El Paso Locomotive FC has signed defender Matt Bahner, pending league and federation approval, the club announced today.
“Matt is a player I am familiar with from my time at Jacksonville,” stated Head Coach and Technical Director Mark Lowry. “He can play anywhere across the backline and brings a good deal of experience and athleticism. As a person, he is one of the best I have worked with and is the type of player we want around this club; honest and hardworking.”
Bahner, 30, began his career with the University of Cincinnati from 2008-12 while also for USL PDL side Cincinnati Kings during the 2009-10 seasons, making 19 appearances. In 2012, the West Chester, Ohio native signed with the Michigan Bucks making 10 appearances with two goals before signing his first professional contract with Harrisburg City Islanders for two seasons, recording three goals across 52 appearances. After earning USL All-League First Team honors in 2014, Bahner moved to NASL side Jacksonville Armada FC for the 2015-16 seasons, playing under then-coach Mark Lowry during the 2016 season. Bahner made his return to USL playing two seasons with FC Cincinnati and the 2019 season with Saint Louis FC, recording a combined 63 appearances and one goal.
Bahner is joined in El Paso by his newlywed wife, Lindsey.
Player Information
Name: Matt Bahner
Position: Defender
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 180 lbs
Born: 3/12/1990 (30 yo)
Hometown: West Chester, Ohio
Last Club: Saint Louis FC (USL Championship)