El Paso Locomotive FC (2-2-2, 8 pts, Group C – 2) vs Real Monarchs (1-2-1, 4 pts, Group C – 3)
Saturday, August 15 | Zions Bank Stadium; Herriman, Utah
Kickoff: 8:00 p.m. MT.
Live on ESPN+
@EPLocomotiveFC | #SLCvELP
The 2019 Western Conference Final rematch is on as Locomotive FC travels to Zions Bank Stadium to take on Real Monarchs. Through 2019, the two sides fought to even scoreless draws before an intense penultimate Championship bout that ended after added extra time. Locomotive FC has a chance now for revenge and to create more distance over the 2020 playoff line.
2020 Stats Snapshot (ELP/SLC)
Goals For 9 / 5
Goals Against 9 / 6
Min/goal 60 / 72
Possession 55% / 41%
Passing Acc. 83.7% / 74.7%
Fouls 65 / 57
Yellow Cards 16 / 8
Red Cards 0 / 1
Locomotive Run Down
Locomotive FC snapped a three-game winless skid in its last outing, picking up a 4-2 win over Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC. Chapa Herrera, Dylan Mares, and Aaron Gomez all contributed to the scoreline, with Chapa notching his first professional goal and brace on the night. With three points secured, Locomotive FC sits comfortably in second place on Group C, four points over its weekend opponent, Real Monarchs.
Player to Watch: Midfielder Louis “Chapa” Herrera has a newfound confidence as Saturday displayed his read of the beautiful game. The team chemistry on display as Chapa knew when to make his runs forward to link with fellow teammates, Omar Salgado, Aaron Gomez and Nick Ross. Chapa’s performance helped Locomotive FC control the midfield, ending Switchback attacks early.
Real Monarchs Run Down
Real Monarchs have not been in the best form since beginning its 2020 campaign. Opening the season on two losses and giving up a two-goal lead with a man advantage against Switchbacks FC, before finally getting its first win with a late goal on the road against Switchbacks. The 1-2-1 record of the Monarchs has the team currently sitting in third place on the Group C table, looking to close the gap on the playoff line as the halfway point of the season approaches.
Player to Watch: The experienced presence of midfielder Jack Blake makes the Englishman one to watch in Saturday’s contest. Blake’s passing talents and read of the game led to the Monarchs having one of the more dangerous attacks of the league in 2019. In the Monarchs victory over Switchback FC, Blake converted a penalty and contributed an assist to the game-winning goal.