El Paso Locomotive FC Defender Matt Bahner announced on Saturday, October 10 that he will be retiring at the end of the 2022 season. The West Chester Township, Ohio native joined El Paso in August of 2020. Bahner began his career with the University of Cincinnati from 2008-12 while also playing for USL PDL side Cincinnati Kings during the 2009-10 seasons, making 19 appearances. In 2012 he signed with the Michigan Bucks making 10 appearances with two goals before signing his first professional contract with Harrisburg City Islanders for two seasons, recording three goals across 52 appearances. After earning USL All-League First Team honors in 2014, Bahner moved to NASL side Jacksonville Armada FC for the 2015-16 seasons, playing under then-coach Mark Lowry during the 2016 season. Bahner made his return to USL playing two seasons with FC Cincinnati and the 2019 season with Saint Louis FC, recording a combined 63 appearances and one goal.
Since donning the Locomotive crest Bahner has gone on to appear in 54 matches for El Paso, amassing 3,200 minutes and scoring one of the most memorable goals in club history during the 2021 campaign. After going down 1-0 early in the match against New Mexico United Bahner found the equalizer at the death in the 97 minute of play. All 11 Locomotive players came up for the final corner kick of the match. As the ball bounced around the box it fell to the feet of Bahner who sent it home to rob the rivals of the victory in their home. The proceeding “home run” and salute celebration of a jersey-less Bahner will forever be a Locomotive core memory.
After 10 professional seasons and five clubs, Bahner has recorded 215 matches played, 172 starts, and over 15,500 minutes of play. An exemplary person on and off the pitch, we wish Matt Bahner all the best as he moves into the next stage of his life. Thank you for your time in El Paso, Matt.