Club News

El Paso Locomotive FC stands undefeated in its last four outings, securing three wins and a draw to lay claim to second place of Group C with 15 points. An anchor in the back behind the results was none other than goalkeeper Logan Ketterer.

The 26-year-old goalkeeper continues to build on his 2019 success and has been clinical between the pipes in his last four appearances. Starting with the dominating 4-2 victory over Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, Ketterer has made 14 saves, conceding only three goals throughout the four-game unbeaten streak. The Madison, Wisconsin native has led Locomotive FC to four clean sheets throughout the 2020 abbreviated season, the most in the Western Conference, and tied for the top spot in the statistic for the league.

The work ethic in goal from Logan Ketterer throughout the season makes him the Locomotive FC Player to Watch presented by Estrella Jalisco.

El Paso Locomotive FC’s road match against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC scheduled for Wednesday night at 7:00 p.m. MT has been postponed and rescheduled for 7:00 p.m. MT Wednesday, September 30 at Weidner Field in Colorado Springs.

Proceeding with an abundance of caution, the announcement comes after an individual in close proximity with a covered person in the Switchbacks FC organization tested positive for COVID-19. There have been no positive tests among Locomotive FC players or staff.

As always, to ensure the safety of our players, staff, and community, El Paso Locomotive FC will continue to follow proper health protocols set by the league as well as local and state health officials.

El Paso Locomotive FC (4-2-3, 15 points) picked up the full three points off a 2-1 victory over Real Monarchs in front of a sold-out capacity crowd of 801 fans on Saturday. Brent Kallman and Bryam Rebellon put away a goal apiece for Locomotive FC.

“We have a great group of guys,” stated Head Coach, Technical Director Mark Lowry. “It was a real sucker punch that goal because we didn’t see it coming. It kind of came out of nowhere. We were 1-0 up and we were the team pushing for the second. The guys then composed themselves for a couple minutes and got their confidence back and broke down the left, Omar used his pace and picked Bryam out of the back and he tops it off with a good goal. The arrival, the touch the finish. The win was fully deserved but we might have made it hard on ourselves.”

Through the opening 45 minutes, both sides fought for opportunities for the opening goal with the first real chance coming through the Monarchs side with a rifled blast that Logan Ketterer read down the line for the big save. Locomotive FC responded in kind, as late in the first half, Omar Salgado found a shot on an open goal, but was denied by the pace of the Monarchs defense. In the end, the tight tug-of-war through the midfield put both sides level at the halftime break.

After the break, Locomotive FC came out of the locker room with intensity, peppering the Monarchs goal with shots that would end just wide of the net or saved big by Monarchs goalkeeper Jimmy Slayton. The resulting corners were capitalized by Kallman who put away the picture-perfect header to give Los Locos the advantage. Monarchs responded in kind in the 81st minute when Coffee cleanly pulled one back on 1-on-1 situation. Locomotive FC had the last laugh as Rebellon picked up the pass from Salgado, before cutting middle and masterfully putting in the game-winning goal to secure the full three points.

UP NEXT: Locomotive FC goes back on the road to take on Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC in round 3 of 4 for the 2020 USL Championship abbreviated season. Kickoff from Weidner Field is set for Wednesday, September 2 at 7:00 p.m. MT.

GOAL SCORING RUNDOWN

ELP: Brent Kallman (Dylan Mares), 53th minute – Capitalizing off a corner kick opportunity, Mares sent the ball to the far post where Kallman stood tall. Isolated without a defender, Kallman headed the ball in to the near post past Monarchs ‘keeper Jimmy Slayton to put the Locos in the lead.

SLC: Kyle Coffee (Dayonn Harris), 81st minute – In a quick transition, Harris sent a perfectly weighted ball through the gaps of Locomotive FC’s defense right in the path of Coffee. 1-on-1 with Ketterer, Coffee cleanly took the shot to the left, finding the back of the net for the equalizer.

ELP: Bryam Rebellon, 86th minute – Picking up off a botched clearance from the Locomotive FC backline, Rebellon made quick touches to settle the ball before masterfully sending the ball home into the far net for the game-winning goal.

NOTES:

– For the first time since the 3-0 win over Sacramento Republic FC in the 2019 Western Conference Semifinals, Southwest University Park welcome fans back into the stadium at a sold-out capacity crowd of 801.

– MLS loanee Brent Kallman opened his goal-scoring ticket, putting away the opening goal of the game in the 53rd minute.

Match: El Paso Locomotive FC vs Real Monarchs

Date: August 29, 2020

Venue: Southwest University Park; El Paso, Texas

Weather: 95F and clear skies

Scoring Summary                           1       2       F

El Paso Locomotive FC                    0      2       2

Real Monarchs                                     0       1      1

ELP – Brent Kallman (Dylan Mares), 53’
SLC – Kyle Coffee (Dayonn Harris), 81’
ELP – Bryam Rebellon, 86’

Lineups:

El Paso Locomotive FC (4-4-2): Logan Ketterer; Andrew Fox, Chiro N’toko, Brent Kallman, Macauley King, Richie Ryan, Distel Zola (Louis Herrera, 65’), Bryam Rebellon (Yuma, 89’), Dylan Mares (Leandro Carrijo, 94’), Omar Salgado, Aaron Gomez

Subs not used: Jermaine Fordah, Saeed Robinson, Eder Borelli, Mechack Jerome

Real Monarchs (3-5-2): Jimmy Slayton; Noah Powder, Andrew Brody, James Moberg, Taylor Peay, Dayonn Harris, Bode Davis (Julian Vazquez, 71’), Jack Blake (Luis Arriaga, 71’), Ryan Sierakowski (Luke Mulholland, 91’), Kyle Coffee (Nicolas Gimenez, 91’)

Subs not used: Ricardo Avila, Devin Vega, Gavin Beavers,

Stats Summary: ELP/SLC

Shots: 22 / 9

Shots on Goal: 7 / 5

Saves: 4 / 4

Corner Kicks: 5 / 3

Fouls: 8 / 10

Offside: 1 / 4

MISCONDUCT SUMMARY:

SLC – Jack Blake (Caution), 24’
ELP – Bryam Rebellon (Caution), 24’
SLC – Noah Powder (Caution), 34’
ELP – Distel Zola (Caution), 48’

El Paso Locomotive FC (3-2-3, 12 pts, Group C – 2) vs Real Monarchs (1-4-1, 4 pts, Group C – 4)
Saturday, August 29 | Southwest University Park; El Paso, Texas
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. MT
Live on El Paso – Las Cruces | ESPN+
@EPLocomotiveFC | #ELPvSLC

Locomotive FC and Real Monarchs clash for the second time in the 2020 abbreviated season as Los Locos host the Salt Lake side at Southwest University Park. In the first meeting, El Paso came out on top through a goal by Nick Ross following build play by Chapa Herrera and Aaron Gomez. The two sides will continue their fight for a Top Two finish in Group C on Saturday in El Paso.

2020 Stats Snapshot (ELP/SLC)
Goals For             10 / 6
Goals Against     9 / 11    
Min/goal              72 / 105
Possession          53% / 46%
Passing Acc.        82.9% / 77.5%
Fouls                     86 / 98
Yellow Cards      21 / 13
Red Cards            0 / 1

Locomotive Run Down

Undefeated in their last three, Locomotive FC is on track to booking their ticket to the 2020 USL Championship postseason. After earning a record of 3-2-3 (12 points), Los Locos sit comfortably in second place, eager to build off the recent success to close the gap on Group C leaders, New Mexico United, while putting distance over the playoff line with a win over Real Monarchs.

Player to Watch: Defender Brent Kallman made his Locomotive debut last Saturday in Colorado Springs, contributing to the defensive strength that locked down the fourth Locomotive clean sheet of the 2020 season. Playing the full 90 minutes in his debut, Kallman made seven clearances with a tackle and interception while completing 88% of his passes. The work rate at the center of the backline by the Minnesota native makes him the Locomotive FC Player to Watch on Saturday.

Real Monarchs Run Down

The defending USL Championship title winners have run to a series of woes over recent weeks, earning only a single win over its last five matches. After dropping a two-goal lead over Switchbacks FC to split the points, Real Monarchs secured the full three on the road in Colorado Springs. Since that win, the Monarchs have fallen to Locomotive FC and New Mexico United to drop to fourth on the Group C table.

Player to Watch: Defender Noah Powder fits perfectly in the Monarchs style of play. A wingback who plays as well in the offensive front as he does defending, Powder is an all-around threat to watch for when Locomotive and Monarchs clash. With five chances created, Powder leads the Monarchs in assists with two, acting a dangerous playmaker for the Utah side.

El Paso Locomotive FC is set to host Real Monarchs at Southwest University Park on Saturday, August 29. Kickoff from El Paso is set for 7:30 p.m. MT and will be televised live locally on El Paso – Las Cruces CW and nationally on ESPN+. For priority ticketing, secure your Locomotive FC Season Seats or sign up for the waiting list at https://www.eplocomotivefc.com/tickets.

Locomotive FC clashes with Real Monarchs for the second time in the abbreviated 2020 season, welcoming the Utah team to Southwest University Park. The two met earlier this month on August 15 at Zions Bank Stadium in a contest that saw Locomotive FC come out the victors on a 1-0 scoreline. It was Nick Ross that slipped in the game-winning goal, opening his 2020 goal scoring ticket, capitalizing on quick passing and a trademark build-up play by Chapa Herrera and Aaron Gomez.

As the 2020 season turns the corner in towards the final stretch, both Locomotive FC and Real Monarchs are fighting to secure a spot in the top two of Group C. After a scoreless draw in Colorado Springs, Locomotive FC sits comfortably in second place with a record of 3-2-3 (12 points), while the defending USL Championship title winners have only picked up one win this season with a record of 1-5-1 (4 points). While the Monarchs will be aiming to start building momentum, Locomotive FC will be looking to build on success in recent weeks to finish the season strong.

Follow El Paso Locomotive FC vs Real Monarchs – Sat., August 29, 2020

·         Coverage Begins: 7:30 p.m. MT
·         Local TV: El Paso – Las Cruces CW; 13 (Spectrum), 388 (Comcast), 8 (DirecTV), 17 (Dish), 19 (AT&T)
·         Digital Streaming: ESPN+
·         Social Media: @EPLocomotiveFC & #ELPvSLC on Twitter
·         Additional Content: Official El Paso Locomotive FC App (iOS / Android)

El Paso Locomotive FC in conjunction with New Mexico United announced today that their Saturday, September 5 away match will be relocated to Southwest University Park. Kickoff from El Paso for September 5 is set for 7:30 p.m. MT and will be broadcast live locally on El Paso – Las Cruces CW and nationally on ESPN+.

“We are happy to serve as the site for this match with New Mexico United while they are unable to play in their home venue,” General Manager, Business Operations of Locomotive FC Andrew Forrest, stated.  “This is a unique opportunity to have an additional home game and play in front of our incredible fans and we are happy to welcome the United back to El Paso and host this match.”

“While we are disappointed that we are unable to host this match in New Mexico, we will continue to do everything in our power to assist the governor in her efforts to keep New Mexicans safe throughout the COVID-19 pandemic,” said New Mexico United CEO and Owner Peter Trevisani. “We are grateful to El Paso Locomotive for their flexibility and hospitality.”

Southwest University Park and Locomotive FC welcome fans back with a limited capacity to help ensure everyone’s health and safety. Tickets to Locomotive FC home games are first made available to Season Ticket Members and next to those on the team’s ticket waiting list. Those wishing to gain priority access for tickets to 2020 Locomotive FC home matches can do so by securing their Season Seats or by signing up for the Locos waiting list at https://www.eplocomotivefc.com/tickets.

The match will also be broadcast live on El Paso – Las Cruces CW channels 13 (Spectrum), 388 (Comcast), 8 (DirecTV), 17 (Dish), 19 (AT&T) and ESPN+.

Last Saturday, Defender Brent Kallman made his El Paso Locomotive FC debut in Colorado Springs, playing for the full 90 minutes to help Los Locos lock down their fourth clean sheet of the 2020 USL Championship season. Throughout the night against Colorado Springs, Kallman made seven clearances with a tackle and an interception, helping limit the Switchbacks to just three shots on target.

Locomotive FC looks to build on the success from recent weeks, having secured seven points in the last three matches. With the MLS experience, the Minnesota United FC loanee brings to Locomotive FC, look for Kallman to be an anchor in the center of the backline as the player to watch for Saturday’s match against Real Monarchs.

Tickets to Locomotive FC home games are first made available to Season Ticket Members and next to those on the team’s ticket waiting list. Those wishing to gain priority access for tickets to 2020 Locomotive FC home matches can do so by securing their Season Seats or by signing up for the waiting list at https://www.eplocomotivefc.com/tickets.

The match will also be broadcast live on El Paso – Las Cruces CW channels 13 (Spectrum), 388 (Comcast), 8 (DirecTV), 17 (Dish), 19 (AT&T) and ESPN+.

El Paso Locomotive FC (3-2-3, 12 points) split the points on a scoreless draw with Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC on Saturday. Logan Ketterer earned his fourth clean sheet of the season behind three saves while Brent Kallman and Leandro Carrijo made their Locomotive debut.

The Round 2 match-up between Locomotive FC and Switchbacks FC was an aggressive and tight affair that left with both sides struggling to create meaningful chances towards goal. As the game began to open up, it was Switchbacks FC providing shots towards goal Locomotive FC easily dealt with. Locomotive FC took control of possession after the 30-minute mark fighting for the opening goal, however the first half closed without a goal to show.

Los Locos opened up the second half with some venom seeing some chances through a freekick from Dylan Mares and a near goal by Saeed Robinson but was unable to capitalize while Ketterer and the defensive line ahead of him continued to shut out the Switchbacks offensive on the other side. While Locomotive tested the Switchbacks defense through the final 15 minutes, both sides stood firm to end the contest without a goal to show.

UP NEXT: El Paso Locomotive FC returns to Southwest University Park to host Real Monarchs in more Group C action. Round 2 of Locomotive FC and Real Monarchs is set for Saturday, August 29 with kickoff set at 7:30 p.m. MT and will be televised live on El Paso – Las Cruces CW and ESPN+.

NOTES:

– Defender Brent Kallman and Forward Leandro Carrijo made their Locomotive debut. Kallman played the full 90 minutes, while Carrijo subbed in late in second-half stoppage time.

– Locomotive FC keeps its seven-point lead over Switchbacks FC on the Group C table as it moves to three games undefeated.

– Goalkeeper Logan Ketterer earned his fourth shutout of the 2020 season, after making three saves throughout the night.

Match: El Paso Locomotive FC at Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC

Date: August 29, 2020

Venue: Weidner Field; Colorado Springs, Colorado

Weather: 87F and mostly sunny

Scoring Summary                           1       2       F

El Paso Locomotive FC                     0      0       0

Co. Springs Switchbacks FC              0       0      0

Lineups:

El Paso Locomotive FC (4-1-3-2): Logan Ketterer; Andrew Fox, Brent Kallman, Mechack Jerome, Macauley King, Yuma, Louis Herrera (Richie Ryan, 73’), Dylan Mares, Bryam Rebellon, Saeed Robinson (Omar Salgado, 62’), Aaron Gomez (Leandro Carrijo, 91’)

Subs not used: Jermaine Fordah, Distel Zola, Chiro Ntoko, Moses Makinde

Switchbacks FC (3-5-2): Abraham Rodriguez; Jordan Burt, Ever Rubio, Kristoffer Reaves, Joan Cervos, Luke Ferreira (George Lebese, 80’), Hiroki Kurimoto, Andre Lewis (Mamadi Camara, 88’), Rony Argueta, Aidan Daniels (Austin Dewing, 64’), Christian Volesky

Subs not used: Sean Melvin, Alejandro Padilla, Adrian Diz Pe, Vladimir Walent

Stats Summary: ELP/COS

Shots: 4 / 8

Shots on Goal: 0 / 3

Saves: 3 / 0

Corner Kicks: 2 / 10

Fouls: 14 / 19

Offside: 1 / 1

MISCONDUCT SUMMARY:

ELP – Macauley King (Caution), 17’
COS – Ever Rubio (Caution), 18’
ELP – Bryam Rebellon (Caution), 51’
ELP – Richie Ryan (Caution), 82’
COS – Christian Volesky (Caution), 89’

El Paso Locomotive FC (3-2-2, 11 pts, Group C – 2) at Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC (1-4-1, 4 pts, Group C – 4)
Saturday, August 22 | Weidner Field; Colorado Springs, Colorado
Kickoff: 6:00 p.m. MT.
Live on ESPN+
@EPLocomotiveFC | #COSvSLC

Shortly after its 4-2 victory over Switchbacks FC, Locomotive FC will take on the Colorado side again, this time away from home. The El Paso side travels to Weidner Field as the two sides fight for a playoff spot as the abbreviated 2020 USL Championship season reaches the halfway mark.

2020 Stats Snapshot (ELP/COS)
Goals For             10 / 9
Goals Against     9 / 13    
Min/goal              63 / 60
Possession          53% / 51%
Passing Acc.        83.5% / 82.2%
Fouls                     72 / 72
Yellow Cards      18 / 10
Red Cards            0 / 1

Locomotive Run Down

Locomotive FC placed comfortable breathing room over the playoff line with a 1-0 victory over Real Monarchs last Saturday, giving El Paso a seven-point lead over both the Monarchs and Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC. Los Locos will be aiming to build on its two-game win-streak and further cement its spot in the playoffs with a fourth win over Switchbacks FC in series history.

Player to Watch: A powerhouse in the backline, Defender Chiro N’toko is the Locomotive FC Player to Watch ahead of Saturday’s contest. Captaining the team, Chiro’s mindful presence and read of the game helped lead Locomotive FC to a clean sheet against Real Monarchs last Saturday. With Chiro at the center of the defensive line, watch for Locomotive FC to effectively shut down the Switchbacks offense on Saturday.

Switchbacks FC Run Down

Colorado Switchbacks FC winless woes continue since returning to play for the 2020 season. Despite some strong performances to steal points with a draw, Switchbacks FC has only secured the full three points once – its season opener in early March. Eager to snap the winless streak, Switchbacks FC will be looking to use its home field to its advantage to claim its first win over Locomotive FC.

Player to Watch: Midfielder Hiroki Kurimoto was a key element against New Mexico United last Saturday, helping hold off the usually deadly United offense to only having one goal in the night. Kurimoto completed 90.7% of his passes while making six tackles, two clearances, and one interception to gain possession for his side four times throughout the night. Able to transition the ball from defense to attack, and stop offensive runs in the midfield, Kurimoto is the Switchbacks FC Player to Watch at Weidner Field this Saturday.

El Paso Locomotive FC travels to Colorado Springs to take on Switchbacks FC on Saturday, August 22. Kickoff from Weidner Field is set for 6:00 p.m. MT and will be presented live on ESPN+.

Locomotive FC heads into Saturday’s contest off the heels of a 1-0 win over the defending 2019 USL Championship title winners, Real Monarchs following a goal from Nick Ross. The heated contest saw Locomotive FC control the pace of the game, paying off in the 50th minute with its trademark build-up play as Chapa Herrera, Aaron Gomez and Ross linked up for the goal while GK Logan Ketterer and the backline in front him kept the Monarchs off the score board to further secure their spot in a playoff position.

The attention now turns to Switchbacks FC for more Group C action. Los Locos sit comfortably over the playoff line with a seven-point lead over both the Monarchs and Switchbacks. Just over a week ago, El Paso and Colorado Springs met in a contest that saw Los Locos claim a dominating 4-2 win. As Locomotive FC travels to the site of its first road victory in club history, Saturday’s match provides an opportunity to further secure a playoff spot over a Switchbacks side that has only secured one win in the 2020 season.

Follow El Paso Locomotive FC at Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC – Sat., August 22, 2020

·         Coverage Begins: 6:00 p.m. MT
·         Local TV: N/A
·         Digital Streaming: ESPN+
·         Social Media: @EPLocomotiveFC & #COSvELP on Twitter
·         Additional Content: Official El Paso Locomotive FC App (iOS / Android)