El Paso Locomotive FC (1-1-2, 5 points) fell to a 2-1 scoreline against regional rival New Mexico United at Southwest University Park on Friday. FW Josue Aaron Gomez tallied the lone Loco goal, converting a penalty kick down the middle.
“We’re usually the best team every game we play. I have no doubt next week against Phoenix we will be the best team as well. It’s just a case of can we score the chances that we create?” said Head Coach Mark Lowry. “Tonight, we created some good chances and they didn’t fall in the net. There is not much more the guys could have done tonight. The performance itself, the effort, the desire was great, was great. We just have to clean up some things in the final third.”
Through the first half, nothing split the two sides as the two battled in the rain. The two traded possession and opportunities. Locomotive got the first real chance with a headed effort from DF Andrew Fox that sailed wide, while minutes later, United’s Devon Sandoval would find the net but ultimately be caught offside. Chris Wehan ultimately opened the scoring, cleaning up a freekick opportunity to provide the lead in the 35th minute.
Los Locos showed its second half spirit early on as MF Dylan Mares had a chance towards goal off a header that sailed wide. Controlling the possession, Locomotive found another chance through MF Nick Ross who chipped a shot destined for the far post, only to be denied by heroics from United ‘keeper Cody Mizell. While Gomez was able to coolly pull one back off a penalty kick and GK Logan Ketterer protected the net from a United penalty, Locomotive ultimately dropped the three points on the night.
UP NEXT: Locomotive FC goes on the road for the first time since its season opener in March for inter-group action against Phoenix Rising FC. Kickoff is schedule for 8:30 p.m. MT on Saturday, August 1 at Casino Arizona Field.
GOAL SCORING RUNDOWN
NM: Chris Wehan (Devon Sandoval), 35th minute – From a freekick opportunity served in by Josh Suggs, a covered Sandoval tapped the ball to the path of Wehan, who slotted the ball home into the far corner pocket to give United a goal advantage.
NM: Devon Sandoval (Amando Moreno), 45th+ minute – Continuing its high pressure, Sandoval played forward into the spaces of the Locomotive defense. A perfectly weighted pass from Moreno landed at the feet of Sandoval who turned and rifled a shot that found the low corner.
ELP: Josue Aaron Gomez (PK), 86th minute – After drawing a foul in the box, the referee pointed to the stop which Gomez stepped up to. With composure, Gomez sent the shot down the middle past Mizell to pull one back on the scoreboard.
NOTES:
– Locomotive FC and New Mexico United finish off Round 2 of 4 through Group C play, dropping to second on the group table.
– Locomotive FC moves on to inter-group play, taking on Phoenix Rising FC in the second of 3 cross group matches.
– Aaron Gomez opened his 2020 goal scoring ticket with the converted penalty against Cody Mizell in the 86th minute.
Match: El Paso Locomotive FC vs New Mexico United
Date: July 24, 2020
Venue: Southwest University Park; El Paso, Texas
Weather: 86F and rainy
Scoring Summary 1 2 F
El Paso Locomotive FC 0 1 1
New Mexico United 2 0 2
NM: Chris Wehan (Devon Sandoval), 35’
NM: Devon Sandoval (Armando Moreno), 45’+4
ELP: Aaron Gomez (PK), 86’
Lineups:
El Paso Locomotive FC (4-1-2-1): Logan Ketterer; Andrew Fox, Chiro N’toko, Mechack Jerome, Bryam Rebellon (Drew Beckie,19’), Richie Ryan, Nick Ross, Yuma (Distel Zola, 91’), Saeed Robinson (Dylan Mares, 46’), Omar Salgado, Marios Lomis (Aaron Gomez, 74’)
Subs not used: Jermaine Fordah, Louis Chapa Herrera, Moses Makinde,
New Mexico United (4-4-2): Cody Mizell; Josh Suggs, Kalen Ryden, Austin Yearwood, Saalih Muhammed, Andrew Tinari (Ryan Williams, 70’), Amando Moreno (Daniel Bruce,, 71’), Juan Guzman, Romeo Parkes (David Estrada, 64’), Christopher Wehan, Devon Sandoval
Subs not used: Samson Sergi, Philipp Beigl, Rashid Tetteh, Joris Ahlinvi
Stats Summary: ELP/NM
Shots: 10 / 9
Shots on Goal: 3 / 3
Saves: 1 / 2
Corner Kicks: 5 / 1
Fouls: 11 / 15
Offside: 1 / 5
MISCONDUCT SUMMARY:
ELP – Drew Beckie (Caution), 69’
NM – Juan Guzman (Caution), 76’
ELP – Josue Aaron Gomez (Caution), 87’
NM – Cody Mizell (Caution), 87’
ELP – Chiro N’toko (Caution), 96’
OFFICIALS:
Referee: Matt Thompson
Assistant Referees: Manuel Vargas, Chris Canales
4th Official: Marco Vega