El Paso Locomotive (13-2-6, 45 points) claimed the full three points with a 2-0 win over Sacramento Republic at Southwest University Park on Saturday night. Forward Aaron Gomez provided an early lead with his fifth goal of the season and Defender Eder Borelli opened his 2021 scorecard by becoming the 12th player to earn a goal this season. Meanwhile, Goalkeeper Logan Ketterer and his backline secured the club’s ninth clean sheet of the year, keeping Sacramento without a shot on target.
“Feels good to get back to winning ways and it feels good to play at home,” said Head Coach and Technical Director Mark Lowry. “[It was a] great crowd, a good performance from the guys with two goals – we could have had a couple more I think early on in the game. All-in-all, we have to be happy with winning and the performances. Sacramento is a good team with experienced, quality players and they are difficult to play against. It’s also good to get a clean sheet again. We are a team that prides ourselves on how we defend so it’s good to get back to keeping a clean sheet.”
El Paso kicked off to a dream start, immediately containing Sacramento Republic, preventing them from building from the back. The incredible containment and passing play to capitalize on early Sacramento mistakes paid off in the 7th minute as Gomez headed away the opening goal for a Locomotive lead. The Boys in Blue continued to dominate the first half, as Midfielders Diego Luna and Sebastian Velasquez tore through the Sacramento lineup to feed Gomez and Midfielder Dylan Mares with opportunities towards goal.
Los Locos continued their dominating display throughout the second half, keeping Sacramento Republic off the ball and away from any threatening goalscoring opportunities. The possession style play led to more chances for El Paso as Velasquez sent a low cut back pass to find Borelli who cleanly swept the ball into the back of the net from distance. While Republic fought back chasing the game, being rewarded a penalty kick in the 88th minute, the shot would fly wide giving Locomotive a clean sheet and three points at home.
UP NEXT: El Paso Locomotive goes on the road once more for a quick turnaround game, playing on Wednesday, September 15 against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC. Kickoff from Colorado Springs is set for 7:00 p.m. MT and will be broadcast live digitally on ESPN+.
GOAL SCORING RUNDOWN
ELP: Aaron Gomez (Diego Luna), 7th minute: Aaron got an initial header off a Locomotive corner but a poor clearance from Sacramento Republic saw Locomotive put the ball back into play with Richie Ryan crossing the ball to Luna who sent the ball back deep to the far post to an unmarked Aaron Gomez. Jumping to meet the ball once again with his head, Gomez cleared the goalkeeper on his second attempt to put Locomotive up early.
ELP: Eder Borelli (Sebastian Velasquez), 57th minute: Velasquez took a run down the left-hand side dominating his marked defender off the dribble. Finding an open space in box traffic, Velasquez cut back the pass low finding Borelli, whose clean sweep sent the ball sweetly into the back of the net.
NOTES:
– It’s been two years since El Paso and Sacramento played each other, last meeting in a 3-0 victory for Locomotive in the 2019 Western Conference Semifinal.
– Aaron Gomez added to his club-leading goal count, scoring his 16th goal in Locomotive colors during the regular season. Four of Gomez’s five goals this season have come off of headed attempts.
– Defender Eder Borelli found the back of the net to secure his first goal of the 2021 USL Championship season and becoming the 12th Locomotive to score this year.
– El Paso Locomotive is now 20-games undefeated at Southwest University Park including playoffs. The win against Sacramento Republic also puts El Paso on a seven-game win streak at home.
Match: El Paso Locomotive vs Sacramento Republic FC
Date: September 11, 2021
Venue: Southwest University Park; El Paso, Texas
Weather: 91F and clear skies
Scoring Summary 1 2 F
El Paso Locomotive FC 1 1 2
Sacramento Republic 0 0 0
ELP – Aaron Gomez (Diego Luna), 7’
ELP – Eder Borelli (Sebastian Velasquez), 57’
Lineups:
El Paso Locomotive FC (4-2-2-2): Logan Ketterer; Eder Borelli, Yuma (Matt Bahner, 45’), Mechack Jerome, Macca King, Richie Ryan, Bryam Rebellon (Nick Ross, 71’), Sebastian Velasquez (Leandro Carrijo, 87’), Diego Luna (Chapa Herrera, 93’), Aaron Gomez (Lucho Solignac, 71’), Dylan Mares
Subs not used: Ben Beaury, Jose Aguinaga
Sacramento Republic (4-1-4-1): Rafael Diaz; Nabilai Kibunguchy, Dan Casey, Duke Lacroix, Jordan McCrary (Hayden Sargis, 74’), Julian Chavez (Dariusz Formella, 45’), Kharlton Belmar, Emil Cuello (Maalique Foster, 60’), Jaime Villarreal, Luis Fernandes, Cameron Iwasa (Mario Penagos, 83’)
Subs not used: Andrew Wheeler-Omiunu, Jesus Sanchez, Shannon Gomez
Stats Summary: ELP | SAC
Shots: 9 | 5
Shots on Goal: 5 | 0
Saves: 0 | 3
Corner Kicks: 3 | 1
Fouls: 13 | 15
Offside: 1 | 4
MISCONDUCT SUMMARY:
SAC – Jordan McCrary (Caution), 14’
SAC – Julian Chavez (Caution), 29’
ELP – Eder Borelli (Caution), 75’
SAC – Maalique Foster (Caution), 80’
ELP – Logan Ketterer (Caution), 88’