The Loco Express
El Paso Locomotive FC (1) vs Rio Grande Valley FC (0)
Saturday, May 24; Southwest University Park, El Paso, Texas
Forward Luis Solignac kicked off Saturday’s action in high gear, finding the would-be game-winner in the 18th second to end Rio Grande Valley FC’s win streak. Goalkeeper Adrian Zendejas, on loan from MLS club Minnesota United, made his debut in goal for Locomotive, making one save to record his first clean sheet with the Locos. Overall, Locomotive started strong and held fast defensively to secure its first win of the 2021 USL Championship season and remain undefeated in the last 11 games (9-0-2) played at Southwest University Park.
When you score the fastest goal in Locomotive history while ending the win streak of a Texas rival, you’ve basically secured the Estrella of the Match accolade. Lucho’s early high press to get a foot in the way of RGV goalkeeper Tyler Deric’s punt paid off in a rebound that bounced into the net. It was a move that Head Coach Mark Lowry said wasn’t luck, but skill in the press, and I couldn’t agree more. It wasn’t just the opening goal that proved Lucho to be the Estrella of the Match however, he was consistent throughout the night. Leading the team with four shots in the night, Lucho proved to be hard to track for RGV defenders.
One. Rio Grande Valley was left chasing the game after Luis Solignac put them down in the opening seconds. The Toros threw everything forward, looking for the equalizer that never came. The Locomotive defense, consisting primarily of Eder Borelli, Mechack Jerome, Team Captain Yuma, and Macca King, kept RGV off track of goal, leaving them with only one shot on target, which Adrian Zendejas easily saved. Locomotive has always boasted one of the best defenses in the league since its 2019 inception, but it was on full display against RGV on Saturday.
The Locomotive undefeated streak at Southwest University Park lives on. Extending the run to 9-0-2 in the last 11 games, El Paso has become one of the hardest places to play in the USL. Locomotive also jumps one spot in the standings, moving from 5th in the Mountain Division to 4th early in the season. While it is still very early in the season, Locomotive has two games in hand over the first three teams in the Division.
Los Locos hit the road for the first time in its third season, traveling to unfamiliar territory as they visit Sporting Kansas City II. The weekend match is set for Sunday, May 30 with kickoff scheduled for 3:00 p.m. MT from Children’s Mercy Victory Field in Kansas City, Kansas. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN+.