EL PASO, Texas – Three El Paso Locomotive FC players – midfielder Denys Kostyshyn, goalkeeper Benny Diaz and forward Luis “Lucho” Solignac – were named to the USL Championship Team of the Week – Week 5 following a big 1-0 win against Orange County SC to pick up the club’s first three points at home this season.
DENYS KOSTYSHYN
The Ukrainian midfielder has lit up Locomotive’s attack since his arrival, constantly putting himself and teammates in opportunities to score. Kostyshyn is currently the league’s shot leader with 19, six of those going against Orange County SC. Additionally, he completed 20 passes in the final third, won 8 of his 11 duels and recovered possession of the ball 10 times, the most of any Locomotive player on Saturday. This is the first time Kostyshyn has made Team of the Week and is the second Locomotive player this season to make the Team of the Week Starting XI (defender Marc Navarro was the first in Week 3).
BENNY DIAZ
Diaz once again stepped up big for El Paso in front of the net and added two more saves to his name in 2023, including a big second half save to prevent Orange County SC from equalizing. He helped ensure El Paso continued its now 3-game unbeaten streak and he felt the love from Locomotive faithful on Saturday, when his name could be heard ringing throughout Southwest University Park.
LUIS “LUCHO” SOLIGNAC
For a second consecutive match, Lucho would find the back of the net with his game-winning goal to help Locomotive record its first home win this season. He now stands equal with 29 goals as the club’s goal scoring leader across all competitions alongside forward Aaron Gomez. This is also the second consecutive week in which Lucho has earned a place in the Team of the Week.
USL Championship Team of the Week – Week 5
GK – Paul Blanchette, Oakland Roots SC
D – Gabriel Alves, Birmingham Legion FC
D – Lamar Batista, San Antonio FC
D – Joshua Wynder, Louisville City FC
M – Denys Kostyshyn, El Paso Locomotive FC
M – Carlos Harvey, Phoenix Rising FC
M – Lindo Mfeka, Oakland Roots SC
M – Chris Wehan, New Mexico United
F – Sam Gleadle, Monterey Bay F.C.
F – Christian Voleskey, Monterey Bay F.C.
F – Nick Markanich, Charleston Battery
Bench: Benny Diaz (ELP), Elijah Martin (SD), Mobi Fehr (MB), Conner Antley (TBR), Gabriel Torres (PHX), Dariusz Formella (OAK), Luis Solignac (ELP)