Academy

El Paso Locomotive FC Sign Joseluis Villagomez to USL Academy Contract

EL PASO, Texas (July 8, 2025) – El Paso Locomotive FC announced today that it has signed Joseluis Villagomez to a USL Academy contract pending league and federation approval. He will be eligible to be rostered ahead of Saturday’s USL Championship match against Sacramento Republic FC at Heart Health Park on Saturday, July 12 at 9 p.m. MT.

This is the third USL Academy contract for the first team this season which provides the young Locos with opportunities to train and compete alongside the professional senior team without affecting their eligibility to play college soccer. Axel Valdivia and Raul Vazquez were both signed to Academy contracts before the 2025 season.

This is Villagomez’ third consecutive year receiving a USL Academy contract with the Locos. The 18-year-old just returned from Seattle with the Locomotive U20 USL Academy team after participating in the ECNL Playoffs in their first season.

Joseluis is following in the footsteps of his brother, Jaime, who was signed to the first team on a pair of Academy contracts in 2021 and 2022.

USL Academy signings are presented by Texas Tech Physicians of El Paso.

Tickets for the remainder of the 2025 El Paso Locomotive FC season, including our next home match against Phoenix Rising FC on July 19, are on sale now via eplocomotivefc.com/tickets. El Paso’s 30-match USL Championship schedule can also be found at eplocomotivefc.com/schedule.

For the best prices and priority seating to every Locomotive home match in 2025, become a Season Ticket Member today! Season Ticket Memberships for the 2025 Season are available now and can be secured online at eplocomotivefc.com/seasontickets, calling (915) 235-GOAL or texting (915) 666-2005.

Jair Olivares Named as Locomotive Academy Coordinator

EL PASO, Texas (April 11, 2025) – El Paso Locomotive FC Youth Soccer has promoted Jair Olivares to the role of Academy Coordinator. In this role, he will oversee all activities regarding the soccer aspect of the Academy from player development to coaching methodology.

Olivares will oversee the progression of Academy players through the teams all the way up to the U20 squad. He will also work in close communication with the Academy coaching staff to ensure that they are equipping players with the tools to succeed within the system.

“This is a great opportunity for me to help with the full Academy and not just one team,” Olivares said. “I’ve been here since the beginning of Locomotive, and I know the soccer communities of El Paso and Juárez well. I’m excited to help these kids get to the next level.”

Olivares has been a mainstay in Locomotive Youth Soccer’s efforts since its inception in 2020. After helping to lay the groundwork for the program, he played a part in the organization and introduction of Locomotive’s Blue and Gold club teams. He has also been key to the success of several Academy teams within the U13-U20 age groups with many of the players he has coached and scouted going on to play professional and college soccer, notably Diego Abarca, Diego Garcia, Joel Maldonado and current first-team player Emiliano Rodriguez.

“Moving Jair into a development and leadership role is the next step in our process where we want to raise the level of player development in our youth club,” Academy Director Ivan Militar said. “Jair showed his importance and competence in the last three years since he has been working with us, and now I wanted to make sure that his work can continue benefitting more than just one team.”

In the community, Olivares serves as the boy’s head soccer coach at Americas High School. He recently led the squad to the state semifinals in the UIL 5A Division 1 playoffs.

Olivares holds two college degrees: a Bachelor in Kinesiology and Exercise Science from the University of Texas at El Paso and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership and Administration from Lamar University. He also has his National A Coaching License from the United States Soccer Federation.

For more information about youth soccer, click here.

El Paso Locomotive FC Sign Axel Valdivia, Raul “Chapo” Vazquez to USL Academy Contracts

EL PASO, Texas (March 5, 2025) – El Paso Locomotive FC announced today that it has signed a pair of players to USL Academy contracts pending league and federation approval. Forward Axel Valdivia and defender Raul “Chapo” Vazquez will both be eligible to be rostered ahead of the season opener against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC at Southwest University Park on Saturday, March 8 at 7 p.m. MT.

This is the fifth consecutive year that Locomotive has signed players to USL Academy contracts which provides the young Locos with opportunities to train and compete alongside the professional senior team without affecting their eligibility to play college soccer.

“Our entire Locomotive Youth Soccer ecosystem is very proud of Axel and Chapo for their achievement and recognition from our First Team,” Locomotive Director of Academy and Youth Soccer Ivan Militar said. “Both have been on the radar when it comes to top talents in our Academy, and this Academy contract solidifies the intention to involve younger players in the First Team environment.”

This is Valdivia’s second year receiving a USL Academy contract with the Locos. After joining in his U17 season from FC Dallas’ Academy, he made his debut for the first team in last year’s Derby Paso del Norte against FC Juarez.

“Axel is an exciting young local talent who’s done well with the opportunities he’s earned with the first team throughout preseason this year,” Locomotive Technical Director Ray Saari said. “His versatility, athleticism and work ethic will be a welcome addition to our first team this year.”

Vazquez is signing his third USL Academy contract as his debut with the first team came last season against Phoenix Rising FC. He, along with Valdivia, were part of the U20 team for El Paso that made the Dallas Cup final and reached the USL Academy League Playoffs for the second year in a row.

“We can’t say enough good things about Raul,” Saari said. “He’s a player who made his debut with the club last year and has continued to improve every month since then. It’s only fitting that a player with his mentality and abilities continues to get opportunities with the first team.”

El Paso Locomotive FC is expected to announce future USL Academy signings in the coming weeks. USL Academy signings are presented by Texas Tech Physicians of El Paso.

Tickets for the entire 2025 El Paso Locomotive FC season, including the home opener on Saturday, 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 feature a postgame fireworks show.

El Paso’s 30-match USL Championship schedule can be found at eplocomotivefc.com/schedule.

El Paso Locomotive FC Academy Post Undefeated Weekend at 2025 ECNL Las Vegas Showcase

EL PASO, Texas (January 30, 2025) – Two El Paso Locomotive FC Academy teams posted undefeated weekends at the 2025 ECNL Showcase in Las Vegas over the weekend, gaining more valuable and competitive experience across the region as the Locos progress in their inaugural year in the ECNL.

“Having an unbeaten weekend is always a positive,” Academy Director Ivan Militar said. “Our ambitions are high, and we would love to win every game, but the ECNL is a tough league and any single result that is not a loss still provides us with positive development. In our minds, every game we play is another experience we can use for further growth. Congratulations to Coach [Alex] Pozo and Coach [George] Valenzuela, who coached with intensity and eagerness to win the whole weekend and led both the U17s and U19s to a successful showcase weekend.”

With scouts from 117 different colleges and universities, players from both teams had the opportunity to showcase themselves to prospective recruiting scouts while simultaneously continuing to bolster Locomotive as one of the strongest Academies in the region.

Additionally, the showcase provided an opportunity for younger players in the Academy to compete at a higher level and speed up their technical development.

“We achieved our goal to connect with college scouts and we are proud that some of our players have been contacted by top Division I and II programs,” Locomotive College Recruitment and U-17 Head Coach Alex Pozo said. “Equally important, we had two U16 players and seven U17 players make their debuts with the U19 age group, providing them a competitive environment as they continue to grow and develop as athletes.”

U17 (2008) Academy Results

Record 1-0-2, 0 GD

Game #1 vs XF – 1-1 D
Game #2 vs SLSG Illinois – 2-1 W
Game #3 vs Lobos Rush – 3-3 D

U19 (2006) Academy Results

Record 1-0-2, +1 GD

Game #1 vs Atlanta Fire United – 1-0 W
Game #2 vs KC Fusion – 1-1 D
Game #3 vs Ohio Elite Soccer Academy – 4-4 D

El Paso Locomotive FC Academy Teams Put Up Competitive ECNL League Performances in Salt Lake City

EL PASO, Texas (December 10, 2024) – Five El Paso Locomotive FC Academy teams competed in their first away matches in the Elite Clubs National League (ECNL) in Salt Lake City over the weekend, with the young Locos posting an overall record of 6-2-0.

“This was our first ever away league gameday in the ECNL and our first trip to the state of Utah,” Locomotive Academy Director Ivan Militar said. “Needless to say, it was a completely new environment, completely new field conditions and completely new styles of play from our opponents, but our teams showed up extremely well and finished net positive in results. However, the ECNL experience was the most valuable takeaway from the trip. Great fields, great opponents and competitive games are what we need week-to-week. The Utah weekend was a great start to our ECNL run and we are looking forward to continue our journey towards reaching the playoffs with multiple teams in 2025.”

U13 (2012) Academy Results

Record 0-0-2, -3 GD

Game #1 vs Utah Avalanche – 0-2 L
Game #2 vs La Roca – 0-1 L

U14 (2011) Academy Results

Record 2-0-0, +4 GD

Game #1 vs Utah Avalanche – 3-0 W
Game #2 vs La Roca – 1-0 W

U15 (2010) Academy Results

Record 2-0-0, +4 GD

Game #1 vs Utah Avalanche – 2-1 W
Game #2 vs La Roca – 3-0 W

U16 (2009) Academy Results

Record 2-0-0, +3 GD

Game #1 vs Utah Avalanche – 1-0 W
Game #2 vs La Roca – 3-1 W

U17 (2008) Academy Results

Record 0-0-2, -4 GD

Game #1 vs Utah Avalanche – 0-2 L
Game #2 vs La Roca – 0-2 L

About the El Paso Locomotive FC Academy

Founded in 2020, the Locomotive Academy was created to provide unrivaled competitive opportunities for youth players in the Borderplex region. The Academy fields seven teams between 13-19, including a fully funded U-20 USL Academy program, and competes in three youth leagues: the Elite Club National League (ECNL), USL Academy League and the El Paso Premier League (EPPL). Through its league competitions and participation at various tournaments and showcases throughout the year, the Academy strives to provide players with direct exposure to numerous college and scouts while playing against some of the strongest youth teams in the country.

In addition to working with numerous colleges across the country, the Academy also grants players a pathway to train and play alongside the Locomotive senior team, giving the young athletes an opportunity to learn and develop alongside professional athletes and coaches through USL Academy contracts, the only youth soccer organization in El Paso to offer such opportunities. To learn more about the Locomotive Academy, head to eplocomotivefc.com/youth-soccer.

About ECNL

Founded in 2009 and sanctioned by US Club Soccer, the Elite Clubs National League (ECNL) is highly regarded for its top-level national competition, player development and college recruitment track record. As a result of grassroots collaboration and innovation driven by youth soccer leaders all around the country, the ECNL quickly rose to national prominence – and ultimately to be the top level of competition and player development in the country. Each step was fueled by a shared commitment to elevating the youth soccer experience. To learn more, visit theecnl.com.

“Youth Soccer on the Road” is presented by GECU.

El Paso Locomotive FC Academy Compete Against Top National Youth Teams at USL Academy Finals

EL PASO, Texas (December 10, 2024) – El Paso Locomotive FC’s USL Academy U-20 team wrapped up another milestone weekend after competing at the 2024 USL Academy Finals, the second consecutive time the young Locos clinched an appearance at the national tournament.

Qualifying for the tournament because of their impressive season in the USL Academy’s Cactus Division in which they ended the season with a 7-2-1 record, the Academy Locos were drawn to face AC Connecticut in the Round of 16. The Locos would find a way back into their match after going down early on, but Connecticut would find the back of the net once more in the second half and hold on to their lead to advance to the next round.

“Though it was unfortunate to fall in the first round to AC Connecticut, who would go on to be tournament finalists, our Locomotive boys showed great quality throughout the week,” Locomotive Academy Director and USL Academy U-20 Head Coach Ivan Militar said. “I am proud of our performance, and we are very happy that we had the chance to represent our Cub and colors on a national stage once again. This group had a tremendous run in the USL Academy League this year and we are looking forward to repeating this in 2025.”

Following the loss to Connecticut, Locomotive would move on to the showcase phase in the next couple of days. Locomotive would go up against some of the country’s top youth teams including rivals San Antonio FC and FC Motown, as well as the LFE All-Stars, a team made up of youth players from several English clubs including the Premier League. The Locos would post a 1-1-1 record in the showcase round.

“We had some highlight moments and showed that our Academy is one of the best USL Academies in this country,” Militar said. “We were one of the youngest squads at the tournament, but the boys did not let that to be an excuse. We played against older opponents and competed head-to-head with them. I could not be prouder of our group for how they came out to perform.”

Following the tournament, two Locomotive players earned nods to the USL Academy Finals All-Tournament teams. Midfielder Damian Perez was named to the All-Tournament First Team and defender Kenneth Hoban – who was announced on Monday as the club’s youngest ever professional signing – earned a spot on the All-Tournament Second Team.

USL Academy U-20 Results

Tournament
Round of 16 vs AC Connecticut – 2-1 L

Showcase
Game #1 vs FC Motown – 3-0 W
Game #2 vs LFE All-Stars – 0-0 D
Game #3 vs San Antonio FC – 4-3 L

About the El Paso Locomotive FC Academy

“Youth Soccer on the Road” is presented by GECU.

El Paso Locomotive FC Academy Players Damian Perez and Kenneth Hoban Selected to USL Academy Finals All-Tournament Teams

TAMPA, Fla. (December 11, 2024) – USL Academy announced on Tuesday the 2024 USL Academy League Finals All-Tournament Teams, honoring the top performers across the four days of competition at IMG Academy that concluded this past Sunday.

El Paso Locomotive FC midfielder Damian Perez was selected to the All-Tournament First Team and defender Kenneth Hoban – who was recently announced as Locomotive’s first signing for 2025 and the youngest in club history to sign a professional contract – earned a spot in the All-Tournament Second Team.

El Paso Locomotive FC Damian Perez (M) was named to the USL Academy Finals All-Tournament First Team.

2024 USL Academy League Finals All-Tournament First Team

GK – James Sneddon, Richmond Kickers
D – Jake Alb, Indy Eleven
D – Griffin Garnett, Richmond Kickers
D – Beckett Howell, Richmond Kickers
D – Lincoln Minzey, Indy Eleven
M – Levi Dewey, Indy Eleven
M – Daniel Istambouli, AC Connecticut
M – Damian Perez, El Paso Locomotive FC
F – Fynn Lahrsen, Indy Eleven
F – Nicholas Simmonds, Richmond Kickers
F – Leonardo Soltero, Real Colorado

El Paso Locomotive FC’s Kenneth Hoban (D) was named to the USL Academy Finals All-Tournament Second Team.

2024 USL Academy League Finals All-Tournament Second Team

GK – Ryan Hunsucker, Indy Eleven
D – Kenneth Hoban, El Paso Locomotive FC
D – Grafton Kahl, Richmond Kickers
D – Martin Rubalcava Lopez, West Coast Futbol Club
D – Maverick McCoy, Indy Eleven
M – Luke Fiscella, AC Connecticut
M – Dyllan Mendoza, San Antonio FC
M – Jack Ryan, AC Connecticut
F – Victor Aguilar, Indy Eleven
F – Cooper Hineline, Real Colorado
F – Elijah Tenger, Utah Red Wolves SC

El Paso Locomotive FC Academy Excels at ECNL Phoenix Showcase

EL PASO, Texas (November 19, 2024) – The El Paso Locomotive FC Academy once again demonstrated why it is one of the strongest academies in the Southwest, putting up dominant and impressive results at the ECNL Showcase in Phoenix over the past weekend.

The young Locos had the chance to demonstrate their skills and talent to scouts from 130 different colleges and universities, a significant opportunity to continue the establishing the pipeline to higher education by helping Locomotive Academy players acquire scholarships to further their athletic and academic careers.

“I cannot emphasize how big, exciting and impactful these events are for our program and players,” Academy Director Ivan Militar said. “The teams had a fantastic display and everyone played meaningful minutes as we met our developmental priorities and came out to win. As we move forward in ECNL, there is no doubt that eyes are now on us. Winning our conference and making playoffs is our priority as we aim to help our programs continue to grow and improve.”

The Academy had four teams travel to the showcase: the U19s, U17s, U16s and U15s. The Locos combined for 12 matches played and recorded eight wins, three draws and one loss.

The U19 squad posted a perfect 3-0-0 record, conceding no goals while scoring eight to win its group.

See the full list of Locomotive Academy’s ECNL Phoenix results below.

U19 (2006) Academy Results

Record 3-0-0, +8 GD

Game #1 vs RISE SC – 2-0 W
Game #2 vs MVLA – 2-0 W
Game #3 vs Santa Rosa United – 4-0 W

U17 (2008) Academy Results

Record 1-0-2, +1 GD

Game #1 vs Germantown Legends – 1-1 D
Game #2 vs Westside Metros – 1-0 W
Game #3 vs Rebels SC – 1-1 D

U16 (2009) Academy Results

Record 2-0-1, +5 GD

Game #1 vs Lobos Rush – 4-1 W
Game #2 vs Rebels SC – 2-0 W
Game #3 vs San Juan SC – 1-1 D

U15 (2010) Academy Results

Record 2-1-0, 0 GD

Game #1 vs COSC – 2-0 W
Game #2 vs San Francisco Elite – 2-1 W
Game #3 vs Sporting California – 0-3 L

About the El Paso Locomotive FC Academy

About ECNL

El Paso Locomotive FC Clinch Second Consecutive USL Academy Finals Berth

EL PASO, Texas (Oct. 23, 2024) – El Paso Locomotive FC Academy announced today that it has booked a second consecutive trip to the USL Academy Finals, which will take place December 5-8 in Tampa, FL.

“Making the Finals two years in a row is a fantastic feeling,” Locomotive Academy Director Ivan Militar said. “Now it is time to prepare for this tournament, set new goals specifically for this upcoming competition and try to make history. We are ready to learn from last year’s experiences and aim higher knowing the single elimination style of the Finals is highly challenging. We are ready to represent our City and our Club in Florida and excited to finish our historic season on the highest note possible!”

El Paso finished their 2024 USL Academy season as the top-ranked team in the Boys-U20 Cactus Division, posting a 7-2-1 record and outscoring their opponents 22 to 13. This will be the second time since the Academy’s founding in 2020 that Locomotive will compete at the USL’s premier national youth tournament, indicative of the high-level of young talent being produced and developed within the Locomotive Academy system.

In their first trip to the finals last season, the Locos opened tournament play in the Round of 16 against in-state rivals San Antonio FC, dominating in a deadlocked match that went all the way to the penalty shootout where El Paso were unfortunately eliminated. El Paso would then go on to compete in a series of consolation matches, posting two wins and one loss to cap off its first participation in the USL Academy Finals.

“The first USL Academy Finals was an amazing experience for our program, and we returned home proud to have showcased our style of play against high-level teams and have success in one of the best youth soccer tournaments in the country,” Militar said about the club’s first participation. “The best compliment we received was that teams wanted to play against us and that college coaches and scouts came specifically to watch our players play, showing that they are not only top talents in El Paso, but in the nation as well.

About the Locomotive Academy

El Paso Locomotive FC USL Academy U20s to Play League Match at Southwest University Park

EL PASO, Texas (September 16, 2024) – El Paso Locomotive FC announced today that its USL Academy U20 team will play their league match vs Barca Residency Academy inside Southwest University Park on Saturday, October 5 at 7 pm MT. Tickets for the match are on sale now (click here) for fans to come out and support the next generation of talented El Paso soccer players.

“This match will be one of the most memorable events in Locomotive Youth Soccer history,” Academy Director Ivan Militar said. “We are grateful to the ownership and leadership of our organization that supported us in our planning and allowed us to make this event happen. It will be a special evening for our U20 team who will play in an environment like that of the senior squad and we invite everyone in the El Paso soccer community to come support our boys.”

Having hosted a USL Academy match for the first time last season, Southwest University Park will open concessions and the Locomotive team shop this time around to provide a greater matchday experience. The match itself is anticipated to showcase a lot of the quality talent being produced within El Paso and that of Barca Residencey Academy where notable Locomotive players like Diego Luna (2021-22) and Miles Lyons (2022-) got their starts.

Locomotive currently sits at the top of their USL Academy division with seven wins and one loss – outscoring their opponents 20-9 – and will hope by the end of the season to book a second consecutive trip to the USL Academy League Finals in Bradenton, Florida in December.

About the Locomotive Academy

Academy

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