Match Preview

Preview | El Paso Locomotive FC Prepare for Playoff Rematch with Orange County SC

EL PASO, Texas – For the second time this week, El Paso Locomotive FC are back in action as the Locos prepare for a Western Conference Quarterfinal rematch at Orange County SC on Saturday, August 17, available to watch on CBS Sports Golazo Network at 8 p.m. MT!

HOW TO WATCH EL PASO LOCOMOTIVE FC AT ORANGE COUNTY SC – SATURDAY, AUGUST 17, 2024 @ 8 P.M. MT – CHAMPIONSHIP SOCCER STADIUM

Watch: CBS Sports Golazo Network
Watch Party: Union Draft House Sunland (730 Sunland Park Dr)

Be sure to follow @eplocomotivefc on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for live updates of the match. Additionally, fans are encouraged to download the team’s official mobile app on the Apple App Store or Google Play for instant access to mobile tickets, team content and match notifications.

ALL-TIME SERIES

El Paso and Orange County will face off in their tenth overall meeting and the sixth to be held at Championship Soccer Stadium, a venue that the Locos have never suffered defeat in during the regular season. However, the most recent meeting saw OCSC knock El Paso out of the playoffs and there is no doubt the Locos will be looking to avenge that defeat.

EL PASO LOCOMOTIVE FC

El Paso must head into Orange County this weekend prepared to fight for points. Though there is much that needs to improve following the defeat at Sacramento, there were things that the Locos could look at building on ahead of this weekend’s matchup.

The big one has to be the Locomotive defense that was tested all night and registered one of its highest defensive performances of the year with 26 clearances, 20 tackles, 11 interceptions and six blocks. El Paso limited a dangerous Sacramento to only four shots on target which is amongst the lowest attacking production rates the Republic has posted this season. A similar performance from the El Paso backline could help keep things level and give the attack time to get around Orange County to create goal scoring opportunities.

ORANGE COUNTY SC

OCSC currently sit 7th in the Western Conference but only two points separate it from 10th placed Phoenix Rising FC, so the hosts will want to get a win in order to remain above the playoff line and snap its three-match winless streak.

Orange County may rank lowest across the league in big chance creation (32) but when it comes to converting those chances, they sit alone at the top of the league with a 50% big chance conversion rate, so Locomotive has to make sure they limit the amount of space the hosts get in front of goal, particularly against the attacking trio of Thomas Amang, Bryce Jamison and Ethan Zubak who have combined for 13 of OCSC’s 25 goals this season.

Preview | El Paso Locomotive FC Set for National TV Showdown at Sacramento Republic FC

EL PASO, Texas – El Paso Locomotive FC will look to build off the momentum it has gained and fight for the upset in a quick turnaround against Sacramento Republic FC on CBS Sports Network this Wednesday, August 14 at 8:30 p.m. MT.

HOW TO WATCH EL PASO LOCOMOTIVE FC AT SACRAMENTO REPUBLIC FC – WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2024 @ 8:30 P.M. MT – HEART HEALTH PARK

Watch: CBS Sports Network
Watch Party: Union Draft House Sunland (730 Sunland Park Dr)

ALL-TIME SERIES

El Paso and Sacramento will square off for the ninth time this Wednesday, with the Locos looking to snap a two-match losing streak to record its first win against Republic since May 2022, as well as the first win in Sacramento since September 2021.

EL PASO LOCOMOTIVE FC

A huge weight was lifted off El Paso’s shoulders when the Locos managed to secure their first home win of the season against Miami FC. For Head Coach Wilmer Cabrera, there were several positives in the match that he believes can be built on to boost player confidence just days before one of the team’s toughest challenges this year.

“It’s a difficult schedule, but I think we are finding a better style of play,” Cabrera said in a post-match press conference. “Defensively, we look more solid on the ball. Possession is also much more solid and we are generating chances at goal. Today, we scored two and hopefully we can grow on that and approach our rivals in California with the same mentality.”

Locomotive have now picked up points in its last two matches and thanks could be given to some of the new additions Cabrera has brought in to assist in the fight for a playoff spot, a demonstration of his intent to bring in players who can help steer the ship in the right direction and Robert Coronado is one of those midseason acquisitions who demonstrated that hunger and desire to be a difference maker.

With a goal and an assist against Miami – as well as creating six chances and four shots overall while completing 63 of 68 passes, winning 4 of 4 duels and making eight recoveries -, Coronado showed off why Locomotive sought out his signature and he was rightfully named to the USL Championship’s Team of the Week for his performance.

Now, Coronado and the rest of the squad will prioritize their physical and mental recovery ahead of the long month road trip in California and if the Locos hope to continue trending in the positive direction, they will need to make a statement against one of the Western Conference title contenders.

SACRAMENTO REPUBLIC FC

Sacramento have had a pretty strong season and currently sit second in the Western Conference with one of the most complete lineups all around the pitch. However, they have been unable to pick up points in their last two games and have won at home once in their last seven league matches, so no doubt Republic are felling the pressure to get a win against El Paso.

Sacramento are dangerous up and down the pitch, so Locomotive’s backline will need to make sure its tightened up to deny players like Kieran Phillips and ex-Loco Nick Ross space to maneuver. On the opposite end, El Paso’s attack have to make sure they capitalize on their chances because they will face one of the league’s top goalkeepers over the past five years in Danny Vitiello, who leads the USL Championship in clean sheets so far this year with 10.

Preview | El Paso Locomotive FC Host Miami FC

EL PASO, Texas – El Paso Locomotive FC are back at Southwest University Park this weekend as the Locos search for their first home win this season against Miami FC in an East vs West matchup.

HOW TO WATCH EL PASO LOCOMOTIVE FC VS MIAMI FC – SATURDAY, AUGUST 10, 2024 @ 7 P.M. MT – SOUTHWEST UNIVERSITY PARK

Watch: ESPN+, KVIA.com and the KVIA News App
Tickets: eplocomotivefc.com/tickets
Theme Night/Promotion: First Responder’s Night, Post-Match Fireworks Show

ALL-TIME SERIES

This will be only the second time that these El Paso and Miami meet. The Locos will be dead set on avenging last season’s defeat at Miami with a win at Southwest University Park.

EL PASO LOCOMOTIVE FC

El Paso put on a solid performance last week against Memphis 901 FC and managed to bring back home a point which Head Coach Wilmer Cabrera believes will help build up confidence and momentum within the team heading into the next match against Miami.

“No doubt that we can improve; we are going to improve and we need to improve,” Cabrera said in a post-training interview. “If we can continue growing and building up from [the Memphis game] and put a little bit more effort, desire and intensity against Miami, we might have the possibility to win the three points and continue winning which is what we need right now.”

There were several positive takeaways from the match against Memphis but none stood out like goalkeeper Jahmali Waite, whose saves kept the Locos in the fight and ultimately helped lock in El Paso’s first point since mid-June. However, the Jamaican international made sure to acknowledge that he was not the only difference maker on the night and that it will be up to everyone once again to get a win at Southwest University Park.

“We were better as team,” Waite said. “We did everything together; we defended together and we attacked together. We played a team game. The fans still come out to support us and we as a team have to got to find a way to work hard this weekend on the pitch and make sure we’re prepared for this game at home to try to get that first win at home.”

MIAMI FC

Miami FC’s season has not gone the way they would have liked it to go, currently sitting bottom of the entire USL Championship and winless in their last 14-matches. However, they will come into the match against El Paso knowing that the pressure resides heavily on the Locos to secure a first home win. No doubt Miami will play to spoil the chances of that happening and if they are able to do so, they could potentially secure some points in their fight to remain in the Eastern Conference playoff battle.

However, Miami will have to find a way to compete without two of their key starters, Nicolas Cardona and Frank Lopez. Both picked up red card suspensions last week against Loudoun United FC and were crucial to their ends of the pitch. It will be a difficult challenge to fill in those gaps against a Locomotive side hungry to grab three points.

Preview | El Paso Locomotive FC Set for Rematch at Memphis 901 FC

EL PASO, Texas – El Paso Locomotive FC are on the road for a rematch against Memphis 901 FC on Saturday, August 3 with the match set for a 6:30 p.m. MT kickoff on ESPN+.

HOW TO WATCH EL PASO LOCOMOTIVE FC AT MEMPHIS 901 FC – SATURDAY, AUGUST 3, 2024 @ 6:30 P.M. MT – AUTOZONE PARK

Watch: ESPN+
Watch Party: The Union Draft House Sunland (730 Sunland Park Dr.)

ALL-TIME SERIES

The two sides are set for their third-ever meeting, with Memphis managing to get the wins on both occasions.

EL PASO LOCOMOTIVE FC

In a continued effort to find solutions to turn the season around, El Paso Locomotive FC has brought in additional players in hopes of getting immediate impacts in return.

This week, the Locos announced the arrivals of both defender Dennis Erdmann, 33, and forward Andy Cabrera, 24, who each have notable experience playing in the USL Championship. Erdmann arrived having last played for Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC where he was a key figure in their historic run to the 2022 Western Conference Final whereas Cabrera had two stints with Rio Grande Valley FC (2018-19, 2023) and found great success up top for the Toros in the club’s final season, ending the year as the top scorer with seven (7) goals and assisting another three (3).

There is a lot of change happening but the new players will have to settle in quickly as Locomotive head to AutoZone Park in search of its first win against a tough Memphis side. The last trip to Memphis was one to forget and the Locos will need to make sure to come in ready to fight. As Head Coach Wilmer Cabrera has stated on many occasions, every game from here on out is a final that needs to be won.

MEMPHIS 901 FC

The Beale Street Boys will be boosted on Saturday by the return of two key players who served out their red card suspensions last week: defender Abdoulaye Cissoko and forward Marlon Santos, who leads the club in goals (7) and assists (5). Marlon will be a player the Locos need to make sure is locked up defensively as he scored the opening goal and provided the stoppage-time assist to give Memphis the 2-1 win at Southwest University Park earlier this year.

Another factor to take into consideration is the arrival of midfielder Panos Armenakas from Phoenix Rising FC. The 25-year-old Aussie is one of the top attacking players in the league and was pivotal in Phoenix’s title run last season. Having him on their roster widens the door of possibility for Memphis and the Locos will need to make sure they are on high alert for what will be a difficult test.

Preview | El Paso Locomotive FC Host New Mexico United for Derby Del Camino Real

EL PASO, Texas – El Paso Locomotive FC are back at Southwest University Park arguably for the biggest match of its 2024 USL Championship season, hosting arch rival New Mexico United in the reverse fixture of the Derby Del Camino Real.

HOW TO WATCH EL PASO LOCOMOTIVE FC VS NEW MEXICO UNITED – SATURDAY, JULY 27, 2024 @ 7 P.M. MT – SOUTHWEST UNIVERSITY PARK

Watch: ESPN+, locally on El Paso-Las Cruces CW, KVIA.com and the KVIA News app.
Secure your tickets now: eplocomotivefc.com/tickets

ALL-TIME SERIES

El Paso and New Mexico will square off for the 16th time this Saturday. The Locos are 4-5-7 against New Mexico across all competitions and when it comes to matches played at Southwest University Park, El Paso are 2-3-4.

EL PASO LOCOMOTIVE FC

Amidst injuries and COVID-19, El Paso Locomotive FC had several players unavailable for selection last Friday against Phoenix Rising FC and despite best efforts against the uphill battle – including starting new signings Robert Coronado and Ricky Ruiz –, the Locos fell 2-0 on the road to the defending champions. Now, the Locos have their sights set out for perhaps their biggest test of the season yet.

El Paso’s previous meeting with New Mexico saw the Locos fall in heartbreaking fashion at Isotopes Park and the Locos will look to get one back against its rivals on home turf. When it comes to derby matches, one cannot deny that the pressure to win brings out another level of intensity and determination from players on both sides.

It is always easier said than done but if the Locos are able to come together, stay compact defensively and capitalize on its chances up top in front of its home crowd, the mentality boost for El Paso could shoot through the roof and instill confidence into the team’s fans to show that despite the results, the Locos are here to fight.

NEW MEXICO UNITED

New Mexico has always brought the intensity to El Paso throughout the years and this season is no different. Currently sitting atop the Western Conference, New Mexico have been one of the strongest performing teams of 2024 and they will come to Southwest University Park in search of a season sweep against the Locos.

There are several players on the squad who can come up and create goalscoring opportunities for the Black and Yellow, with Greg Hurst and Marco Micaletto leading the pack. Hurst has scored a team-leading seven goals this season whereas Micaletto leads in assists with three but when we look at the squad as a whole, 11 different players have found the back of the net and 10 have notched an assist. Those numbers demonstrate their danger all around the pitch.

El Paso will need to make sure it does not switch off at any point of the match; otherwise, they will present New Mexico with chances to gain momentum and take the lead.

Preview | El Paso Locomotive FC Hit the Road for Rematch at Phoenix Rising FC

EL PASO, Texas – El Paso Locomotive FC head back to the Sunshine State for a nationally-televised rematch against Phoenix Rising FC on Friday, July 19, with the match set for a 9 p.m. MT kickoff on CBS Sports Network.

HOW TO WATCH EL PASO LOCOMOTIVE FC AT PHOENIX RISING FC – FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2024 @ 9 P.M. MT – PHOENIX RISING STADIUM

Watch: CBS Sports Network
Listen: SiriusXM FC Channel 157
Watch Party: The Palomino Tavern (205 Cincinnati Ave.)

ALL-TIME SERIES

In nine matches across all competitions, El Paso is behind Phoenix in the series with two wins (both in 2022), four losses and three draws. When it comes matches played in Phoenix (5), El Paso’s only victory was back in June 2022 when Aaron Gomez netted in a second half penalty for the 1-0 victory.

EL PASO LOCOMOTIVE FC

With the second half of the season underway, Locomotive needs to to turn things around quickly if it is to keep its playoff chances alive and it needs to start in Phoenix as Los Locos aim to snap a three-match winless streak against Rising. In an effort to do so, the club announced the acquisition of three new players – Robert Coronado, Ricky Ruiz and Stiven Rivas – in search of finding solutions.

Coronado and Ruiz, who arrive from stints in USL League One, previously played under Head Coach Wilmer Cabrera at Rio Grande Valley FC so they will come in with an understanding of how he operates and create for themselves a smoother transition into squad integration. Rivas arrives for his first professional stint in the U.S. from Colombia and is described as “creative and technical on the ball,” so he will be a player that Cabrera hopes can provide something different in attack.

One positive note for Locomotive heading into the match against Phoenix is the return of Eric Calvillo. There’s no denying how critical he has been in the midfield since arriving in 2022. He’s appeared in 82 of 89 possible matches across all competitions, starting in 75 of those. Additionally since 2022, no player has recorded more chances created (80) and successful passes (2,933) than Calvillo. After serving out his red card suspension last week, the El Salvador international will need to come into the match vs Rising ready to prove to himself and his teammates that he can manage those difficult and emotional situations, which will no doubt be brought on Friday by the severity of the situation both teams find themselves in and the home atmosphere brought by Rising’s fans.

PHOENIX RISING FC

An air of uncertainty currently clouds the air around the defending champions. Rising have only won once in their last seven league matches and have dropped down below the playoff line. With the firing of Danny Stone a few weeks ago and the team reportedly undergoing some discipline issues, things are as uncertain as ever in Phoenix.

However, despite their troubles, there are still a number of talented players who can create headaches for Locomotive. Of course, there’s Rocco Rios Novo, one of the league’s best goalkeepers who made five big saves in the last match against Locomotive. Up top, you’ve got leading goalscorer Remi Cabral getting a new attacking partner in Charlie Dennis, one of the league’s premier number 10s. El Paso will need to concentrate on staying organized and put away its chances in front of goal if the Locos want to return home with three points.

Preview | El Paso Locomotive FC Host Rematch vs Las Vegas Lights FC

HOW TO WATCH EL PASO LOCOMOTIVE FC VS LAS VEGAS LIGHTS FC – FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2024 @ 7 P.M. MT – SOUTHWEST UNIVERSITY PARK

Watch: ESPN+, locally on El Paso-Las Cruces CW
Listen: SiriusXM FC Channel 157
Tickets: eplocomotivefc.com/tickets

ALL-TIME SERIES

El Paso’s upcoming match vs Las Vegas will be the ninth match between the two sides. Locomotive currently leads the series 5-3-0 and when it comes to matches at Southwest University Park, the series is evenly split with two wins a piece for each team (2-2-0).

EL PASO LOCOMOTIVE FC

El Paso will come into Friday’s match with a chip on their shoulder after suffering their first defeat at the Lights’ Cashman Field off an unlucky own goal. With the desire to avenge the defeat and to pick up a first home win, the Locos have the extra motivation to fight for the win.

They will have to find a way to get the win without Eric Calvillo, who picked up a red card in El Paso’s last match at Rhode Island. The midfielder has been the club’s top chance creator (80 chances created) and distributor (2,933 successful passes) since arriving in 2022.

However, El Paso Locomotive FC will be boosted with the return of goalkeeper Jahmali Waite, who was out for the last four matches on international duty with Jamaica for the Copa America and World Cup qualifiers. The 25-year-old has been key in the box for the Locos, registering 39 saves in his 12 matches this season and having Waite back in the net will help provide greater confidence to the backline.

LAS VEGAS LIGHTS FC

Las Vegas Lights FC will arrive to Southwest University Park in some of the best form in club history, losing only once in their last 10 matches. They picked up a massive road upset Sacramento Republic FC last Wednesday to continue their impressive run of form, which helped the Lights climb above the playoff line.

If the Locos are to win, one Lights player they will need to neutralize is Valentin Noel. The 25-year-old Frenchman is a constant danger around the box, leading his side in goals (7) and assists (4).

ADDITIONAL INFO

El Paso Locomotive FC single-match tickets for all 2024 regular season matches are on sale now and are available for purchase online at eplocomotivefc.com/tickets. El Paso’s USL Championship schedule can be found at eplocomotivefc.com/schedule.

For the best prices and priority seating for every Locomotive home match in 2024, become a Season Ticket Member today! Season Ticket Memberships for the 2024 Season are available now and can be secured online at eplocomotivefc.com/seasontickets, calling (915) 235-GOAL or texting (915) 666-2005.

Preview | El Paso Locomotive FC Travel For First Ever Meeting Against Rhode Island FC

EL PASO, Texas – El Paso Locomotive FC look to get back on track on Wednesday, June 26 when they travel to Rhode Island FC for a first ever meeting between the two sides. Kickoff from Beirne Stadium is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. MT on ESPN+.

HOW TO WATCH EL PASO LOCOMOTIVE FC VS RHODE ISLAND FC – WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26, 2024 @ 5:30 P.M. MT – BEIRNE STADIUM

Watch: ESPN+
Listen: SiriusXM FC Channel 157
Watch Party: The Union Draft House Canyons (7470 Cimarron Plaza, Building 18, Ste. 100)

ALL-TIME SERIES

This will be the first contest between El Paso and Rhode Island, with the Locos looking to get back in the win column and Rhode Island searching for their first home win of the season.

EL PASO LOCOMOTIVE FC

Though Justin Dhillon found the back of the net for the third time this season, it was not meant to be for El Paso in their rematch versus Oakland Roots SC, losing their early lead to fall 2-1 on the road. It has been a theme too common for El Paso this season, one Wilmer Cabrera is looking to find solutions for since taking over. El Paso throughout the season has had no issue gaining leads but defending them has been the problem, having lost a league-leading 18 points so far this season.

Despite the loss, there do seem to be some defensive improvements within Locomotive’s backline, particularly with Miles Lyons. In addition to his assist against Oakland, the 21-year-old Lyons had the most duels won (12) amongst any player in the match between El Paso and Oakland. It is a positive development for the young defender after a rough start to his 2024 season, which saw him lose his starting position after the opening three matches of Locomotive’s campaign. Since returning to the starting eleven, he’s made the most of his opportunities and has since re-established himself as a regular presence for El Paso. Over the past month and a half, no player other than Bolu Akinyode (52) has registered more duels won than Miles Lyons (33).

And although two goals may have gotten past him, goalkeeper Ramon Pasquel did manage to record five saves against Oakland’s attack, which is sure to help the Mexico City native’s confidence leading into Rhode Island. With the way RIFC like to play, Locomotive will need to make sure its defense is tight and organized to limit opposition chances and create their own up top off the transitions.

RHODE ISLAND FC

Rhode Island is fresh off an astounding 5-2 road victory against Eastern Conference leaders Louisville City FC, showcasing just how offensively dangerous they can be when they are given space to create. Though they didn’t dominate possession or hold LouCity’s offense at bay, an impressive goalkeeping and defensive display coupled with the clinical finishing was enough to see RIFC walk out of Lynn Family Stadium with incredible momentum for their return home to Beirne Stadium.

A note to mention, Rhode Island and El Paso are the only two teams in the league yet to win a home match. With their newfound confidence, Rhode Island will look to win their first game at Beirne Stadium to finally give their supporters something to celebrate post-match.

ADDITIONAL INFO

Preview | El Paso Locomotive FC Host Phoenix Rising FC

EL PASO, Texas – El Paso Locomotive FC are back at Southwest University Park this weekend, hosting Phoenix Rising FC as the Locos look set to capture their first home win of the 2024 season under new Head Coach Wilmer Cabrera.

HOW TO WATCH EL PASO LOCOMOTIVE FC VS PHOENIX RISING FC – SATURDAY, JUNE 15, 2024 @ 7 P.M. MT – SOUTHWEST UNIVERSITY PARK

Watch: ESPN+; locally on El Paso-Las Cruces CW
Tickets: eplocomotivefc.com/tickets

ALL-TIME SERIES

El Paso and Phoenix are set to face off for the eighth time, with Rising holding a 4-2-2 record in favor. El Paso will look to redeem itself this weekend from its 2023 matchups with Phoenix when the sides face off in El Paso for the fourth time. Last year, the Locos were handed a heavy 5-0 defeat on the road then took a hard blow at home when Rising scored a stoppage time equalizer to salvage a point in a 1-1 draw.

Both teams will arrive this weekend fresh off statement wins, but El Paso has an extra chip on its shoulder as a result of last season’s matches. With the motivation to end an eight-match winless home streak and Cabrera asking the team to be more physical off the ball, it will be no surprise if Locomotive gets feisty in search of its first win against Phoenix since 2022.

EL PASO LOCOMOTIVE FC

In the first of two Copa Tejas meetings this year, El Paso returned from Toyota Field last week with three points in the bag following a 1-0 win against San Antonio FC. With some key players missing in the lineup for both sides due to international call ups and injury (more so for San Antonio), the Locos needed to capitalize on that opportunity to win. El Paso held up well defensively to deny San Antonio threats at goal and the deadlock would break in the 65’ thanks to a free kick from Brandan Craig that would prove to be the game winner.

Once again, the Locos were injected with some much needed confidence as Cabrera looks to turn this team around with the halfway point of the season rapidly approaching. As he stated in a post-training interview, Cabrera was happy with the way the Locos showed up and battled it out on the pitch against San Antonio and hopes that the players realize that they need to be just as physical against Phoenix if they are to finally win at home.

“I hope that helped us understand that we need to be physical at home, we need to fight to make sure that teams don’t come here and control games against us,” Cabrera said. “If we want to win, first we need to fight for every ball, tackle the ball and not allow [opponents] to go easily. Then, we need to make sure we have proper game performance and attitude with the ball to try and win the game. San Antonio is the most physical team in the USL
and we showed that we can be physical too to compete. Our focus now is Saturday at home.”

With Jahmali Waite out after being named to Jamaica’s Copa America roster, one player to keep an eye on will be goalkeeper Ramon Pasquel. The FC Juárez loanee registered a clean sheet in his first league appearance against San Antonio and has previously shown fans his high-level goalkeeping ability when he registered six saves against Union Omaha in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup earlier this year. Now playing his first league match at home, Pasquel will look to play his part and attempt to keep out the Rising attack in front of the Locomotive faithful.

PHOENIX RISING FC

Phoenix return to El Paso fresh off a dramatic 2-1 win against Orange County SC, which saw striker Dariusz Formella secure a game-winning brace in the final minutes of the match, an incredible performance from the Polish native in his return to the pitch following a month-long absence due to the birth of his daughter. As a result of his heroics, Formella was named the USL Championship’s Player of the Week and will be fueled with confidence as Phoenix looks to snap a three-match road winless streak.

ADDITIONAL INFO

Preview | El Paso Locomotive FC Set for Copa Tejas Match at San Antonio FC

EL PASO, Texas – El Paso Locomotive FC hit the road for its CBS Sports Network debut, facing off against in-state rival San Antonio FC as Head Coach Wilmer Cabrera looks to lead the Locos to victory.

HOW TO WATCH EL PASO LOCOMOTIVE FC AT SAN ANTONIO FC – WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2024 @ 7 P.M. MT – TOYOTA FIELD

Watch: CBS Sports Network
Listen: SiriusXM FC Channel 157
Watch Party: The Palomino Tavern (205 Cincinnati Ave)

ALL-TIME SERIES

This will be the 12th time that the two clubs face off and El Paso will arrive not only looking to get back in the win column but also snap a six-game winless streak against SAFC that dates back to 2021. Of those six winless matches, three were at San Antonio’s Toyota Field, which is one of the most difficult venues in the league for opponents to win at (SAFC have only lost twice at home in league play since the start of 2022).

EL PASO LOCOMOTIVE FC

Last week’s result against Birmingham Legion FC was far from the welcome to fans Head Coach Wilmer Cabrera would have wanted, but it gave the 56-year-old a better understanding of the team he is working to strengthen. In the post-match press conference, Cabrera said he looks at the quick turnaround against a bitter rival as a blessing since the Locos do not have to wait long to return to the field and work on finding solutions as well as injecting a bit of extra motivation.

For someone like Justin Dhillon – who scored El Paso’s lone goal in the match against Legion –, Cabrera’s mentality and how he is looking at things drives the team to want perform better.

“You can see it in every single session, every single game,” Dhillon stated. “At halftime, he wants more from us. At training, he wants more from us. After the game, you can just feel that there’s more that’s desired for each and every one of us. He will get more and more out of us every single week. Obviously, he just came, it’s still fresh and new. He brings his ideas but again, he’s a very well-respected coach and has tons of experience. I think all of us are very grateful to be working with someone like that.”

It will no doubt be a difficult match at a difficult venue, a venue Dhillon is extremely familiar with. He spent three seasons at SAFC and left as the club’s all-time assist leader (17). He was a key figure in San Antonio’s historic 2022 season, in which the club lifted its first USL Championship trophy, but told media that he is ready to put up a stronger performance for El Paso in front of familiar faces.

“I know personally, I want to perform in front of all those great fans that have done a wonderful job of supporting me all these years but now I’m wearing these colors, so I want to be able to represent our club with a championship mindset and play for this city I’m currently in,” he said in his post-match press conference. “It’s a quick turnaround, but I know I’m personally excited. The whole group after this performance wants to show more than what we gave tonight. That’s kind of the blessing of this sport, when you don’t do everything you wanted to do on a night, having the opportunity to [fix things] a couple days later is important.”

SAN ANTONIO FC

Though form as of late hasn’t been reflective of the SAFC of old, the home win last week against Memphis 901 FC provides San Antonio with a boost of confidence ahead of the Copa Tejas match. SAFC will also see the return of midfielder Jorge Hernandez, who was out last week serving a red card suspension. The 23-year-old playmaker has been an attacking force for San Antonio, registering a league-leading 33 chances (3.1 per 90) as well as five assists so far this season.

On the flip side, several players will be unavailable for San Antonio due to injury and international duty. Six players who are frequently in action for SAFC were called up to represent their countries in 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and at least five others were listed questionable for action on Wednesday. El Paso has some absences in its roster too, but Wilmer Cabrera and the Locos have stronger depth heading into this match and must take advantage of this opportunity to get a result.

ADDITIONAL INFO

Match Preview

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