El Paso Locomotive FC (4-2-3, 15 pts, Group C – 2) vs New Mexico United (6-2-2, 20 pts, Group C – 1)
Saturday, September 5 | Southwest University Park; El Paso, Texas
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. MT
Live on El Paso – Las Cruces | ESPN+
@EPLocomotiveFC | #ELPvNM
The top spot for Group C hangs in the balance as Locomotive FC and New Mexico United meet for the third time in the 2020 USL Championship regular season. While United holds a five-point lead, Locomotive FC has a crucial opportunity to close the gap while holding a game in hand over its regional rival. Unbeaten streaks will be put on the line when the two meet on Saturday.
2020 Stats Snapshot (ELP/NM)
Goals For 12 / 17
Goals Against 10 / 12
Min/goal 67.5 / 52.9
Possession 54% / 49%
Passing Acc. 82.8% / 78.4%
Fouls 94 / 135
Yellow Cards 23 / 20
Red Cards 0 / 1
Locomotive Run Down
Locomotive FC is running on a four-game unbeaten securing 10 of 12 points with a 3-0-1 record; Playing twice each against Real Monarchs and Switchbacks FC. Starting with a 4-2 victory over Switchbacks FC, the Locos Blue traveled to Zions Bank Stadium for a 1-0 win over Real Monarchs. Locomotive FC topped off its recent successful run of form with a hard-fought scoreless draw against Colorado Springs on the road before trumping Monarchs again 2-1 at Southwest University Park.
Player to Watch: Behind the recent run of form to help secure a comfortable lead over the playoff line is goalkeeper Logan Ketterer. Making 14 saves in the last four games, Ketterer has earned two clean sheets and conceded just three goals. Acting as a wall in front of goal, Logan Ketterer’s goalkeeping talent will be needed and can shine against a United side that boasts 17 goals across 10 games.
New Mexico United Run Down
New Mexico United has been one of the stronger sides in the Western Conference since the return to play, having played every game so far on the road. In its last five games, United has only lost once, a 5-2 drumming against Phoenix Rising FC, but has since got a three-game win streak over Switchbacks FC and Real Monarchs, ending the five-game run with a 1-1 draw with Colorado Springs. Moving into Saturday, United will be looking to further secure its spot at the top of Group C with a critical match against Locomotive FC.
Player to Watch: The United attacking front has been supported by the deadly combination of Chris Wehan and Amando Moreno. Within the last five appearances, however, Moreno has contributed to the goal-scoring front with three goals and two assists, leading the team in assists three total while behind only Wehan in goals scored with four total. A former Chicago Fire forward and USMNT youth star, Moreno is a player to watch out for when he pairs with the players around him.