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EL PASO – May 29, 2019 – Locomotive FC announces plans for the 2019 – 2020 youth soccer year in their effort to support and enhance the youth soccer community in the region. Bob Bigney, Director of Youth Soccer, is leading the youth development charge for El Paso Locomotive.

Bigney has more than 30 years of coaching experience at the youth, high school, college and professional levels. He oversees all programs as Locomotive continues to offer opportunities for youth soccer players, coaches and families. Bigney holds his US Soccer ‘A’ License, his National Youth License and is an instructor for US Soccer and can be reached at bbigney@https://www.eplocomotivefc.com

“The overall objective of Locomotive FC Youth Soccer is to improve and enhance the youth soccer community,” said Bigney. “Having youth soccer programs under the umbrella of Locomotive FC provides a defined developmental pathway for players, professional growth opportunities for coaches, helpful information to parents and a great platform for sharing best practices with all youth soccer groups in the Borderplex region.”

Locomotive youth soccer includes the following programs:

Locomotive FC Affiliate Club Program

Designed to provide services & support to existing youth soccer clubs in the form of coach clinics, player/team training, Locomotive FC player appearances and more.  Locomotive FC Affiliate Clubs will also work together to receive professional development in club structure, organization and to provide playing opportunities for players and teams.

Locomotive FC Select Program

Locomotive FC will assemble teams to participate in events throughout the year. Selected players may participate on Locomotive FC Select Teams while continuing to play for their local team.  Possible events that Locomotive FC Select Teams may participate in include:

• FC Juarez Tournament
• USL Academy Cup
• Prestigious National Youth Tournaments
• Locomotive hosted events

Locomotive FC Soccer Camps Program

These soccer camps will be offered during the summer and during breaks in the school year.  Locomotive players and coaches will provide skill-building activities in an enjoyable environment.

Information on the 2019 Summer Camps can be found here:  https://www.eplocomotivefc.com/camps

Locomotive FC Futures Program

Designed to provide quality, age-appropriate training sessions and games for youth players (boys & girls), the Locomotive FC Futures Program will utilize the standards set in US Soccer’s Player Development Initiatives for the u12 and younger age groups.  Aspects such as holistic child development activities, parent education sessions and a referee development program will be incorporated in the Locomotive FC Futures Program.

Supplemental Training Programs

Various programs will be offered throughout the year to provide additional training opportunities for players and teams. The Player Development Program (PDP) will be available to boys and girls in several age groups and at different locations around the region. The program has already seen success and will continue to be a pillar in the development of local soccer talent.

Lil’ Locos Program

A big success this past spring, this introduction to soccer for 3-6-year-old children will be offered in several locations around El Paso during the 2019 fall and 2020 spring seasons.

More information on these plans and programs can be found on the Locomotive FC website. (https://www.eplocomotivefc.com/youthsoccer)

El Paso Locomotive FC plays their next match at home on Saturday, June 8th against LA Galaxy II. Season Ticket Memberships, Group Tickets, and Individual Match Tickets can be purchased at https://www.eplocomotivefc.com/ticket or by calling 915-235-GOAL!

EL PASO – May 25, 2019 – El Paso Locomotive FC tied the number four team in the Western Conference after being down one goal. It was a physical contest that saw seven yellow cards and one penalty. With this draw, El Paso continue their unbeaten streak and extend it to six matches.

El Paso’s own Louis “Chapa” Herrera got his first start of the season alongside newcomer Drew Beckie, who recently signed from OKC Energy FC. In the 41’ a game changing penalty was awarded to Timbers 2 which saw Dairon Asprilla step up. Goalkeeper Logan Ketterer came up with a massive save to deny to the penalty, but Timbers 2 were able to scoop up the rebound and score. Four minutes later Omar Salgado who was the first player signed to Locomotive, netted his first goal of the season. After receiving a pass at the top of the box, the left-footed attacker cut to the right to create space off the defender and let a shot rip with his right foot into the bottom corner of the net.

“I am so happy for Omar, he deserved it. His work-rate for the team is superb and I know this will build up his confidence and keep things going,” said Coach Mark Lowry. “I’m very proud of how the guys all played tonight. It was a fantastic performance and to have not lost in four road matches is brilliant.”

El Paso Locomotive FC plays their next match at home on Saturday, June 8th against LA Galaxy II. Season Ticket Memberships, Group Tickets, and Individual Match Tickets can be purchased at https://www.eplocomotivefc.com/ticket or by calling 915-235-GOAL!

“Send it in Jerome!” “Kiesewetter gets his second of the night!” “Six goals in three straight matches!” If you have tuned in to a Locomotive broadcast, or been on Twitter these past three weeks, the chance you have heard any of the aforementioned lines is as high as Jerome Kiesewetter’s appearance to goal ratio – hint, it is 6/6. Since his addition to the Locomotive attack, the German-born American has grabbed three braces in consecutive matches, been named to USL Championship Team of the Week three weeks in a row and has accelerated to the top of the leaderboard as the go-to Loco goal scorer. As Coach Mark Lowry puts it, “if you have a happy number nine, then that’s a start.” The striker who wears number 17 has ignited the Locomotive attack and with that, has helped rocket the squad into seventh place; five points behind the leader with two games in hand.

Kiesewetter officially became a part of the crazy train on April 2nd, and when it was announced that the former Bundesliga and USMNT attacker was coming to El Paso, the internet responded accordingly. “One of my favorite signings of the year … What a grab … Thrilled to see what he will do in El Paso.” The expectations set before him were monumental, his reaction and ability to rise and exceed them have solidified the mantra, “nothing stops this train.”

One aspect of Jerome’s game that hasn’t been fully discussed is what it means coming to both a new city, a new country and a new culture. Until now the 26-year-old former VfB Stuttgart and Düsseldorf man had never lived in the United States for an extended period of time. His closest ties to the red white and blue came by way of international duty when he swapped the Düsseldorf patch for the USMNT badge on his chest. With his 31 appearances for the youth and senior USMNT beginning back in 2011, 2019 would be the year the Berliner would move to the US.

“The people here are very friendly, and the food is amazing. If you like food, come out here,” the striker tells me while standing in the shade after an intense training session with the squad.

“El Paso is very nice, I like it. I haven’t been able to explore too much yet because we have been so busy. My wife and I are looking forward to a few days off so we can take our daughter to the zoo and some other places.”

Jerome and his wife Sylwia quickly discovered that they weren’t the only Germans in El Paso and started to understand just how deep the multicultural aspects of the 915 ran. “Getting connected with the German-Americans here has really helped us get our footing. These guys have been here for years and they keep telling us how much they love it here and how nice of a city it is,” said Jerome. Any native El Pasoan will ring this to be true; no matter who you are, you can find community in the Sun City. There is an inclusiveness that transcends language and that creates a unique culture.

With a population nearing 700,000, El Paso is still one of the best-kept secrets in the U.S. When you ask someone about El Paso, you never know what kind of answer you are going to get. “Jerome, before you signed with Locomotive, what did you know about the city?” we asked.  “My wife and I really didn’t know that much about El Paso before coming here. I think we knew a bit about Juarez but that was it,” answered Jerome. “When you get here you realize the misconceptions and that it is super safe, and you understand how great and nice of a city it is.”  

What makes this city great is in part, the people who call it home. “Playing home games is a great experience. You can immediately tell the difference when we travel to play other teams in other cities. You can just see how different our support is at home compared to other teams. Our fans are better than any other team’s,” commented Jerome. “They are also a reason for our success. They don’t stop cheering and supporting us no matter what and it makes a big impact on us as players. When the fans push us, it gives us another one or two percent to push back and help us win games.”

From the food, the community, the weather, and the fans, the Kiesewetter family is happy to call El Paso home and Jerome is ready to continue doing what he does. “I came here to play hard and play well. I am here for my team and the coaching staff. I just want to keep working hard and winning games,” finished Jerome.

EL PASO – May 22, 2019 – 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup. Haiti El Paso Locomotive FC announces that defender Mechack Jérôme has received an international call up to represent Haiti in the kick off their Gold Cup run against Bermuda on June 16th in San José, Costa Rica.

Gold Cup is the main competition of the men’s national football teams governed by CONCACAF, determining the continental champion of North America, Central America, and the Caribbean. The Gold Cup is held every two years.

The Haitian defender has started in nine matches for El Paso Locomotive in their inaugural 2019 USL Championship season. Jérôme has amassed a passing accuracy rate of 85.5 percent, 44 clearances, and four shots on target. He also has the second most passes in the entire league (621).

“It is always a good feeling to represent your country at any stage or competition. I will miss my teammates here, but I will be back after
Gold Cup and ready to go,” said Mechack Jérôme.

Jerome has a decorated international career under his belt at the age of 29. He played for Haiti at the 2007 CONCACAF U17 Tournament and the 2007 FIFA U-17 World Cup. Jerome made his senior career debut in 2008, where he was a member of the squad that competed in the 2008 Caribbean Championship. He was an integral component in helping Haiti qualify for the CONCACAF Gold Cup in 2019. In his time representing Haiti, Jerome has netted three goals and made 62 senior appearances for his country.

El Paso Locomotive FC plays their next match at home on Saturday, June 8th against LA Galaxy II. Season Ticket Memberships, Group Tickets, and Individual Match Tickets can be purchased at https://www.eplocomotivefc.com/ticket or by calling 915-235-GOAL

EL PASO – May 21, 2019 – El Paso Locomotive FC adds defender Drew Beckie to their 2019 roster, pending league and federation approval. Beckie has been with Oklahoma City Energy since June 2018 and has made over 20 appearances for the club. He was drafted by MLS’s Columbus Crew in 2013 and prior to joining Energy FC, spent a season with Coach Mark Lowry at Jacksonville Armada.

“I honestly couldn’t be happier to be adding a player and person of the caliber of Drew Beckie to our squad. Character-wise he is the perfect addition, and he is another tough experienced competitor who knows what it takes to win. He will be a wonderful addition to our defensive unit and gives us fantastic depth,” said Lowry.

Beckie played his collegiate career at the University of Denver where he made 69 appearances and notched 7 goals. Beckie spent 2014 and 2015 with Ottawa Fury (USL Championship) and made 34 appearances. He has represented the Canadian National Team four times at the U23 level and has been called up to the senior team.

El Paso Locomotive FC plays their next match at home on Saturday, June 8th against LA Galaxy II. Season Ticket Memberships, Group Tickets, and Individual Match Tickets can be purchased at https://www.eplocomotivefc.com/ticket or by calling 915-235-GOAL!

EL PASO – May 15, 2019 – El Paso Locomotive FC bowed out in the second round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup after dropping to Forward Madison FC. El Paso fielded a young lineup featuring players who had yet to start or see the pitch in the 2019 campaign.  El Paso returns to league play this Saturday against Sacramento Republic FC.

“I made six or seven changes and we lost some flow. Gave guys the opportunity and saw some interesting things. You have to give guys the chance,” said coach Mark Lowry.  “We had a lot of young guys out there tonight who were able to learn a lesson. The key thing now is the 11 I pick for Saturday and to get back to the way we have been playing … I believe in those young guys that played tonight.”  

El Paso Locomotive FC plays their next match at home on Saturday, May 18th against Sacramento Republic FC. Season Ticket Memberships, Group Tickets, and Individual Match Tickets can be purchased at https://www.eplocomotivefc.com/ticket or by calling 915-235-GOAL!

USL Championship Team of the Week

GK – Joe Kuzminsky, Charleston Battery: Kuzminsky recorded a four-save shutout as the Battery played to a scoreless draw against Saint Louis FC on Saturday night.

D – Carl Haworth, Ottawa Fury FC: Haworth put in two stellar displays as Fury FC claimed four points over the week, recording six key passes, six interceptions and 11 recoveries.

D – Pape Diakite, Tampa Bay Rowdies: Diakite recorded four interceptions and seven clearances and won 8 of 9 duels and 7 of 7 aerials as the Rowdies posted a shutout road win against Nashville SC.

D – Ebenezer Ackon, San Antonio FC: Ackon was strong throughout his side’s shutout performance against Orange County SC, winning 16 of 19 duels, 4 of 4 aerials and recording eight clearances.

M – Dairon Asprilla, Portland Timbers 2: Asprilla scored a pair of goals and had one key pass as Portland moved back to the top of the Western Conference with victory against Tacoma.

M – Magnus Rasmussen, Louisville City FC: Rasmussen scored twice in two outings including a standout finish in the club’s win on the road against Birmingham and recorded three key passes.

M – Jackson, Fresno FC: Jackson recorded a goal and assist in the Foxes’ victory against the LA Galaxy II, and over two contests during the week made 18 recoveries, completed 45 of 62 passes and won 14 of 22 duels.

M – Duane Muckette, Memphis 901 FC: Muckette scored the opening goal, completed 33 of 38 passes and made four recoveries as 901 FC took victory on the road against Hartford.

F – Jerome Kiesewetter, El Paso Locomotive FC: Kiesewetter scored twice and recorded three key passes as Locomotive FC played to a 2-2 draw with New Mexico United.

F – Adam Jahn, Phoenix Rising FC: Jahn scored a pair of goals, recorded one key pass and completed 27 of 31 passes overall to lead Rising FC in a 3-1 victory against Rio Grande Valley FC.

F – Corey Hertzog, Reno 1868 FC: Hertzog struck twice as 1868 FC took a 4-1 victory in the Donner Pass Derby against Sacramento Republic FC on Saturday night.

Bench: Tomas Romero (BST), Sam Hamilton (NM), Felipe Hernandez (SPR), Noah Pilato (LDN), Valeri Saramutin (AUS), Daniel Rios (NSH), Irvin Parra (LV)

EL PASO – May 12, 2019 – El Paso Locomotive FC and New Mexico United kicked off the regional rivalry with a four-goal firefight. With a draw that ended in 2-2, Locomotive are on a four-game streak without a loss (two wins and two draws). They play at home this Wednesday in their first US Open Cup Match vs Forward Madison FC.

El Paso put New Mexico under intense pressure in the first half and opened their scoring account first. Richie Ryan came up with an interception in the middle of the pitch and passed it off to Calvin Rezende. Rezende fought off a defender, took a few touches towards goal and connected with Jerome Kiesewetter who fired it right between the keeper’s hands. New Mexico’s Sam Hamilton answered with one of his own 9 minutes later to close the half leveled at 1-1.

Kiesewetter wasn’t done yet, in the 65th minute he scored a booming header off a perfectly placed ball from Sebastian Contreras that found him in the box. This makes back-to-back matches where Kiesewetter has scored two goals. A late goal tied things up for the visitors, leaving the teams to split the points.

“We played brilliantly. The possession the chances we created; it was superb. Keep in perspective, the last four games we remain unbeaten. We had another great performance tonight against New Mexico who are a great team. We controlled that game and restricted them,” said head coach Mark Lowry.

El Paso Locomotive FC plays their next match at home on Wednesday, May 15th against Forward Madison FC in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. Season Ticket Memberships, Group Tickets, and Individual Match Tickets can be purchased at https://www.eplocomotivefc.com/ticket or by calling 915-235-GOAL!

A rivalry begins this Sunday in the Sun City as number one New Mexico United makes the 275-mile trip south to face El Paso Locomotive FC. This will be the first regular season meeting between the two clubs and the hype is real. New Mexico comes into this match topping the Western Conference standings. New Mexico also leads in goals scored this season (22). The New Mexico attack will be met with a tenacious and hardened Locomotive defensive unit.

El Paso’s goalkeeper Logan Ketterer leads the West in clean sheets (five) and has conceded half as many goals as New Mexico’s Cody Mizell. “That’s all the defense. We don’t give up a lot of shots each game. We handle our crosses extremely well. They are doing so well blocking everything for me. I have to handle a few things every game and that’s about it,” said Ketterer.  In their past two matches, El Paso has held their opponents to eight total shots on target combined.

On the offensive front, forward Jerome Kiesewetter netted two goals in his dominating performance against Colorado Springs. The German-born American has bought into the Lowry system and is reaping the awards.

Banter has been active. Both team’s supporters’ groups have exchanged words. Sunday it all comes life. The next leg of the competition will be held in Albuquerque on July 31 when the two expansion sides meet for the second time.