Thursday, June 3, was a momentous day for the 17-year-old Locomotive midfielder Diego Luna. Not only did he earn his first professional start and become the youngest player to start in Locomotive history at 17 years and 269 days, but he marked the occasion by scoring his first professional goal.
“It was an amazing feeling,” exclaimed Luna. “The most important thing is that we got the result but it was an amazing feeling to help my team get that result and get my first goal.”
Since signing with the club on April 5 ahead of the 2021 USL Championship season, Luna has already made a tremendous impact on the pitch. The former Barcelona Residency Academy product made his first appearance as a late-game substitution against New Mexico United on May 8, nearly finding his first goal minutes later with a shot on goal within six yards after slipping between two defenders. Despite not finding the equalizer, Luna’s influence in his first professional game would be felt with the cross that set Aaron Gomez for the assist to Leandro Carrijo’s stoppage-time goal.
After getting those first minutes, Luna has gone on to make an appearance as a sub in every game after, until last Thursday where he made his appearance in the Starting XI against Austin Bold FC. Luna played through most of the game, but it was his game-winning header in the 56th minute that allowed El Paso to walk out of Austin with three points in hand.
Back home, Luna’s family could not have been happier for the young professional. In California, his family had a barbeque to celebrate Luna’s start and when the goal went into the back of the Bold net, Luna said his family could not be happier.
For him and his family, Diego Luna is achieving a dream.
“It’s something I’ve always dreamt about,” said Luna. “Coming out here and living it is an amazing feeling. Coming out here and playing soccer on a daily basis, first thing in the morning, it’s an amazing thing.”
Luna came to El Paso with the intent to make an impact for the team and help El Paso bring a trophy back to the Sun City.
“I have belief in my ability,” shared Luna. “When I came here, I was just going to do whatever I can and give it my all. Fortunately, it’s been a big impact for the club and for me personally. I’m just happy to be here.”
Don’t miss Diego Luna and the rest of the Locomotive squad in action again tonight when the team hosts Eastern Conference side, Indy Eleven at Southwest University Park. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. MT and tickets are available for purchase both online and by phone by calling or texting 915-235-GOAL.