El Paso Locomotive FC vs New Mexico United
Saturday, October 17 | Southwest University Park; El Paso, Texas
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. MT
El Paso – Las Cruces CW | ESPN+
@EPLocomotiveFC | #ELPvNM
Locomotive continues its second campaign through the USL Championship playoffs, hosting its third playoff game in its young history by welcoming New Mexico United to Southwest University Park. The penultimate Western Conference showdown is certain to be a physical battle that will come down to three key areas across the pitch.
Aaron Gomez vs. Cody Mizell
Last week against FC Tulsa in the Quarterfinals, Aaron Gomez put on a stellar performance to keep Tulsa on alert. With an outstanding eight shots, five of which were on target, it was more bad luck than incredible saves that kept Gomez off the scoresheet. Four of the shots from Aaron Gomez frustratingly struck the frame of goal and back into play.
Gomez will be entering the semifinal looking to clean up his shots to put Locomotive on top with a controlling lead. Should Gomez clean up the accuracy of his shots by a hair it will come down to New Mexico United goalkeeper Cody Mizell to make big saves. Across 16 games (including playoffs), Mizell has proven to be one of the most complete goalkeepers this season with seven clean sheets behind 28 saves. Showing his expert read of the game with his positional play between the pipes, Cody Mizell may be what United needs to stop Aaron Gomez.
Chapa Herrera vs. Amando Moreno
In the final round of Locomotive vs New Mexico United of the 2020 Regular Season, there was a fight down the wing for possession between the box-to-box plays of Amando Moreno and the Locomotive guys down the line – including Chapa Herrera. The two share many of the same characteristics with speed, pace, and technical footwork on the ball. With similar builds, it will be a battle of 50/50 duels between on the wing in midfield.
As the two play on the favored wings of their respective sides, whoever can come out on top in the midfield duels will provide critical possession for their team.
Mechack Jerome vs. Chris Wehan
No player has scored more goals on Locomotive FC than New Mexico United’s Chris Wehan. Dangerous in the offensive, Wehan’s confidence on the ball and technical footwork allows him to get around opposing defense and take chances towards goal. When he is paired with his supporting cast of Devon Sandoval and Amando Moreno, it will take a powerhouse of a defender to handle the high pressing of New Mexico United.
Locomotive has just the player on its backline in Mechack Jerome. Filling in a center back position, Jerome has come up big in crucial moments to help protect the Locomotive net. With well-timed tackles and ball clearances, Jerome can stop the ball in critical moments while cutting down passing lanes to help stop the quick counter-attacks of New Mexico. Having put a stop to Wehan previously this year with an expert tackle inches away from goal, watch for these two to battle it out once again in the Western Conference Semifinal.