purchased at https://www.eplocomotivefc.com/ticket or by calling 915-235-GOAL!

EL PASO – June 22, 2019 – El Paso Locomotive FC packed Southwest University Park with 8,117 fans, resulting in the second largest crowd in franchise history behind their historic home opener on March 9th. The energy and buzz in the stadium carried the cheers of the fans into the El Paso night as Locomotive battled for 90-minutes.

El Paso’s nine game unbeaten streak came to an end at the hands of Las Vegas who came into this match after a thundering 5-1 victory over New Mexico United. Locomotive saw a shift in the backline after losing three key performers due to injury but maintained 74 percent of the possession and only faced one shot on target.

“The guys did a great job in the second half. Edson did great when he came on. He got off some good shots and, on another day, those go in,” said Coach Mark Lowry.

El Paso Locomotive FC plays their next three matches on the road. They return home on Wednesday, July 17th to face San Antonio. Season Ticket Memberships, Group Tickets, and Individual Match Tickets can be purchased at https://www.eplocomotivefc.com/ticket or by calling 915-235-GOAL!

EL PASO, Texas — El Paso Locomotive FC is set to announce the signing of a top-recruit ahead of Saturday’s match against the Las Vegas Lights. In partnership with The Hospitals of Providence (THOP), 11-year-old Amber Berry signed with the team at 11 a.m. on Friday at Southwest University Park as the Locomotive Player for a Day. Berry has been battling leukemia since November 16, 2016.

“We are so excited to sign Amber Berry to a one-day contract with the team,” Andrew Forrest, El Paso Locomotive FC General Manager, Business Operations, said. “She has shown incredible resiliency and courage in her battle with leukemia and has been under the highest standard of care from the great team at The Hospitals of Providence. Because of their hard work and Amber’s fighting spirit, we know Amber will be able to enjoy being a kid again when she completes her treatments.”

The festivities will begin when Berry arrives to Southwest University Park at 10:30 a.m. to be greeted by both Locomotive and Chihuahuas staff. She will then make her way to the field to watch the Locomotive finish training. She is set to sign at 11 a.m. accompanied by her family, Forrest, THOP Market CEO Monica Vargas Mahar and Locomotive coaching staff and players.

During her three-year cancer journey at Providence Children’s Hospital, Amber has undergone more than 54 treatments in an effort to get her well.  Her final treatment is expected to be in July.

“It’s important to always stay positive, think of happy thoughts and in the end you’ll see how much you’ve accomplished,” said Amber Berry.  “My team has been my mom, my family and all the nurses and doctors who have helped get me better.  I can’t wait to take on this next challenge as a Locomotive for a day.”

With aspirations to be an artist, Amber will unveil a one-of-a-kind masterpiece made especially for the Locomotive gameday poster. On Saturday, the Locomotive Player for the Day has an evening filled of soccer fun, team warm-up, autograph signing, game broadcast announcing and spending time with players. Her family will join in the festivities and cheer Amber on as player number 4.

“Amber is one of our warrior patients, she is truly an incredible child who at a very young age has already had to take on cancer and said it’s not going to beat me,” said Nicholas Tejeda, Group Chief Executive Officer for The Hospitals of Providence. “When you meet her you can’t help but feel inspired by her.  She not only brightens the days of many of our pediatric patients, but she brings smiles to all our nurses and staff.  These kids are our future, Amber is our future and it’s about getting them back on the field to do great things.”

TAMPA, Fla. – Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC forward Steevan Dos Santos has been voted the USL Championship Player of the Week for Week 15 of the 2019 season. The Cape Verde forward recorded a goal and assist inside the opening 13 minutes of the Hounds’ visit to ATL UTD 2 on Saturday night to help spark the club’s 5-0 win, its biggest of the 2019 campaign.

Dos Santos received 35 percent of the poll conducted by a national panel of independent media representing every USL Championship market. Rio Grande Valley FC’s Carlos Small finished second on 30 percent after recording a pair of goals in the Toros’ 3-0 win against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC on Saturday night.

USL Championship Team of the Week

GK – Evan Louro, New York Red Bulls II: Louro recorded a six-save shutout to help keep the Red Bulls II on level terms before they scored a late game-winner against Louisville City FC on Sunday afternoon.

D – Javan Torre, Las Vegas Lights FC: Torre opened the scoring for Lights FC against New Mexico with a spectacular strike and was solid on the back line throughout the night, winning 6 of 9 duels and making five recoveries.

D – Jarad van Schaik, Charleston Battery: The veteran helped the Battery contain the Rowdies’ attack with a team-high five interceptions and recorded five clearances while winning 4 of 6 duels and 2 of 3 aerials.

D – Aaron Maund, Charlotte Independence: Maund made 13 recoveries and won 11 of 16 duels and 6 of 10 aerials to lead the Independence’s back line in its victory against Birmingham Legion FC.

M – Sam Gleadle, Reno 1868 FC: Gleadle recorded a goal and assist and had three key passes overall to lead Reno to a 4-2 victory against the LA Galaxy II on Saturday night.

M – Jemal Johnson, Fresno FC: Johnson recorded assists on both the Foxes’ goals as part of three key passes overall and completed 31 of 37 passes as Fresno earned a 2-2 draw on the road against the Portland Timbers 2.

M – Zach Zandi, Bethlehem Steel FC: Zandi notched a pair of assists, including one after Bethlehem was reduced to 10 men, to help lead his side to a 3-1 victory against Saint Louis FC.

M – Tyler Pasher, Indy Eleven: Pasher recorded a late winner against Loudoun United FC that capped a performance in which he completed seven dribbles, recorded three key passes and completed 23 of 28 passes.

F – Omar Salgado, El Paso Locomotive FC: Salgado was dynamic for Locomotive FC as he completed 4 of 4 dribbles and recorded one assist while winning 9 of 13 duels and making four recoveries.

F – Carlos Small, Rio Grande Valley FC: Small scored a pair of goals to lead the Toros to victory against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC which moved the side above the playoff line in the Western Conference.

EL PASO – June 15, 2019 – El Paso Locomotive FC extended their undefeated streak to nine straight league matches with the win against Tulsa Roughnecks FC. USL Player of the Month Jerome Kiesewetter asserted his dominance and scored his tenth goal of the season putting him in a first-place tie for goals scored across the league while playing four games less than the rest of the field.

Sebastian Contreras showed his grit and professionalism tonight; scoring the first goal and drawing the penalty in the second half. Omar Salgado once again dominated in his new position on the wing, leading to the first goal. In the 37th minute, Salgado was unstoppable on the wing and took the ball deep into the Tulsa box, sending a perfectly placed cross that Contreras was able to convert.

The goal to break Tulsa came in the 67th minute when Contreras outclassed and out dribbled two Tulsa defenders who would have no other choice but to put him down in the box. Who else but Kiesewetter would step up to take the penalty? In calculating and clinical fashion, the German-American converted from the spot by sending a booming shot into the upper 90. El Paso would close the night with a big win and three points on the road boosting them up the rankings.

El Paso Locomotive FC plays their next match at home on Saturday, June 22nd against Las Vegas. Season Ticket Memberships, Group Tickets, and Individual Match Tickets can be purchased at https://www.eplocomotivefc.com/ticket or by calling 915-235-GOAL!

 El Paso Locomotive FC forward Jerome Kiesewetter has been voted the USL Championship’s Player of the Month for May after recording six goals in four games to lead his club to an undefeated record over the course of the month and an inside line to a berth in the USL Cup Playoffs at the end of the season.

The former United States Men’s National Team member, Kiesewetter joined Locomotive early this season and has made an impressive impact with the club. In addition to his six goals during May, Kiesewetter has recorded nine goals in nine appearances overall to sit in a tie for second place in the race for the Championship’s Golden Boot, one behind New Mexico United’s Kevaughn Frater going into this weekend’s action.

“I am very excited to be named player of the month,” said Kiesewetter. “I know there were a bunch of other great players on the list and I am grateful to have won. I am thankful to everyone who voted for me and want to continue playing like we have as a team.” 

Kiesewetter received 52 percent of a weighted poll that included the USL Championship Technical Committee, a national panel of independent media representing every USL market and an online fan vote held at USLChampionship.com. The Tampa Bay Rowdies goalkeeper John McCarthy finished second on 26 percent after recording nine saves and four shutouts over the month, while Indy Eleven goalkeeper Evan Newton finished third on 18 percent after also going the month without conceding in league play.

El Paso Locomotive FC plays their next match at home on Saturday, June 22nd against Las Vegas Lights. Season Ticket Memberships, Group Tickets, and Individual Match Tickets can be purchased at https://www.eplocomotivefc.com/ticket or by calling 915-235-GOAL!

USL Championship Team of the Week

GK – Brandon Miller, Charlotte Independence: Miller recorded a six-save shutout against the Swope Park Rangers that included a penalty-kick save to help his side earn a point on the road.

D – Kosuke Kimura, Nashville SC: Kimura scored a second-half goal and won 8 of 9 duels while making five recoveries in NSC’s 4-1 road victory against Bethlehem Steel FC.

D – Ish Jome, Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC: Jome completed 4 of 4 dribbles, won 6 of 7 duels and recorded three key passes in addition to his late goal in the Switchbacks’ 3-0 win against Tacoma Defiance.

D – James Kiffe, El Paso Locomotive FC: Kiffe recorded a pair of assists, completed 76 of 87 passes overall and made 10 recoveries in Locomotive FC’s 3-0 win against the LA Galaxy II.

M – Sebastian Dalgaard, Hartford Athletic: Dalgaard notched three key passes, completed six dribbles won 14 of 20 duels and won a penalty kick that produced the game-winning goal in the Athletic’s 2-1 win against Saint Louis FC.

M – Dre Fortune, North Carolina FC: Fortune struck twice, made four interceptions and completed 21 of 27 passes as North Carolina handed the Tampa Bay Rowdies their first loss of the season.

M – Jose Gallegos, San Antonio FC: The 17-year-old recorded four key passes and 9 of 10 passes overall, completed three dribbles and scored the game-winning goal after coming on as a halftime substitute in SAFC’s 3-2 win against Reno 1868 FC.

M – Chris Lema, New York Red Bulls II: Lema notched a pair of assists, recorded seven key passes overall and made 10 recoveries as the Red Bulls II cruised to a 3-1 victory against ATL UTD 2.

F – Junior Flemmings, Phoenix Rising FC: Flemmings scored twice, won a penalty kick and completed 16 of 19 passes to lead Rising FC’s romp to a 5-0 victory against Tulsa Roughnecks FC at Casino Arizona Field.

F – Cameron Iwasa, Sacramento Republic FC: Iwasa recorded the opening and closing goal in Republic FC’s 3-0 road victory against Western Conference-leader New Mexico United on Saturday night.

F – Douglas Martinez, Real Monarchs SLC: Martinez notched two goals, one assist and three key passes as the Monarchs took a 5-3 victory against Rio Grande Valley FC at Zions Bank Stadium.

Bench: Callum Irving (OTT), Solomon Asante (PHX), Kenney Walker (IND), Griffin Yow (LDN), Maikel Chang (SLC), Jerome Kiesewetter (ELP), Deshorn Brown (OKC)