El Paso Locomotive FC (3-2-3, 12 pts, Group C – 2) vs Real Monarchs (1-4-1, 4 pts, Group C – 4)
Saturday, August 29 | Southwest University Park; El Paso, Texas
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. MT
Live on El Paso – Las Cruces | ESPN+
@EPLocomotiveFC | #ELPvSLC
Locomotive FC and Real Monarchs clash for the second time in the 2020 abbreviated season as Los Locos host the Salt Lake side at Southwest University Park. In the first meeting, El Paso came out on top through a goal by Nick Ross following build play by Chapa Herrera and Aaron Gomez. The two sides will continue their fight for a Top Two finish in Group C on Saturday in El Paso.
2020 Stats Snapshot (ELP/SLC)
Goals For 10 / 6
Goals Against 9 / 11
Min/goal 72 / 105
Possession 53% / 46%
Passing Acc. 82.9% / 77.5%
Fouls 86 / 98
Yellow Cards 21 / 13
Red Cards 0 / 1
Locomotive Run Down
Undefeated in their last three, Locomotive FC is on track to booking their ticket to the 2020 USL Championship postseason. After earning a record of 3-2-3 (12 points), Los Locos sit comfortably in second place, eager to build off the recent success to close the gap on Group C leaders, New Mexico United, while putting distance over the playoff line with a win over Real Monarchs.
Player to Watch: Defender Brent Kallman made his Locomotive debut last Saturday in Colorado Springs, contributing to the defensive strength that locked down the fourth Locomotive clean sheet of the 2020 season. Playing the full 90 minutes in his debut, Kallman made seven clearances with a tackle and interception while completing 88% of his passes. The work rate at the center of the backline by the Minnesota native makes him the Locomotive FC Player to Watch on Saturday.
Real Monarchs Run Down
The defending USL Championship title winners have run to a series of woes over recent weeks, earning only a single win over its last five matches. After dropping a two-goal lead over Switchbacks FC to split the points, Real Monarchs secured the full three on the road in Colorado Springs. Since that win, the Monarchs have fallen to Locomotive FC and New Mexico United to drop to fourth on the Group C table.
Player to Watch: Defender Noah Powder fits perfectly in the Monarchs style of play. A wingback who plays as well in the offensive front as he does defending, Powder is an all-around threat to watch for when Locomotive and Monarchs clash. With five chances created, Powder leads the Monarchs in assists with two, acting a dangerous playmaker for the Utah side.