Academy

EL PASO, TEXAS – August 12, 2026 – The El Paso Locomotive Academy capped a historic 2025–2026 ECNL Boys season with five playoff-qualifying teams, 13 All-Conference selections, two Players of the Year and a No. 16 national club ranking.

Five of the Academy’s six ECNL teams qualified for the ECNL Playoffs, demonstrating the consistency, competitiveness, and continued development taking place throughout the program.

That team success translated into individual recognition, with 13 El Paso Locomotive players named to the 2025–2026 ECNL Boys Mountain All-Conference Teams.

At the U15 level, Daniel Escobar earned Mountain Conference Player of the Year, National All-American, and First Team All-Conference honors, while Axel Jimenez was named U18/19 Player of the Year, a National All-American, and a First Team All-Conference selection.

2025–2026 ECNL Boys Mountain All-Conference Selections

U15: Daniel Escobar (First Team), Ian Alsina (First Team), Eloni Sua (Second Team)
U16: Carlos Botello (First Team), Randu Vellez (First Team), Arthur Oliveira (Second Team)
U17: Michael Melucci (First Team), Andree Salazar (First Team), Nathan Tapia (Second Team)
U18/19: Axel Jimenez (First Team), Abdiel Guzman (First Team), Xzavier Rede (First Team), Diego Marquez (Second Team)

The Academy’s success throughout the season also helped El Paso Locomotive earn a No. 16 ranking among ECNL Boys clubs, marking another significant milestone for the program.

Academy Director Guilherme Henry believes the connection between collective performance and individual opportunity has been an important message since he arrived in El Paso.

“Since my arrival, I have spoken with the players about how collective effort brings individual rewards,” said Henry. “El Paso is a unique city with its own characteristics, and we are creating an identity that we want our players to be proud of, one that also allows them to express themselves on and off the field.”

“It is paying off, and it is just the beginning. I am very happy to see our players receiving this recognition, but without the collective success, these individual recognitions would not be possible.”

Five playoff qualifications, 13 All-Conference selections, two Players of the Year, and a No. 16 club ranking are different measures, but they tell the same story: the process is producing results collectively and individually.

The objective now is to build on those achievements and continue raising the standards throughout the Academy, creating an environment that consistently develops players capable of competing at the highest levels while building teams that represent the character of El Paso: hardworking, resilient, ambitious, and proud of where they come from.

EL PASO, TEXAS – June 4, 2026 – El Paso Locomotive is proud to announce and celebrate its Class of 2026 College Signing Class, marking the largest college signing group in club history and a milestone year for our organization. To commemorate this achievement, the club will host its official signing event on Thursday, June 4, at the Texas Tech Health Sciences Center, beginning promptly at 6 p.m. MT.

This year’s event is especially significant as, for the first time ever, female student-athletes will be recognized alongside their peers as they take the next step in their academic and athletic journeys. The achievement reflects the club’s continued growth of the and its commitment to creating opportunities for all players.

We are beyond excited to celebrate each of these student athletes as they embark on the next chapter of their lives, both on and off the field. Their dedication, resilience, and commitment to excellence have positioned them for success at the collegiate level, and we are honored to have played a role in their development.

This historic signing class is a testament to El Paso Locomotive’s mission of developing not only high-level players but exceptional young people. Through years of hard work, mentorship, and competition, these student-athletes have embraced opportunities for growth that will continue to serve them well in their future endeavors.

The diversity and quality of institutions represented in this year’s class further demonstrate the strength of our player development pathway. From local programs to universities and colleges across the country, our student-athletes continue to earn opportunities that align with their academic goals, athletic ambitions, and personal aspirations.

As a club, we take immense pride in seeing our players mature into confident leaders and successful individuals. Their accomplishments reinforce our vision of providing an environment where players can maximize their potential, pursue higher education, and create meaningful opportunities for their future.

“This signing class is the strongest indicator of the work being done across every level of our organization,” said Director of Youth Soccer Ulysus Torres. “Our mission is to help players pursue their goals as athletes, students, and future professionals, and seeing a record number of players reach this milestone is a reflection of that commitment.

The college game remains one of the most important pathways to the next level, providing opportunities for student-athletes to develop academically, athletically, and personally while pursuing their ambitions in the sport. We are incredibly proud of each player being recognized and the diverse range of institutions and programs they will represent.

With more resources, support, and guidance dedicated to the college recruitment process than ever before, our goal is to make this pathway the standard for every ambitious El Paso Locomotive player and to continue creating opportunities that help our athletes succeed long after their time with our club.”

We would also like to recognize the families, coaches, teammates, and support systems that have contributed to each athlete’s success. Their unwavering encouragement and sacrifices have helped make these achievements possible.

Today, we celebrate not only college commitments but the culmination of years of dedication and the beginning of exciting new opportunities. The Class of 2026 has set a new standard for excellence, and we look forward to watching each of these student-athletes continue to represent El Paso Locomotive with pride at the next level.

2026 College Signing Class

• Abby Munoz – Paul Quinn College
• Adelina Martel – UT Rio Grande Valley
• Alyana Flores – Paul Quinn College
• Bianca Alarcon – Paul Quinn College
• Brissia Mendieta – Richland College Dallas
• Claire Hurtado – Paul Quinn College
• Deina Reyes – Paul Quinn College
• Ivy Tarango – Paul Quinn College
• Kaytlin Davalos – Texas A&M Texarkana University
• Lani Bernal – Oklahoma Panhandle State University
• Mandy Granillo – Paul Quinn College
• Megan Mukiibi – Eastern New Mexico University
• Mia Blacksher – Eastern New Mexico University
• Nahomy Ojeda – New Mexico Highlands University
• Vianney Adame – Blinn Community College
• Jaz Corona – Park University
• Alex Burke – Wabash College
• Axel Jimenez – Claremont-Mudd-Scripps
• Diego Marquez – Angelina College
• Diego Moreno – University of the Southwest
• Evan Ruiz – University of the Southwest
• Gael Faudoa – Otero Junior College
• Jacob Lopez – Sul Ross State University
• Joshua Mauricio – Oklahoma Wesleyan University
• Joseluis Villagomez – Southern Methodist University
• Lazaro Fernandez – University of the Southwest
• Miguel Diaz – University of the Southwest
• Oziel Lozano – Southwestern University
• Rodrigo Chavira – University of the Incarnate Word
• Samuel Lizarraga – Colorado State University

Congratulations to the El Paso Locomotive Class of 2026. Your hard work, character, and perseverance have left a lasting impact on our club, and we cannot wait to see what you accomplish in the years ahead.

EL PASO, TEXAS – June 3, 2026 – Today, the club proudly celebrates one of the most inspiring stories in our academy’s history as longtime academy player Joseluis commits to continue his academic and athletic career at Southern Methodist University (SMU), home to one of the premier men’s soccer programs in the country.

From his earliest days in the academy, Joseluis consistently demonstrated the dedication, discipline, and professionalism required to compete at the highest levels. Through every stage of his development, he embraced the values of hard work, accountability, and continuous improvement that define the culture at El Paso Locomotive.

His commitment to Southern Methodist University not only highlights his achievements as a player but also underscores the growing national recognition earned by the club’s academy and its athletes. SMU’s men’s soccer program is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious and competitive environments in collegiate soccer, attracting elite talent from across the country and internationally.

At El Paso Locomotive, that balance between athletic ambition and personal development remains central to the club’s mission. The academy strives to ensure every player is equipped not only with the tools to succeed in soccer but also with the education, character, and life skills necessary to thrive as professionals in every aspect of life.

Remarks from First Team Technical Director Ray Saari

“Joseluis’s commitment to SMU is a major milestone for our club. His journey from our youth pathway to the U-20’s, followed by his first USL Academy contract in 2022, highlights his mentality and the quality he brings as a player. Over the past four seasons, he has consistently trained with the first team, captained our U-20 team in multiple successful ECNL and USLA seasons, and begun college courses at EPCC – all while continuously challenging himself and being a positive member of our club on a daily basis. The culmination of this work with a top Division I commitment perfectly exemplifies the opportunities available to players who trust the process our club has laid out. We are incredibly proud of Joseluis and know he will represent El Paso well in this next chapter of his career.”

Remarks from College Placement Director Sean Taylor

“We are extremely proud to announce Joseluis’ commitment to continue his academic and athletic career at SMU. This achievement is a true reflection of the countless hours of hard work, discipline, and commitment he has invested both on and off the field over the years.

Joseluis has consistently demonstrated the character, mentality, and work ethic required to succeed at the next level, and this opportunity is well deserved. His growth as both a player and a person has been incredible to watch, and we have no doubt that he will make a strong impact at SMU. This is an exciting milestone for Joseluis, his family, coaches, teammates, and everyone who has supported him throughout his journey. We are excited to follow his continued success and cannot wait to see what the future holds for him as he begins this next chapter with SMU soccer.

Congratulations, Joseluis — your hard work is paying off, and this is only the beginning.”

Remarks from Academy Director Guilherme Henry

“Joseluis is a very talented player who has worked extremely hard for opportunities like this over the years. We’re very excited for him as he begins this new chapter, one that will continue to develop, expose, and prepare him for the next level. It’s massive to see a local kid join the biggest men’s soccer program in Texas while still staying in his home state.”

Joseluis’ story serves as a powerful example for the next generation of Locomotive Academy players — proof that dedication to the process, loyalty to development, and commitment to personal growth can open doors to some of the highest levels of the game and education in the country.

As he begins this exciting new chapter, everyone at El Paso Locomotive is immensely proud of all that Joseluis has accomplished and looks forward to supporting his continued journey both on and off the field.

Joseluis, along with the rest of the 2026 Signing Class, will officially announce their college commitments at the El Paso Locomotive FC 2026 College Signing Event on Thursday, June 4. The event will be held at the Texas Tech Health Sciences Center – Medical Sciences Building II and will begin promptly at 6:00 p.m. MT.

After a long and demanding ECNL Mountain Conference season filled with extensive travel, high-level competition, adversity, and countless lessons, El Paso Locomotive Academy is proud to celebrate a historic achievement: five academy teams have officially qualified for the ECNL Playoffs in San Diego.

“What our ECNL Boys program has accomplished this season is truly remarkable,” said Director of Youth Soccer Ulysus Torres. “To have five out of six teams qualify for a National Playoff site is an incredible achievement and something that is extremely uncommon at the national level.

What makes this even more special is the adversity our players, coaches, and staff have faced throughout the season. To see not just one or two teams succeed, but nearly our entire ECNL Boys platform continues to improve, peak at the right time, and raise the standard of elite soccer within our organization says everything about the culture we are building.”

U13: Mountain Conference Champions

The U13 team, led by Head Coach Gabriel Moran, finished an outstanding season at the top of the ECNL Mountain Conference standings. The group recorded 8 wins, 2 losses, and 3 draws, averaging 2.08 points per game.

The team secured qualification for the playoffs with two matches remaining in the regular season, demonstrating consistency and maturity throughout the campaign. Their ability to perform with consistency and maintain results over the course of the year established them as one of the top teams in the conference.

U14: Resilience in a Dramatic Playoff Race

The U14 squad, led by Head Coach John Hoban, completed one of the most emotional playoff races in the conference. Finishing the season with 9 wins, 4 losses, and 1 draw while averaging 2.00 points per game, the team battled intensely with New Mexico Rapids for first place throughout the year.

Their defining moment came during a dramatic match in Colorado against Colorado Edge. After taking an early lead, Locomotive saw Colorado respond and go ahead 2-1 before the team found an equalizer prior to a lightning delay. Once the match resumed, Locomotive needed only 14 seconds to score the go-ahead goal and officially clinch a playoff spot in unforgettable fashion.

U15: Consistency and Offensive Quality

Under the leadership of Head Coach Marc Rosch, the U15 team produced one of the strongest records in the conference with 11 wins and only 3 losses, averaging 2.36 points per game.

The group secured qualification after defeating Colorado Edge in Albuquerque during the previous weekend. They closed the regular season strongly with consecutive 3-2 victories against Colorado Edge and Colorado Rapids Central, showcasing the team’s attacking quality and competitive mentality during crucial moments of the season.

U17: Redemption and Strong Finish

The U17 team finished the year with 9 wins, 3 losses, and 2 draws, averaging 2.07 points per game and earning qualification as the best second-place team across the East and West conferences.

For the 2009 age group, this achievement carried extra meaning. Last season, the team narrowly missed qualification despite leading the conference for significant stretches. This year, under Head Coach Hugo Samano, the group responded with resilience after a slow start to the season.

The team closed the campaign with an impressive unbeaten run in eight matches, recording seven wins and one draw, proving their growth, maturity, and determination throughout the second half of the season.

U18/19: Dominant End to the Season

The U18/19 team finished with 11 wins and 3 losses. Led by Head Coach Guilherme Henry and assisted by Sean Taylor and George Valenzuela, the group delivered one of the strongest finishes in the conference.

Over the final 10 matches of the season, the team recorded 9 wins and only 1 loss while scoring 37 goals and conceding just 10. Their consistent performances and attacking efficiency allowed them to clinch their playoff spot during the final weekend of competition.

“I could not be more proud or excited to see what these groups will do out in California,” said Torres. “A huge thank you goes to all of our coaches, support staff, front office personnel, and even our first team side for the role they have played in creating an environment where top talent can develop and thrive.

We are building something special — a true breeding ground for elite players and teams that represent our club proudly on the national stage.”

Building the Future

Qualifying five teams for the ECNL Playoffs is a significant milestone for El Paso Locomotive Academy and a reflection of the continued growth of the club’s developmental pathway.

Beyond results, these teams have represented the academy with competitiveness, professionalism, and resilience throughout the season. As they now prepare to compete on the national stage in San Diego, the achievement stands as another important step in the continued development of soccer in El Paso and the opportunities being created for young players within the community. The ECNL Playoffs will take place from June 25 to July 2 in San Diego, where the academy’s teams will have the opportunity to compete against some of the top clubs in the country while continuing to represent the passion and talent of the El Paso soccer community.

What is ECNL?

Founded in 2009, the Elite Clubs National League (ECNL) was created to raise the standard of youth soccer in the United States. Originally established for girls’ soccer, the league rapidly became one of the nation’s top pathways for elite competition and player development before expanding to include ECNL Boys in 2017.

EL PASO, TEXAS – May 21, 2026 – In just their first season competing in the ECNL Regional League, El Paso Locomotive FC has already made a statement on the national stage. The club’s U18/19 boys team earned a spot in the ECNL-RL Playoffs in Norco, California — a remarkable accomplishment for a program competing in the platform for the very first time.

The achievement is even more impressive considering that only 40 teams across the country qualify for the ECNL-RL Playoffs each year. El Paso Locomotive FC not only secured qualification, but also captured their division title in dramatic fashion by winning their final two matches of the season to punch their ticket to California.

In his fourth year with the club, 25-year-old head coach Martin Hernandez leads the group in its first season competing within the ECNL-RL platform. Under his leadership, the squad demonstrated consistency, resilience, and a winning mentality throughout the season. Hernandez’s impact has extended beyond team success on the field, as he has also helped six senior players earn opportunities to continue their soccer careers at the collegiate level next season.

“Seeing the boys rewarded for their hard work this season, culminating in a playoff appearance in our first year of RL, truly speaks volumes of their talent and dedication,” said Hernandez. “I couldn’t be prouder of the boys for their commitment both on and off the field.”

The season marks a major milestone not only for Coach Hernandez and his players, but for the entire El Paso Locomotive FC organization. As the club continues to grow its ECNL-RL program, this year’s success has established a strong foundation for the future and raised expectations heading into next season.

“I am incredibly proud and excited for our U18/19 boys RL team on winning their division and qualifying for playoffs in their very first year in the league,” said Boys’ Club Director Sean Taylor. “This achievement is a true testament to the commitment, sacrifice, and hard work the players and staff have put in over the last six months.

Coach Martin has proven himself to be a coach with a tremendous future, and someone we are excited to continue investing in as our program grows. I can’t wait to see what this team accomplishes in the playoffs and how the program continues to develop next season. Hopefully, this is just the beginning, and we’ll be sending even more teams next year.”

With the bar now set high, the club hopes to see even more teams qualify for postseason competition in the years ahead. For now, the focus turns to California, where the U18/19 boys’ team will represent El Paso Locomotive FC on one of the biggest stages in youth soccer.

EL PASO, TEXAS – May 11, 2026 – El Paso Locomotive FC Academy player Isaiah Soto Vargas has earned a spot in this season’s U.S. Soccer Talent Identification pathway.

This selection puts Vargas among the top prospects in his age group and is the next step in preparation for the 2027 U15 U.S. National Team roster selection. Vargas is the only player to earn a spot, in this age group, from the El Paso/New Mexico region.

“Being chosen to attend this camp is a great opportunity for me to grow as a player and a person,” said Isaiah Soto Vargas. “Going into the camp, I feel nervous but also excited to learn new things and play with different players.”

Vargas has played in 26 games this season with the El Paso Locomotive FC 2012 ECNL Boys team,  anchoring a defense that is at the top of the Mountain Division and has allowed the fewest number of goals so far. Offensively, Vargas has tallied five goals and four assists.

“We are extremely proud of this player for earning an invitation to the U.S. National Team ID Camp,” said Locomotive Academy Director Guilherme Soares. “This opportunity is a reflection of his hard work, humility, and commitment to improvement every day. It is also an important moment for Locomotive Youth Academy, as it shows that our community is rich in talent and that our academy is helping shape, develop, and provide opportunities for players to be recognized and compete at the highest level. With hopefully many more players following this same path.”

Vargas adds his name to the growing list of academy players earning national recognition as the Locomotive Youth Academy continues to make its mark.

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.