EL PASO, Texas (March 22, 2024) – El Paso Locomotive FC announced today that it has signed 15-year-old goalkeeper Santiago Vargas to a USL Academy contract, making him eligible to be rostered ahead of the league match against Las Vegas Lights FC tomorrow, Saturday, March 23 at 6 p.m. MT on ESPN+.
“When I arrived in El Paso in 2022, Santiago and his family were one of the first I met with privately to discuss the future steps we envisioned for him, which we are now happy to see coming to reality” Locomotive Academy Director Ivan Militar said. “It’s been evident since he was 13 that he is a highly talented shot-stopper and has an ability to play with the ball at his feet. The entire Academy community and staff, especially our goalkeeper coach Ivan Meza, are incredibly proud of Santiago’s development and the USL Academy contract is a testament to the work he’s put in to get to this point.”
Vargas, an El Paso native who has been with the Locomotive Academy since 2021, has played for the U-20 Locomotive side since 2022 and played a big part in helping the Locos secure their historic first berth to the USL Academy League Finals in 2023. Additionally, Vargas has trained with the Locomotive first-team since 2022 and was on the roster for Locomotive’s exhibition match against FC Juarez this past Wednesday.
“I’m very excited and grateful for the opportunity that I have been granted,” Vargas said. “I would like to thank the coaches and the academy for trusting me and for this amazing experience.”
The Locomotive FC Academy is expected to announce future USL Academy signings in the coming weeks.
Tickets for the entire 2024 El Paso Locomotive FC season, including the upcoming home match against Oakland Roots SC on Saturday, April 13, are on sale now via eplocomotivefc.com/tickets. In addition to the match, Locomotive FC will also celebrate Youth Soccer Night – recognizing the many achievements accomplished by the Locomotive Academy and Club teams – and debut a new post-match laser show.
El Paso’s 34-match USL Championship schedule can be found at eplocomotivefc.com/schedule.
For the best prices and priority seating to every Locomotive home match in 2024, become a Season Ticket Member today! Season Ticket Memberships for the 2024 Season are available now and can be secured online at eplocomotivefc.com/seasontickets, calling (915) 235-GOAL or texting (915) 666-2005.