News

Frank Daroma, Amando Moreno Named to USL Championship Team of the Week – Week 1

EL PASO, Texas (March 11, 2025) – El Paso Locomotive FC’s Frank Daroma and Amando Moreno were both selected to the USL Championship Team of the Week – Week 1 for their standout performances in the Locos’ season-opening 2-2 draw against defending champion Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC.

FRANK DAROMA

In his Locomotive debut, Daroma was a positive presence in the midfield helping to create several attacking chances including eight final third entries. He won a match-high nine of ten duels while drawing four fouls and finishing second on the team in accurate passes with 37, 12 of which came in the final third.

AMANDO MORENO

After scoring the opening goal of the 2024 campaign, Moreno picked up where he left off scoring in the 43^rd minute to tie things up before halftime. He had four shots on the night while finishing with a team-high 83.3% passing accuracy in the final third.

https://twitter.com/eplocomotivefc/status/1898568756374241563

USL Championship Team of the Week – Week 1

GK – Johan Peñaranda, FC Tulsa

D – Jacob Erlandson, Loudoun United FC

D – Michael Bryant, Detroit City FC

D – Joe Hafferty, Lexington SC

D – Sean Totsch, Louisville City FC

M – Abdellatif Aboukoura, Loudoun United FC

M – Kyle Scott, Orange County SC

M – Frank Daroma, El Paso Locomotive FC

F – Lewis Jamieson, Sacramento Republic FC – Player of the Week

F – Zach Ryan, Loudoun United FC

F – Diogo Pacheco, San Antonio FC

Coach – Terry Boss, Lexington SC

Bench – Nicholas Ammeter (LV), Shane Wiedt (DET), Mitchell Taintor (SA), Nico Benalcazar (OC), Ryan Doghman (OC), Russell Cicerone (SAC), Amando Moreno (ELP)

El Paso Locomotive FC Sign Goalkeeper Marco Canales

EL PASO, Texas (March 7, 2025) – El Paso Locomotive FC announced today that it has signed Mexican-American goalkeeper Marco Canales for 2025. The signing is pending league and federation approval, and the terms of the deal will not be disclosed per club policy.

“I’m really excited for this new opportunity for the upcoming season,” Canales said. “I’ve been working with the coaching staff during the preseason, and I feel like they’ve helped me a lot. I look forward to help getting this team back on track because I think El Paso deserves to win.”

Canales, 23, returns to the Locos after prior stints with the club in 2021 and 2022. The El Paso native spent last season at Alacranes de Durango from Liga Premier de México.

Additionally, Canales spent time with the FC Juárez U-20 squad. There, he tallied 18 appearances spanning from 2019 to 2021.

“We’re happy to add another local talent to the group,” Technical Director Ray Saari said. “Marco has performed well throughout the course of preseason this year, and his dedication to our club over the years made adding him to the squad an easy decision.”

El Paso’s updated roster can be found below listed alphabetically by position.

Goalkeeper (3): Marco Canales, Sebastian Mora-Mora, Jahmali Waite

Defender (10): Wahab Ackwei, Tony Alfaro, Memo Diaz, Noah Dollenmayer, Kenneth Hoban, Arturo Ortiz, Alvaro Quezada, Bryan Romero, Ricky Ruiz, Gabi Torres

Midfielder (5): Eric Calvillo, Robert Coronado, Frank Daroma, Emiliano Rodriguez, Kofi Twumasi

Forward (7): Beto Avila, Andy Cabrera, Daniel Carter, Frank Lopez, Amando Moreno, Omar Mora, Tumi Moshobane

El Paso Locomotive FC Announces KVIA as 2025 Local Broadcast Partner

EL PASO, Texas (March 6, 2025) – El Paso Locomotive FC has announced KVIA-TV as its Local Broadcast Partner ahead of the start of the 2025 USL Championship season, which kicks off this Saturday, March 8 at Southwest University Park against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Locomotive FC once again to extend the stadium experience into fans’ home,” KVIA General Manager Brenda De Anda-Swann said. ”The El Paso-Las Cruces CW is already a great place for sports, and adding local sports to the mix makes a lot of sense. Fans will get to see even more Locomotive games this year, so it’s a win-win for the community.”

All home matches will be locally live-streamed on kvia.com and the KVIA News App for viewers across the Borderplex region. In addition, Locomotive’s matches against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC (March 8), Phoenix Rising FC (March 15/July 19), Lexington SC (April 5), New Mexico United (May 3), Orange County SC (June 14) and Monterey Bay FC (August 16) will be locally televised on El Paso-Las Cruces CW.

“As we begin our second season with KVIA, this partnership represents an opportunity for our fans in the Borderplex to see Locomotive games locally,” Locomotive FC General Manager Andrew Forrest said. “Partnering with a group that understands the value in local sports partnerships will only help elevate the fan experience on both the El Paso-Las Cruces CW and KVIA.com.”

El Paso Locomotive FC single-match tickets for all 2025 regular season matches are on sale now and are available for purchase online at eplocomotivefc.com/tickets. El Paso’s 30-match USL Championship schedule can be found at eplocomotivefc.com/schedule. For the best prices and priority seating to every Locomotive home match in 2025, become a Season Ticket Member today! Season Ticket Memberships for the 2025 Season are available now and can be secured online at eplocomotivefc.com/seasontickets, calling (915) 235-GOAL or texting (915) 666-2005.

El Paso Locomotive FC Sign Axel Valdivia, Raul “Chapo” Vazquez to USL Academy Contracts

EL PASO, Texas (March 5, 2025) – El Paso Locomotive FC announced today that it has signed a pair of players to USL Academy contracts pending league and federation approval. Forward Axel Valdivia and defender Raul “Chapo” Vazquez will both be eligible to be rostered ahead of the season opener against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC at Southwest University Park on Saturday, March 8 at 7 p.m. MT.

This is the fifth consecutive year that Locomotive has signed players to USL Academy contracts which provides the young Locos with opportunities to train and compete alongside the professional senior team without affecting their eligibility to play college soccer.

“Our entire Locomotive Youth Soccer ecosystem is very proud of Axel and Chapo for their achievement and recognition from our First Team,” Locomotive Director of Academy and Youth Soccer Ivan Militar said. “Both have been on the radar when it comes to top talents in our Academy, and this Academy contract solidifies the intention to involve younger players in the First Team environment.”

This is Valdivia’s second year receiving a USL Academy contract with the Locos. After joining in his U17 season from FC Dallas’ Academy, he made his debut for the first team in last year’s Derby Paso del Norte against FC Juarez.

“Axel is an exciting young local talent who’s done well with the opportunities he’s earned with the first team throughout preseason this year,” Locomotive Technical Director Ray Saari said. “His versatility, athleticism and work ethic will be a welcome addition to our first team this year.”

Vazquez is signing his third USL Academy contract as his debut with the first team came last season against Phoenix Rising FC. He, along with Valdivia, were part of the U20 team for El Paso that made the Dallas Cup final and reached the USL Academy League Playoffs for the second year in a row.

“We can’t say enough good things about Raul,” Saari said. “He’s a player who made his debut with the club last year and has continued to improve every month since then. It’s only fitting that a player with his mentality and abilities continues to get opportunities with the first team.”

El Paso Locomotive FC is expected to announce future USL Academy signings in the coming weeks. USL Academy signings are presented by Texas Tech Physicians of El Paso.

Tickets for the entire 2025 El Paso Locomotive FC season, including the home opener on Saturday, are on sale now via eplocomotivefc.com/tickets. In addition to the match, Locomotive FC will also celebrate Youth Soccer Night – recognizing the many achievements accomplished by the Locomotive Academy and Club teams – and feature a postgame fireworks show.

El Paso’s 30-match USL Championship schedule can be found at eplocomotivefc.com/schedule.

For the best prices and priority seating to every Locomotive home match in 2025, become a Season Ticket Member today! Season Ticket Memberships for the 2025 Season are available now and can be secured online at eplocomotivefc.com/seasontickets, calling (915) 235-GOAL or texting (915) 666-2005.

El Paso Locomotive FC Acquire Defender Bryan Romero on Loan from FC Juárez for 2025

EL PASO, Texas (February 26, 2025) – El Paso Locomotive FC announced that it has acquired defender Bryan Romero on loan for 2025 from Liga MX sister club FC Juárez. The signing is pending league and federation approval, and the terms of the deal will not be disclosed per club policy.

“I’m very excited to arrive in El Paso and be a part of this organization,” Romero said. “To the fans, I look forward to seeing all of you soon at Southwest University Park and show you all that we’re ready to turn things around in 2025.”

The 22-year-old Mexican American dual national arrives to Locomotive after being a key component in the Juárez U-23 side’s rise in the U-23 Liga MX. Romero combined for 3,036 minutes in 36 matches and bagged a goal between the 2023-25 seasons, highlighted by qualifications to the 2024 U-23 Liga MX Clausura and Apertura Playoffs.

A youth product of Celaya F.C., Romero made the move to Club León where he developed within various academy squads between 2019-23, capping off his time with the Liga MX side as a rostered member of the 2023 Concacaf Champions Cup winning side.

“Bryan’s signing highlights the value of our partnership with FC Juárez,” Locomotive Technical Director Ray Saari said. “Bryan is a player who we’ve had many conversations about since his arrival to Bravos from León. He’s a talented young defender with a great mentality and we’re excited for what he can add to our group in 2025.”

El Paso’s updated roster can be found below listed alphabetically by position.

Goalkeeper (2): Jahmali Waite, Sebastian Mora-Mora

Defender (10): Wahab Ackwei, Tony Alfaro, Memo Diaz, Noah Dollenmayer, Kenneth Hoban, Arturo Ortiz, Alvaro Quezada, Bryan Romero, Ricky Ruiz, Gabi Torres

Midfielder (5): Eric Calvillo, Robert Coronado, Frank Daroma, Emiliano Rodriguez, Kofi Twumasi

Forward (7): Beto Avila, Andy Cabrera, Daniel Carter, Frank Lopez, Amando Moreno, Omar Mora, Tumi Moshobane

El Paso Locomotive FC Sign Midfielder Kofi Twumasi

EL PASO, Texas (February 19, 2025) – El Paso Locomotive FC announced that it has signed Ghanian-American midfielder Kofi Twusami for 2025. The signing is pending league and federation approval, and the terms of the deal will not be disclosed per club policy.

“I’m very excited to be coming to El Paso,” Twumasi said. “I’m happy to be a part of this club and I can’t wait to get started with the team.”

Twumasi, 28, arrives in El Paso after spending last season at Rhode Island FC where he made 14 appearances for the side on its path to winning the 2024 USL Eastern Conference Championship.

Prior to his time in Rhode Island, the dual national led MLS Next Pro side Atlanta United 2 as its captain throughout the 2023 season and registered the most starts of any player on the squad (26). Across 2,257 minutes in 27 matches played, he recorded 70 clearances and 70 interceptions while being amongst the top players in passing accuracy (90.2%) and bagging one goal.

“Kofi has proven himself to be a quality defensive midfielder in the USL Championship,” Technical Director Ray Saari said. “He adds a wealth of experience and we’re very happy to add him to our group for 2025.”

A youth product of Kalonji Soccer Academy in Atlanta, Twumasi also had short stints abroad in Romania’s top-flight with Viitorul Constanța and Universitatea Cluj as well as Rot-Weiß Oberhausen and VfB Homberg in the German fourth tier.

El Paso’s updated roster can be found below listed alphabetically by position.

Goalkeeper (2): Jahmali Waite, Sebastian Mora-Mora

Defender (9): Wahab Ackwei, Tony Alfaro, Memo Diaz, Noah Dollenmayer, Kenneth Hoban, Arturo Ortiz, Alvaro Quezada, Ricky Ruiz, Gabi Torres

Midfielder (5): Eric Calvillo, Robert Coronado, Frank Daroma, Emiliano Rodriguez, Kofi Twumasi

Forward (7): Beto Avila, Andy Cabrera, Daniel Carter, Frank Lopez, Amando Moreno, Omar Mora, Tumi Moshobane

El Paso Locomotive FC Sign Forward Beto Avila

EL PASO, Texas (February 18, 2025) – El Paso Locomotive FC announced today that it has signed forward Roberto “Beto” Avila for 2025. The signing is pending league and federation approval, and the terms of the deal will not be disclosed per club policy.

“I am very excited to join the guys in El Paso,” Avila said. “I want to make this year one of the best of my career and make history with the Locos!”

Avila, 24, arrives in El Paso with prior MLS and USL Championship experience, most recently playing for Sporting Kansas City II in MLS Next Pro where he scored nine goals and assisted three in 26 matches throughout the 2024 season

Between 2022-23, Avila fielded for Houston Dynamo II in 19 matches to combine for seven goals and seven assists. His performances for Dynamo II eventually earned him a contract for the Dynamo first team, making Avila the first MLS Next Pro to MLS signing in Dynamo history.

Avila would go on to make eight appearances for Houston’s senior side before going out on loan with Charleston Battery in 2023, scoring three goals and bagging an assist in 26 matches on the Battery’s path to winning the USL Eastern Conference Championship.

“Beto is a player we’ve been following for a couple of years,” Technical Director Ray Saari said. “His versatility, athleticism and goal scoring abilities will prove to be a great addition to our front line in 2025.”

An Austin, Texas native, Avila was a youth product of the USL Championship’s Austin Bold FC. Signed on a USL Academy Contract in 2019 at 18 years old, his appearances impressed the technical staff who went on to offer him a professional contract. Between 2019-2021, Avila scored four goals in 31 games played for Austin. He also spent a brief period on loan with Canadian Premier League side FC Edmonton, making six appearances for the side in 2021.

El Paso’s updated roster can be found below listed alphabetically by position.

Goalkeeper (2): Jahmali Waite, Sebastian Mora-Mora

Defender (9): Wahab Ackwei, Tony Alfaro, Memo Diaz, Noah Dollenmayer, Kenneth Hoban, Arturo Ortiz, Alvaro Quezada, Ricky Ruiz, Gabi Torres

Midfielder (4): Eric Calvillo, Robert Coronado, Frank Daroma, Emiliano Rodriguez

Forward (7): Beto Avila, Andy Cabrera, Daniel Carter, Frank Lopez, Amando Moreno, Omar Mora, Tumi Moshobane

El Paso Locomotive FC Announce 2025 Giveaway Schedule

EL PASO, Texas (February 10, 2025) – El Paso Locomotive FC announced today its 2025 giveaway schedule, building up anticipation for fans who want to bring home free Locomotive memorabilia when making trips to cheer on the Locos this season. The full 2025 promotional schedule – including theme night and giveaways – can be found here.

From beach tote bags and brimmer hats to Harry Potter themed scarves and portable Bluetooth speakers, Locomotive FC is excited to welcome fans this year at the gates of Southwest University Park with unique and reusable take-home gifts.

Locomotive has also revealed that it will unveil two new jerseys as part of this year’s giveaways with more details to be announced in the coming months.

The 2025 Locomotive season is set to begin at Southwest University Park, with kickoff for the 2025 Home Opener on Saturday, March 8 scheduled for 7 p.m. against the defending champions Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC. Gates will open at 5:30 p.m.

Individual tickets for the 2025 season are available for purchase now at eplocomotivefc.com/tickets. Season Ticket Memberships are also available now and can be secured online at eplocomotivefc.com/seasontickets or by calling (915) 235-GOAL and texting (915) 666-2005.

See the full 2025 giveaway schedule below.

2025 EL PASO LOCOMOTIVE FC GIVEAWAY SCHEDULE
Date	Opponent	Giveaway	Theme Night
Saturday, March 8	Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC	Magnet	Home Opener presented by Southwest University
Saturday, March 15	Phoenix Rising FC	Beanie	St. Patrick’s Day
Saturday, April 5	Lexington SC	Beach Tote Bag	National Beer Day
Saturday, May 3	New Mexico United	Jersey	Cinco de Mayo
Saturday, May 31	Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC	Flag	90s Night
Saturday, August 2	Las Vegas Lights FC	Bucket Sun Hat	Back to School Night
Saturday, August 23	Sacramento Republic FC	Harry Potter x Locomotive Scarf	Harry Potter Night
Saturday, September 20	Charleston Battery	Jersey	Noche de Locos
Saturday, October 18	FC Tulsa	Portable Bluetooth Speaker	Fan Appreciation Night presented by Estrella Jalisco

El Paso Locomotive FC Single Game Tickets on Sale Now

EL PASO, Texas (February 7, 2025) – El Paso Locomotive FC announced today that single game tickets for its 2025 USL Championship season are now available for purchase to the general public via eplocomotivefc.com/tickets.

El Paso’s 34-match season will kick off with the 2025 Home Opener at Southwest University Park against 2024 USL Championship winners Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC on Saturday, March 8. El Paso Locomotive FC’s full 2025 USL Championship schedule can be found at eplocomotivefc.com/schedule.

To check out Locomotive’s full 2025 Theme Night schedule, click here. Information on 2025 Giveaways will be announced at a later date.

El Paso Locomotive FC Announce 2025 Theme Night Schedule

EL PASO, Texas (February 4, 2025) – El Paso Locomotive FC has announced 17 theme nights for home matches at Southwest University Park during the 2025 USL Championship regular season, including the return of several fan favorites and the introduction of new themes and activations.

The Locomotive season begins Saturday, March 8 at 7 p.m. for the 2025 Home Opener, presented by Southwest University, to welcome fans back to Southwest University Park as the Locos play host to the defending champions Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC.

For fans interested in attending Locomotive’s theme nights and celebrations, individual tickets are available for purchase now at eplocomotivefc.com/tickets. Season Ticket Memberships for the 2025 season are also available and can be secured online at eplocomotivefc.com/seasontickets or by calling (915) 235-GOAL and texting (915) 666-2005.

This year’s promotional slate lines up some of El Paso’s biggest rivals on holiday weekends, with the Locos set to host Phoenix Rising FC on Saturday, March 15 for St. Patrick’s Day, New Mexico United on Saturday, May 3^rd for Cinco de Mayo and San Antonio FC on Friday, July 4^th for Independence Day.

Fan favorite theme nights such as Pride Night, Christmas in July, Pups at the Pitch, Noche de Locos and Fan Appreciation Night also make their returns for 2025. As for what’s new, Locomotive is excited to offer fans fun promotions such as National Beer Day, 90’s Night and Harry Potter Night.

Mother’s Day, Back to School Night, First Responder’s Night, Kickin’ Cancer Night and Ozzy’s Birthday make up the rest of the 2025 theme night schedule.

Giveaways and activations for theme nights will be announced at a later date.

2025 EL PASO LOCOMOTIVE FC THEME NIGHT SCHEDULE
Date	Opponent	Theme Night
Saturday, March 8	Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC	Home Opener presented by Southwest University
Saturday, March 15	Phoenix Rising FC	St. Patrick’s Day
Saturday, April 5	Lexington SC	National Beer Night
Saturday, May 3	New Mexico United	Cinco De Mayo
Friday, May 16	Indy Eleven	Mother’s Day
Saturday, May 31	Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC	90’s Night
Saturday, June 14	Orange County SC	Pride Night
Friday, July 4	San Antonio FC	Independence Day
Saturday, July 19	Phoenix Rising FC	Christmas in July presented by GECU
Saturday, August 2	Las Vegas Lights FC	Back to School Night
Saturday, August 16	Monterey Bay F.C.	First Responders Night
Saturday, August 23	Sacramento Republic FC	Harry Potter Night
Saturday, September 6	Loudoun United FC	Pups at the Pitch
Saturday, September 20	Charleston Battery	Noche de Locos
Saturday, September 27	Rhode Island FC	Kickin’ Cancer Night presented by Texas Tech Physicians of El Paso
Wednesday, October 1	Oakland Roots SC	Ozzy’s Birthday
Saturday, October 18	FC Tulsa	Fan Appreciation Night presented by Estrella Jalisco

News

NEVER MISS AN UPDATE!

Subscribe to our mailing list