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The book has shut on the 2021 USL Championship Regular Season and 16 teams are penning new chapters for the playoff race to the trophy. For El Paso Locomotive, they enter the post-season as one of those final 16 teams for the third straight season since joining the league in 2019.

As Head Coach Mark Lowry and El Paso Locomotive turn their attention towards yet another historic storybook run towards the USL Championship Title, now is as good a time as any to look back at the club-best run through the regular season.

Through the 2021 season, El Paso Locomotive was one of two teams that stayed unbeaten at their home venue. After 16 games played at Southwest University Park, the Locos finished with a record of 13-0-3 (42 points) while Phoenix Rising FC’s home record at the Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex follows shortly behind at 11-0-5 (38 points). The two Western Conference clubs join a shortlist of teams in the USL Championship’s history to have a loss-less record at home in the regular season. Orlando City (2012, 2014), Richmond Kickers (2013), Rochester Rhinos (2015), Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (2019), and Indy Eleven (2019) accomplished the feat beforehand with at least 10 games played at home in the season. In 2020, Sacramento Republic and San Antonio FC managed to stay unbeaten at their home stadiums, but both played less than 10 games at nine and eight respectively.

The 2021 Locomotive home record lends itself to what is now an all-time club-best record in the regular season. Beating the record set in 2019 (13-10-11, 50 points), Los Locos amassed 64 points with a record of 18-4-10. With only four losses in the season, El Paso Locomotive boasts the cleanest record across the entire league for 2021, finishing third overall behind only the 2020 Conference Champions, Phoenix Rising FC (67 points), and Tampa Bay Rowdies (71 points).

Locomotive has only improved with each year all across the pitch making this club-best record a possibility.

Compared to the inaugural 2019 season, El Paso Locomotive boasted a stingier and more ironclad defense while putting forward a more clinical and aggressive offense. All in all, Locomotive put forth a more complete showing in 2021 than it did just two years ago. In 2019, Locomotive scored 42 goals across 13 goal scorers while allowing 36 for a +6-goal differential. That was enough to earn Locomotive a berth into the playoffs for their inaugural year, but El Paso knew it could be better.

By 2021, Locomotive had improved to scoring 56 goals in two fewer games (14 more than 2019) across 14 scorers. Meanwhile, Locomotive only allowed 34 goals this season, two less than 2019, giving the Sun City club a +22-goal differential to top the Mountain Division and decisively earning a playoff berth.

Anyone paying attention through the 2020 shortened season saw this improvement well underway. The 2019 42 goals scored and 36 allowed were earned in a full 34-game season. El Paso Locomotive played 16-games in 2020, just shy of half the number of 2019. Even still, Locomotive scored 24 goals while allowing only 14. In less than half the games, the Boys in Blue had already scored more than half the number of goals scored in 2019. No matter the circumstances, El Paso Locomotive has continually improved throughout the years, leading to what really was a year to remember in 2021.

So here we are. The end of the 2021 USL Championship Regular Season. It started off slow. Locomotive only played two or three games while everyone else had played five or six. Rio Grande Valley FC stood at the top of the Mountain Division, while El Paso sat below the playoff line in fifth. Despite the slow start, Locomotive had the advantage of games in hand, knowing exactly what it needed to do to come out on top. Every man from 1 to 22 on Coach Lowry’s squad did just that to get the job done. By the end of the regular season, El Paso Locomotive had decisively claimed the top seed in the Mountain Division without any threat to top stop them.

We’ve seen a lot through the season. The triumphant return of Sebastian Velasquez was a welcome comeback adding a creative and clinical depth to the attacking midfield. Diego Luna made his professional debut, taking the league by storm as one of the brightest up-and-comers. Lucho Solignac fitted perfectly into Mark Lowry’s system, creatively finishing goals that land on ESPN SportsCenter Top 10. Macca King and Eder Borelli stood out on the wings, playing end-to-end football that both stopped opposition offense while creating goals for the attack. Ultimately, we saw a club that played as a team and not as individuals on the pitch.

The team may have faltered once or twice throughout the season, but the resiliency of the club saw the team bounce back on more than one occasion. El Paso Locomotive FC truly showcased a never-say-die attitude. This is a club that wants to win and will do everything they can to come out on the other side of the 90-minute whistle as a winner. 2021 showed that this is a team that has what it takes to take everything it does to the next step.  Which leaves us to looking ahead at the 2021 Playoffs

El Paso Locomotive has made it a successful trend of taking everything to the next level. When it comes to the playoffs, El Paso took their run to the Western Conference finals, falling to a heartbreaking last-second goal in added extra time. In 2020, they repeated the performance, this time taking the match past added extra time and into a penalty shootout, but again falling just short. To follow this successful trend, Locomotive is primed to win the Western Conference title and represent the West in the USL Championship Final.

Don’t miss the first step in El Paso Locomotive’s quest to the USL Championship Final this Friday, November 5 at 7:30 p.m. MT. Locomotive is set to take on El Paso native Memo Diaz and Oakland Roots SC. The first meeting between these two clubs is set to be a historic one at Southwest University Park. Tickets are going quickly so lock in your seat now at https://www.eplocomotivefc.com/tickets, phone at 915-235-GOAL, or through the Official El Paso Locomotive FC App.

El Paso Locomotive (18-4-10, 64 points) fell for only the fourth time in the 2021 USL Championship regular season with a 1-4 scoreline against Rio Grande Valley FC. Midfielder Chapa Herrera scored his first of the lone Locomotive goal. The result means Locomotive finishes second in the Western Conference, just behind Phoenix Rising FC.

Rio Grande Valley FC got off to a start that set the tempo of the game, converting a penalty in the seventh minute that just got past Goalkeeper Logan Ketterer. Locomotive fought for an equalizer, ultimately finding one through Forward Leandro Carrijo, who rounded RGV goalkeeper Tyler Deric to get to the back of the net, but the goal was disallowed due to offside. While Locomotive aimed to make one count, RGVFC doubled the lead just before the halftime whistle, with Kyle Edwards finding his first of the night.

Locomotive put themselves back into the fight earning the first second-half goal with a decisive play between Midfielder Diego Luna and Herrera, who took the one-touch to get past the RGV goalkeeper. Despite pulling one back on the scoreboard, RGV took in the second half, as Edwards earned his second of the night. El Paso Locomotive was put on the backfoot throughout the remainder of the match, as RGV never let off the gas, finding the nail in the coffin in the 79th minute with Emilio Ycaza earning the fourth Toros goal to contribute to the scoring.

UP NEXT: El Paso Locomotive kicks off its Track to the Trophy with a home match for the Western Conference Quarterfinal at Southwest University Park. Kick-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. MT on Friday, November 5. Tickets are available at https://www.eplocomotivefc.com/tickets, by phone at 915-235-GOAL, or through the official El Paso Locomotive App. The opponent is to be determined between Oakland Roots and LA Galaxy II

GOAL SCORING RUNDOWN

RGV: Rodrigo Lopez (Penalty), 7th minute: After being brought down in the box by a late tackle from Carrijo prompted the referee to point to the spot. Lopez stepped up, taking the kick well to the left. While Logan Ketterer guessed the direction correctly, it wasn’t enough to put a stop to the ball and provided RGV with an early lead.

RGV: Kyle Edwards, 49th minute: In stoppage time of the first half, a strong pass forward ended with just a miss-timed clearance from the Locomotive backline, opening up Edwards to take a shot towards goal that ended in the back of the net.

ELP: Chapa Herrera (Diego Luna), 52nd minute: In a decisive play, Luna played a through ball forward that both Leandro Carrijo and Herrera got to the end of. Herrera ultimately took the shot, ending in the back of the net to breathe some life into the Locomotive game.

RGV: Kyle Edwards (Juan Azocar), 59th minute: Down the right-hand side, Azocar was able to break past the Locomotive defense, putting a ball in forward which Edwards broke past to get to. With one touch, Edwards put the goal into the back of the net to further the Rio Grande Valley lead.

RGV: Emilio Ycaza, 79th minute: In a 50/50 duel, Ycaza got the better of the El Paso Locomotive FC defense, creating a one-on-one situation with Logan Ketterer. Ycaza took the shot quickly finding the bottom corner of the near post to put the nail in the coffin for the night.

NOTES:

– Midfielder Chapa Herrera scored his first Locomotive goal of the season, scoring in the 52nd minute.

– Locomotive ends the 2021 USL Championship Regular Season with one of the best records in the league, having only lost four times in the 32-game season.

– El Paso Locomotive is set to host the opening round of the 2021 USL Championship playoffs, taking on either LA Galaxy II, Oakland Roots, or Tacoma Defiance.

Match: El Paso Locomotive at Rio Grande Valley FC
Date: October 30, 2021
Venue: H-E-B Park; Edinburg, Texas
Weather: 76F and clear skies

Scoring Summary              1          2          F

El Paso Locomotive             0          1          1

Rio Grande Valley FC         2          2          4

RGV – Rodrigo Lopez (Penalty), 7’
RGV – Kyle Edwards, 45’+4
ELP – Chapa Herrera (Diego Luna), 52’
RGV – Kyle Edwards (Juan Azocar), 59’
RGV – Emilio Ycaza, 79’

Lineups:

El Paso Locomotive FC (4-4-2): Logan Ketterer; Eder Borelli, Andrew Fox (Cole Turner, 45’), Mechack Jerome (Ricardo Zacarias, 61’), Matt Bahner, Richie Ryan (Chapa Herrera, 45’), Nick Ross (Jose Aguinaga, 61’), Dylan Mares (Aaron Gomez, 73’), Lucho Solignac, Diego Luna (Brooklyn Raines, 80’), Leandro Carrijo

Subs not used: Ben Beaury

Rio Grande Valley FC (4-4-2): Tyler Deric (Colin Miller, 65’); Erik Pimentel, Carter Manley, Baboucarr Njie, Juan Azocar, Rodrigo Lopez (Vicente Sanchez, 87’), Andres Flores (Adrian Vera, 87’), Emilio Ycaza, Kyle Edwards (Juan Cabezas, 65’), Jonas Fjeldberg, Christian Sorto (Elvis Amoh, 87’)

Subs not used: Adrian Diz Pe, Frank Lopez

Stats Summary: ELP | RGV

Shots: 7 | 12
Shots on Goal: 2 | 6
Saves: 2 | 1
Corner Kicks: 3 | 4
Fouls: 5 | 13
Offside: 5 | 0

MISCONDUCT SUMMARY:

RGV – Emilio Ycaza (Caution), 12’
ELP – Eder Borelli (Caution), 45’
RGV – Juan Azocar (Caution), 45’+2
RGV – Kyle Edwards (Caution), 45’+4
RGV – Adrian Vera (Caution), 90’+1

On Saturday, El Paso Locomotive and Rio Grande Valley FC face off in one of 15 matches to close out the 2021 USL Championship season. Even with most teams having only one game left in the season, the playoff picture is all but clear – especially in the two divisions that make up the Western Conference.

As we head into the final weekend of the regular season, let’s take a look around the league, break down who we could face in the Western Conference Quarterfinal on November 5 at Southwest University Park, and what games we should be paying close attention to.

As the undisputed leaders of the Mountain Division, El Paso Locomotive earns the right to host whoever finishes just above the playoff line in the Pacific Division for the opening round of the playoffs. Heading into the final weekend, we still don’t know who exactly that opponent it is, but there are three possibilities: LA Galaxy II, Oakland Roots SC, and Tacoma Defiance. All three play this weekend, each with their own objectives to make a post-season appearance.

LA GALAXY II

The first is LA Galaxy II, who currently sit in that coveted playoff position, and hosts Orange County SC in their final match (8:30 p.m. MT Kickoff; ESPN+).  It will be a win-and-you’re-in scenario for Los Dos, as picking up three points against OCSC will guarantee a trip to El Paso while anything less leaves it in the hands of Tacoma Defiance and Oakland Roots. Should Galaxy II earn a draw against OCSC, it would need Oakland and Tacoma to all fail to get a win. Alternatively, should Oakland and Tacoma both lose, or if Tacoma loses and Oakland draws, LA Galaxy II would still book their seat in the playoffs. FiveThirtyEight has Los Dos with a 64% chance of reaching the post-season so needless to say, they are the favorites for the weekend.

OAKLAND ROOTS

Oakland Roots is just a point behind LA Galaxy II below the playoff line and may have the easiest-looking matchup on paper. On Saturday, Oakland Roots welcome Sporting Kansas City II (Kickoff 8:00 p.m. MT; ESPN+), a team that has lost 19 games this season and is currently on a five-game losing streak. Even so, this game is an absolutely must-win for Oakland Roots and even then, nothing is guaranteed. Oakland will also need LA Galaxy II to drop points against Orange County SC, whether that be with a draw or loss. FiveThirtyEight gives Oakland Roots 28% odds of making it into the post-season in their first year of Championship play, but that doesn’t mean you can count out the Southern California team quite yet.

TACOMA DEFIANCE

The underdogs of the Pacific Division still have playoff hopes, even if FiveThirtyEight has those hopes at 9%. Arguably the least favorable matchup of the three Pacific Division teams still fighting for 4th place, Tacoma Defiance heads to Phoenix Rising FC for a match in Arizona (Kickoff 8:30 p.m. MT; ESPN+). Phoenix is a hard team to beat, especially in Arizona. Even still, we all may be big Tacoma fans this coming weekend. Should Tacoma pick up three points against Rising, the Pacific Northwest Club stands an opportunity to make playoffs with an Oakland and Galaxy II draw or loss. It would also mean Phoenix drops points and puts Locomotive into a position to take the best record in the Western Conference and the right to host all the way to the Western Conference Final. Yeah, it might be a long shot, but let’s cheer on our friends in Tacoma. Who doesn’t like an underdog?

While the fourth and final playoff position in both the Mountain and Pacific Division may still be a little fuzzy, there are a few things we know as crystal clear. As we said before, we know Locomotive will host the opening round of the playoffs, and should it advance, it will host the second round as well. Phoenix Rising FC earned the same right, but as of right now would also host the Western Conference Final. The two powerhouse Western clubs are joined by San Antonio FC and Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC from the Mountain Division and Orange County SC and San Diego Loyal from the Pacific Division.

With the top three seeds being claimed, there are still six teams fighting for two spots across the two divisions. I broke down the Pacific Division up above, but here in the Mountain Division, Rio Grande Valley FC (44 points) is battling with New Mexico United (43 points) and Austin Bold FC (41 points) for the last playoff ticket. New Mexico United has an easy task on paper, taking on Real Monarchs in Utah, but the so-called Kings of Chaos need help from El Paso Locomotive to make the post-season. Rio Grande Valley FC books their ticket with a win, but should they earn a draw or less, they’ll need United and Bold to do the same in order to advance. Meanwhile, Bold FC absolutely needs a win against Charlotte Independence along with RGVFC and United to lose to make an appearance in the post-season.

As it stands ahead of the final weekend, El Paso Locomotive would host LA Galaxy II then should it advance to the Conference Semifinals, it would play host to the winner of Orange County SC and Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC. On the other end of the playoff bracket, as it stands, Phoenix Rising FC would host Rio Grande Valley FC before going on to play the winner of San Antonio FC and San Diego Loyal.

The Western Conference might be a photo-finish across the playoff line as we enter the final weekend, but the players are set in the Eastern Conference. Tampa Bay Rowdies are leading the charge in the East, taking the Atlantic Division by storm. Joining them in the playoffs are Charlotte Independence, Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, and Miami FC.

Meanwhile, the Central Division has been locked up by Birmingham Legion FC, Louisville City FC, Memphis 901 FC, and FC Tulsa, but the top spot is still up for grabs. Currently, Birmingham and Louisville are only separated by two points. The two are set to face one another in the October 30 Regular Season Finale, meaning a win for Louisville clinches the Central Division, while a draw or win for Birmingham does the same.

We already know that FC Tulsa will be traveling to Al Lang Stadium to take on Tampa Bay Rowdies for the opening round of the playoffs in the East, but as for where the rest of the clubs go, that much is still in the air. As it stands right now, Birmingham Legion FC would be hosting Miami FC, Pittsburgh Riverhounds would be traveling to Louisville City FC and their Lynn Family Stadium, while Charlotte Independence would play host to Memphis 901 FC – who is frankly just excited to be part of the picture. Even though Locomotive wouldn’t have to handle any Eastern team until the USL Final, each team is crucial to keep an eye on as it they are all potential opponents for the pinnacle trophy.

The 2021 USL Championship playoff race is setting up to be a tight one, with the best teams in the league all vying for the highest title the league has to offer. For El Paso Locomotive, that track to the trophy kicks off on Friday, November 5 at 7:30 p.m. from Southwest University Park against whoever comes out on top between LA Galaxy II, Oakland Roots, and Tacoma Defiance. Tickets for the opening playoff round are going fast so don’t miss out on one of the biggest games of the year. Get your tickets at https://www.eplocomotivefc.com/tickets, by phone at 915-235-GOAL, or through the Official El Paso Locomotive FC App.

It all ends here. Well, the regular season anyway. We’ve had a playoff berth for a while, so we already know that we will be seeing you all at Southwest University Park on Friday, November 5th. For others though, they aren’t so lucky. Like our opponents this Saturday! They’re still fighting for their season, and I wish them all the luck! But also, please refer back to the first sentence. Anyway, let’s get to breaking the 2021 USL Championship Regular Season Finale down!

MATCH DETAILS: USL Championship Regular Season Game #32; at Rio Grande Valley FC; Kickoff 6:30 p.m. MT

VENUE/WEATHER: H-E-B Park; Edinburg, Texas; Forecasted 87F with clear skies

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

WATCH: ESPN+

RECORDS/STANDINGS: Locomotive: 18-3-10 (64 points, MTN-1); RGV: 11-11-8 (45 points, MTN-3)

PREVIOUS MEETING: Locos and RGV met for the third round in the 2021 head-to-head series at Southwest University Park in August, and El Paso Locomotive emphatically took the 3-1 win. Despite Elvis Amoh giving RGV a first-half lead in the 38th minute, Locomotive ran away in the second half. Lucho Solignac equalized the scoring in the 66th minute with his back-heel volley that landed at Number 4 on SportsCenter Top 10. It ended up being an easy win for Locomotive after Sebastian Velasquez took the Locomotive lead in the 89th minute and Dylan Mares guaranteed the three points at home with his 96th-minute goal.

Rio Grande Valley FC Toros could see their 2021 USL Championship season come to an end on Saturday. As of right now, RGV is two below the playoff line. RGV absolutely needs a win against El Paso to keep their playoff dreams alive, but they would also need New Mexico United to drop against Real Monarchs and they would need Austin Bold FC to fall to Charlotte Independence on the same day. Since Rio Grande Valley can’t control what happens in the other two games, they will be heavily focused to get the job done in the one space they can control. There is nothing more dangerous than a bull pushed into a corner. The Toros will be leaving everything out on the pitch, but the question remains if it will be enough to stop a red-hot El Paso Locomotive FC side.

El Paso Locomotive roaring on all cylinders at exactly the right time. In the last five games, El Paso Locomotive is 4-1-0, outscoring their opponents 13-8, with five of those eight goals coming from the unfortunate LA Galaxy II loss. More importantly though, seven of those 13 goals came unanswered in the last two games where Locomotive completely dominated 3-0 and 4-0 wins against Austin Bold FC and OKC Energy FC respectively. With only one game left in the regular season before the Locos make their third consecutive push towards a USL Championship title win, the Sun City club needs to have as much momentum as possible, and now is the time to get it.

El Paso Locomotive and Rio Grande Valley FC have found each other on the pitch six times over the course of the last three seasons, with this upcoming match being the seventh in the all-time series. Two of those matches have taken place at H-E-B Park in Edinburg, where El Paso Locomotive has yet to gain a win. As if the fight wasn’t already going to be challenging with El Paso taking on an RGV side that has everything to lose with this match, the psychological battle of going to a field where you have to get a win could be overcoming. All the more reason why the two massive wins this last week were crucial. El Paso Locomotive has an air of confidence and momentum to walk into H-E-B Park and come away with a win for the first time in club history.

Locomotive is up and running nearly at a full 100% after a grueling month that saw Locomotive play nine games within 31 days. The Sun City team picked up a lot of injuries with the likes of Yuma, Richie Ryan, Andrew Fox, Sebastian Velasquez, Mechack Jerome, and more finding their names on the Injury Report throughout the month. On Sunday night, we saw the triumphant return of Mechack Jerome to the Starting XI since picking up an injury in the October 6 match against San Antonio FC. Andrew Fox has also been seeing more consistent minutes on the pitch since returning from a small injury, making starts in the last three matches. Players with a little more aggressive injury, are beginning to look favorable and the coaching staff is hopeful they will be ready for the club’s third consecutive playoff run. Richie Ryan for example feels hopeful that he will be making an appearance against Rio Grande Valley FC this Saturday to get some minutes for the first time since September 22. Point is, El Paso Locomotive is almost back at full strength at just the right time for what is shaping up to be a historic postseason.

El Paso Locomotive (18-3-10, 64 pts., MTN-1) takes on Rio Grande Valley FC in the 2021 USL Championship Regular Season Finale on Saturday at H-E-B Park. Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. MT and will be broadcast live on ESPN+.

An outstanding and historic 2021 USL Championship regular season comes to an end on Saturday as El Paso Locomotive takes on Rio Grande Valley FC Saturday. After 31 games, El Paso Locomotive has only lost three times, emphatically claiming the top of the Mountain Division. The team has boasted an unprecedented 25-game unbeaten streak at Southwest University Park that dates back to July 2020, including the playoff games of the 2020 postseason. Now as the final game of the season approaches, El Paso Locomotive is primed to continue making history with a third consecutive run towards the USL Championship Final.

Momentum is completely on El Paso’s side. In the last two matches, Los Locos have outscored their opponents 7-0 and are ramping up to end the season carrying that momentum in full. First, however, Locomotive has to make a stop in H-E-B Park. In the last visit to Edinburg, Texas, Locomotive fell to a scoreline of 3-2. Rio Grande Valley FC will be leaving it all on the field as the match is an absolute must-win for the Southern Texas team in order to keep their playoff dreams alive. Both clubs have a lot to play for, setting the stage for what should be an electric finale to the 2021 regular season.

Follow El Paso Locomotive FC at Rio Grande Valley FC – Sat., October 30, 2021

·         Coverage Begins: 6:30 p.m. MT;
·         Watch:  ESPN+
·         Social Media: @EPLocomotiveFC & #RGVvELP on Twitter
·         Additional Content: Official El Paso Locomotive FC App (iOS / Android)

What an absolute wild year it’s been – and I’m just talking about at Southwest University Park. We’ve seen come from behind victories and draws. We’ve had golazos that have made it on to SportsCenter. We’ve seen bangers that have sent the stadium into a frenzy. We’ve watched so much happen within the walls of Southwest University Park, and we are about to do it one last time in the regular season before we start playing for the title run. So let’s break down the Regular Season home finale.

MATCH DETAILS: USL Championship Regular Season Game #31; vs OKC Energy FC; Kickoff 6:00 p.m. MT, Gates Open at 5:00 p.m. MT

VENUE/WEATHER: Southwest University Park; El Paso, Texas; 82F degrees and clear skies

TICKETS: Click Here!

WATCH: ESPN+ | ESPN Deportes

RECORDS/STANDINGS: Locomotive: 17-3-10 (61 points, MTN-1); Energy: 8-9-13 (37 points, CTL-5)

PREVIOUS MEETING: You have to go back to 2019 to find a match where Locomotive FC and Energy FC met on the pitch. In fact, the time last they did was at Taft Stadium in July of 2019 in a match that saw the two teams end with a level 1-1 draw. OKC got on the board in the first half with a penalty conversion through Rafael Garcia before a second penalty opportunity in the 60th minute taken by Deshorn Brown was body stopped by Logan Ketterer. As Locomotive responded with pressure, a poor defensive clearance by Christian Ibeagha deflected off the body of Mekeil Williams and into OKC’s own net. In the end, OKC Energy scored all the goals but provided Locomotive with a point on the road.

We’ve been talking about this all-season and, honestly, I think rightly so! Locomotive has been absolutely dominant at their home of Southwest University Park. 15 of 16 matches have been played so far in El Paso this season and Locomotive dismantled even some of the best teams within the walls of their fortress. As of now, Los Locos has a 12-0-3 record. That’s 12 wins, three draws, and zero losses. It’s a near-perfect home season. El Paso Locomotive has the opportunity to close the USL Championship regular season by remaining undefeated all year in El Paso, which is a testament to how well this team performs at home. It’s a statistic that not very many teams can boast, so it’s one that Head Coach Mark Lowry and his men are proud to declare.

After three long seasons, El Paso Locomotive is night and day to where it was when it first kicked a ball at Southwest University Park on March 9, 2019. Well, now Locomotive has a long-awaited opportunity to right some wrongs from that March 9th match. In the inaugural game as a franchise, OKC Energy FC dismantled the 2019 Locomotive squad at Southwest University Park, scoring within seconds of the opening whistle. In the end, the match ended in Energy’s favor 3-1. Since then, El Paso has done nothing but improve, reaching back-to-back Western Conference Finals and now in the third year, has clinched the Mountain Division while OKC Energy FC is on the outside looking in on the verge of missing the post-season. While it might seem silly to look all the way back to the first Locomotive match, that was the last time OKC Energy FC visited Southwest University Park. It’s finally time for El Paso Locomotive FC to host OKC Energy FC and get a little bit of “vengeance” on the home field by claiming an emphatic three points at Southwest University Park.

When you already have the top spot in the Mountain Division and you’re guaranteed playoff games, what is there to play for? Well, when you’re in the final stretch of games and getting ramped up for a post-season Championship title run, momentum is everything. It is key. Going into games with “win-or-go-home” atmospheres, you’ll need momentum and confidence to take home wins against the best teams the USL Championship has to offer. Thankfully, at Southwest University Park, with the Locomotive faithful such as 8th Notch behind the team, momentum is never a problem. Players have stated multiple times throughout the season that they are always confident playing at home, and it shows with the results and a 24-game unbeaten streak. Even still, it doesn’t hurt to know that you’re on a win-streak or keep in mind that you’re a tough team to beat. Even more importantly, it’s good to have those mind games being played with your opponent. No one wants to face a team that’s in hot form. No one wants to play a team where they are likely going to be the ones to lose. Momentum is everything heading into these final two games so that Locomotive becomes the team to fear in the USL Championship post-season.

For the first time since joining USL Championship as an expansion club in 2019, El Paso Locomotive FC and Southwest University Park will be on display on the national stage. Sunday’s contest with OKC Energy FC will be nationally televised on ESPN Deportes – one of ESPN’s premier linear channels. After two incredible seasons and a third where Locomotive was a constant name at the top of the league table, Locomotive, El Paso, and the community that surrounds it will be shared nationally. This is El Paso’s moment to showcase who we are. This is our opportunity to show off the dedicated support and love we have for the beautiful game. Very few times do I call upon you to pack the stadium, but if ever there was a time to pack the stadium and show off our El Paso pride, it’s now! Be part of our national showcase! Get your tickets at https://www.eplocomotivefc.com/tickets!

El Paso Locomotive (17-3-10, 61 pts., MTN-1) welcomes OKC Energy FC to Southwest University Park on Sunday for the 2021 Regular Season Home Finale. The match will be nationally broadcast on ESPN Deportes. Kickoff from El Paso is set for 6:00 p.m. MT. Tickets are available for purchase at https://www.eplocomotivefc.com/tickets, by phone at 915-235-GOAL, or through the official El Paso Locomotive FC app.

Fans are encouraged to arrive at the stadium early as the first 2,000 fans into the stadium when gates open at 5:00 p.m. MT will receive a replica white jersey. The high-demand fan-favorite jersey has not been made available making this the one and only opportunity for fans to get their hands on the jersey.

Only two games are left for El Paso Locomotive FC in the 2021 USL Championship season making any ounce of earned momentum is essential as the Sun City club eyes its third USL Championship title run. Following the 3-0 win over Austin Bold FC, momentum is certainly swinging El Paso’s way. With one more home game to secure a near-perfect 2021 home record, Locomotive will be setting itself up for what will be an incredible post-season, as Southwest University Park will play host to the Western Conference Quarterfinal and the Semifinal should Locomotive advance.

After taking down Austin Bold FC, Locomotive has another opportunity to dash playoff dreams with OKC Energy FC on Sunday evening. While El Paso has already cemented its playoff run, OKC is still aiming to upset its rival, FC Tulsa by taking the fourth spot in the Central Division. The upset would require Sunday being a must-win game for OKC Energy FC, meaning they will be bringing their all to repeat history and upset El Paso Locomotive in their home territory. These two clubs haven’t met since 2019, but their reunion at Southwest University Park will be worthy of the national broadcast as both teams have a lot to play for ahead of the post-season.

Follow El Paso Locomotive FC vs FC Tulsa – Sun., October 24, 2021

Coverage Begins: 6:00 p.m. MT; Gates Open at 5:00 p.m. MT
Watch:  ESPN+ | ESPN Deportes (SP)
Social Media: @EPLocomotiveFC & #ELPvOKC on Twitter
Additional Content: Official El Paso Locomotive FC App (iOS / Android)

It’s so refreshing playing someone new! Not to mention, this one has playoff potential. Not just “oh, LA is looking to clinch, and Locos want to win the Mountain Division.” No, this one could be a preview of a playoff game. If the results hold the way they are, this would be the card for the Western Conference Semifinal, but more on that later. For now, let’s talk watch party, previous meeting, and then storylines.

MATCH DETAILS: USL Championship Regular Season Game #29; at LA Galaxy II; Kickoff 6:00 p.m. MT

VENUE/WEATHER: Dignity Health Sports Park; Carson, California; 74F degrees and partly cloudy

WATCH PARTY: The Palomino Tavern (205 Cincinnati Ave.)

WATCH: ESPN+

RECORDS/STANDINGS: Locomotive: 16-2-10 (58 points, MTN-1); Galaxy II: 10-12-6 (36 points, PAC-4)

PREVIOUS MEETING: These two sides last met at Dignity Health Sports Park to close out the 2019 USL Championship in October of that year. The match didn’t quite go Locomotive’s way as Galaxy II’s Ethan Zubak found the net in the 15th minute, setting El Paso to chase the game. While Los Locos sought the equalizing goal, LA’s Mohammed Kamara got on the end of a cross to put away an easy tap-in on an open goal in the 52nd minute. Locomotive turned up the heat trying

It’s been a long two years since these two clubs have faced one another on the field. In fact, it was October 19, 2019, when these two last faced. Of course, after that loss, Locomotive went on to the Western Conference Final while LA Galaxy II was eliminated from the playoffs early in the Play-In round. Before that meeting in October, Locomotive dominated a 3-0 scoreline at Southwest University Park. Well, these clubs are completely different from 2019.

For starters, Los Locos conceded 36 goals throughout the regular season in 2019. This year, the club has only conceded 25. In 2019, Locomotive scored 42 goals and this year that number is 48. Basically, Locomotive is better than it was in the inaugural year. Meanwhile, Los Dos has tightened itself up defensively, conceding only 50 goals in the regular season compared to the 62 in 2019. Offensively though, Galaxy II has faltered, having only scored 47 goals to the 59 two years ago. It would be another intriguing matchup, if only because this one serves as a potential preview of things to come…

Alright, I’ve alluded to it twice now so let’s just jump into it. If the season were to end today, this would be the game for the Western Conference Quarterfinal. The top seed in the Mountain Division will play host to fourth-place finisher in the Pacific Division. As of right now, that would be El Paso Locomotive hosting LA Galaxy II. The venue would be different – Southwest University Park instead of Dignity Health Sports Park – but this match provides a good look into things to come ahead of the playoffs. The two teams will be able to get a live look at one another just weeks before their potential playoff clash. They will have the opportunity to make adjustments and change game plans for the Quarterfinal. We all know Locomotive is excellent at adjusting so even if things don’t go the way we hope on Sunday, you know things will be different at Southwest University Park after Head Coach Mark Lowry and his team have time to break down this Sunday’s contest. This, of course, also gives LA Galaxy II’s head coach, Junior Gonzalez, to make tactical adjustments too.

Too long, didn’t read: This match very well could be a preview of what will be a very exciting tactical battle in the Western Conference final. Those kinds of tactical battles result in some high octane, high pressure, playoff games. Maybe pay attention to this one.

Locomotive has been absolutely dominant in the Mountain Division. Since taking the top seed in early July, it has yet to lose the position. After 23 games against Intra-Division opponents, Locomotive has only lost twice. Combine that with picking up points against every Inter-Division foe, Locomotive has been sitting at the top as an unchallenged king of the Mountain Division. Well, with Sunday’s contest against LA Galaxy II, Los Locos have an opportunity to officially claim the Mountain Division. A single point would make it mathematically impossible for El Paso to fall below first place, clinching the Mountain Division. While a draw would be enough to do it, for a team that wants to win everything, this will be a must-win game to be named the undisputed best in the Mountain Division.

So, if Locomotive wins the Mountain Division with three games left in the USL Championship Regular Season, what comes next? At that point, Locomotive would have come, saw, and conquered it all, right? Well, that’s still not enough for Head coach Mark Lowry and his squad. The next goal is to catch Phoenix Rising. Locomotive currently has 58 points after 28 games played in the regular season while Phoenix Rising holds 62 after 29 games. Locomotive has a game in hand but with a four-point difference, the El Paso team will be hoping Rising drops the result somewhere in its final three games. Should Locomotive catch and surpass Phoenix Rising, not only would Los Locos be the best in the Mountain Division, but they would also be the best across the Western Conference. This would be huge when it comes to the Playoff Push. Being the best in the Western Conference means Locomotive would host every game through to the Western Conference Final, giving the El Paso club an advantage for a title run by using the 23-game undefeated fortress of Southwest University Park.

El Paso Locomotive (16-2-10, 58 pts., MTN-1) goes on the road for a Sunday night match-up against LA Galaxy II at Dignity Health Sports Park. Kickoff from Carson, California is set for 6:00 p.m. MT and will be broadcast live on ESPN+.

It has been two years since Los Locos and Los Dos have met one another on the pitch. In 2019, the two clubs met home-and-away, splitting the regular series record with a win and a loss each. At Southwest University Park in June of that year, Locomotive claimed a 3-0 win over Galaxy II before closing out the 2019 USL Championship regular season campaign with a 2-0 loss at Dignity Health Sports Park. Two years later, Los Locos are traveling to Carson, California once again for an inter-division contest that could impact the playoff push for both teams.

El Paso Locomotive has clinched its playoff berth, but Head Coach Mark Lowry and his men are hungry for more. The club is aiming to claim the top seed in the Mountain Division which it can do with a draw or a win against Los Dos on Sunday. Additionally, following the 1-0 loss Phoenix suffered on Wednesday night, Los Locos are aiming to surpass Rising to stand at the top of the Western Conference divisions. Four points below with a game in hand, Locomotive has set itself into a good position to overtake the Pacific Division leaders with a win against Galaxy II. Meanwhile, LA Galaxy II is fighting just above the playoff line, hoping to book a spot into the 2021 postseason. The California club is currently two points over Oakland Roots on the playoff line but has Sacramento Republic and Tacoma Defiance just three points behind. A critical three points against El Paso Locomotive could keep Galaxy II above water, while a loss could spell the end to LA Galaxy II’s 2021 season.

Follow El Paso Locomotive FC at LA Galaxy II – Sun., October 17, 2021

·         Coverage Begins: 6:00 p.m. MT;
·         Watch:  ESPN+
·         Social Media: @EPLocomotiveFC & #LAvELP on Twitter
·         Additional Content: Official El Paso Locomotive FC App (iOS / Android)

El Paso Locomotive (15-2-10, 55 pts., MTN-1) hosts Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC for a final regular-season meeting at Southwest University Park on Wednesday, October 13. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. MT, Gates will open at 6:00 p.m. MT and 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.

Wednesday night is Pups at the Pitch night! Fans can bring their furry friends to Southwest University Park to help cheer on El Paso Locomotive as they fight for a home playoff game in the final stretch of the season. Tickets for fans who want to bring their pup to the pitch are limited, so get yours in advance. Visit https://www.eplocomotivefc.com/pupsatpitch for more information.

For the final time of the 2021 USL Championship regular season, one of the top defenses in the league takes on one of the best offenses in the league. So far through three meetings, the immovable defense of Locomotive has held off the irresistible force that is the Switchbacks offense, playing to three draws, two ending 1-1 and the other ending scoreless. In the regular-season series finale between these two clubs, there is a lot to play for as both sides enter the home stretch before the playoffs.

El Paso Locomotive FC has stagnated in results, though still stands as an immovable object. Locomotive has not lost a game in their last eight matches but has only picked up three wins. Coming off a big 2-1 win against FC Tulsa, El Paso is swinging momentum back into its favor at a crucial moment before the post-season begins. A win or a draw against Switchbacks FC would guarantee a home playoff game and puts Locomotive one step closer to claiming the Mountain Division. Switchbacks fighting San Antonio FC for second place in the division and are aiming to earn a critical win in that fight. In their last seven games, Switchbacks have only won three times, nearly mirroring Locomotive’s current form. Playoff implications are on the line for what should be a tactically tense game between two top clubs.

Follow El Paso Locomotive FC vs Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC – Wed., October 13, 2021

·         Coverage Begins: 7:00 p.m. MT; Gates Open at 6:00 p.m. MT
·         Watch:  ESPN+
·         Social Media: @EPLocomotiveFC & #ELPvCOS on Twitter
·         Additional Content: Official El Paso Locomotive FC App (iOS / Android)