Club News

El Paso Locomotive FC announced today it will play with fans in attendance with limited capacity for its home match against Real Monarchs on Saturday, August 29. The match will also be televised live locally on El Paso – Las Cruces CW and nationally on ESPN+ at 7:30 p.m. MT.

“We are thrilled to welcome Locomotive fans back to Southwest University Park,” stated MountainStar Sports Group President, Alan Ledford.  “While state and local directives have allowed fans to attend prior matches, we opted to wait until now to open the gates to guests.  Our staff has worked diligently and in conjunction with local community and health authorities to create a plan for a safe and healthy environment in which to welcome our fans back. This hint of normalcy is welcome progress during this challenging time.” 

The safety of fans, players and staff remains the club’s top priority. Strict safety protocols will be implemented to ensure a safe environment for everyone in attendance, including but not limited to:

• Masks are required at all times – no exceptions.
   
• COVID-19 screening prior to entering the stadium.
   
• Southwest University Park will be opened for an estimated 800 fans (approximately 11% of capacity).
   
• 12-foot social distancing.
   
• Hand sanitizing stations located throughout Southwest University Park as well as new and more extensive in-game sanitation protocols.

To view the full safety guidelines, visit https://www.eplocomotivefc.com/covid19policies.

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

Fans unable to attend may still support El Paso Locomotive FC from home via the Cutout Conductor program while watching the game on El Paso – Las Cruces CW channels 13 (Spectrum), 388 (Comcast), 8 (DirecTV), 17 (Dish), 19 (AT&T) and ESPN+. To purchase or to get more information on Cutout Conductors, visit https://www.eplocomotivefc.com/cutoutconductors.

Follow El Paso Locomotive FC as it takes on Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, tomorrow, Saturday, August 22. Kickoff from Weidner Field in Colorado Springs is set for 6:00 p.m. MT and will be broadcast live on ESPN+.

El Paso Locomotive FC (3-2-2, 11 points) created more breathing room over the playoff line in Group C with a 1-0 victory over defending champions Real Monarchs on Saturday. Nick Ross opened his 2020 goal scoring record with the lone goal of the night.

The first 45 minutes was a tight affair, with both sides trading possession and opportunities as the Locomotive FC front linked to create dangerous plays on the Monarchs goal, while Logan Ketterer and his backline did well to protect the net from dangerous strikes on the other end. The first Locomotive opportunity came from a near perfect freekick from Dylan Mares who pinged the upright before later linking up with Aaron Gomez nearly finding a chance that got cutout from the Monarchs defense.

Locomotive opened the second half with Gomez taking a shot within a minute of the whistle that was just deflected. The 51st minute broke the deadlock as Locomotive FC linked up as Gomez found Ross in the middle of the pitch, sending the shot into the bottom right of the net. Late in the match, Real Monarchs fought for the equalizer to save the point, however, the Locomotive backline stood firm, protecting the scoring to secure the three points on the road.

UP NEXT: The Locos Blue remain on the road for more Group C action the team travels to Colorado Springs to take on Switchbacks FC. Kickoff from Weidner Field is set for Saturday, August 22 at 6:00 p.m. MT

GOAL SCORING RUNDOWN

ELP: Nick Ross (Aaron Gomez), 51st minute – In a fantastic build up, Chapa sends the ball wide to Gomez who took a quick touch to settle before sending back middle to find Ross at the center. Ross took another fast touch before sending the shot home into the bottom corner of the net for a go-ahead goal, breaking the regular season deadlock between the two.

NOTES:

– Macca King made his Locomotive FC debut, coming on as a substitution in the 61st minute for Nick Ross

– Aaron Gomez continued his attacking form, adding an assist to his three goals in the last four games.

– The win sees the regular-season deadlock between the two sides come to an end, as Locomotive FC puts space over the playoff line in the condensed season.

Match: El Paso Locomotive FC at Real Monarchs

Date: August 15, 2020

Venue: Zions Bank Stadium; Herriman, Utah

Weather: 88F and clear skies

Scoring Summary                           1       2       F

El Paso Locomotive FC                     0      1       1

Real Monarchs                                     0       0      0

ELP: Nick Ross (Aaron Gomez), 51’
 

Lineups:

El Paso Locomotive FC (4-4-2): Logan Ketterer; Bryam Rebellón, Yuma, Andrew Fox, Chrió N’toko, Mechack Jerome, Aaron Gómez, Dylan Mares (Memo Diaz, 94’), Louis Herrera, Nick Ross (Macauley King, 61’), Omar Salgado (Saeed Robinson, 78’)

Subs not used: Distel Zola, Matt Bahner, Jermaine Fordah, Brent Kallman

Real Monarchs (3-5-2): Jimmy Slayton; James Moberg, Nicolás Giménez, Taylor Peay, Luke Mulholland (Bode Davis, 75’), Sam Brown, Jack Blake, Noah Powder, Andrew Brody, Luis Arriaga (Julian Vázquez, 64’), Kyle Coffee (Ryan Sierakowski,75’)

Subs not used: Steve Jasso, Gavin Beavers, Ricardo Avila, Zack Farnsworth

Stats Summary: ELP/SLC

Shots: 8 / 10

Shots on Goal: 2 / 4

Saves: 4 / 1

Corner Kicks: 7 / 7

Fouls: 7 / 12

Offside: 1 / 0

MISCONDUCT SUMMARY:

ELP – Chapa Herrera (Caution), 34’
SLC – Sam Brown (Caution) 44’
SLC – James Moberg (Caution) 65’
SLC – Jack Blake (Caution) 77’
SLC – Noah Powder (Caution) 80’
ELP – Logan Ketterer (Caution) 88’

El Paso Locomotive FC (2-2-2, 8 pts, Group C – 2) vs Real Monarchs (1-2-1, 4 pts, Group C – 3)
Saturday, August 15 | Zions Bank Stadium; Herriman, Utah
Kickoff: 8:00 p.m. MT.
Live on ESPN+
@EPLocomotiveFC | #SLCvELP

The 2019 Western Conference Final rematch is on as Locomotive FC travels to Zions Bank Stadium to take on Real Monarchs. Through 2019, the two sides fought to even scoreless draws before an intense penultimate Championship bout that ended after added extra time. Locomotive FC has a chance now for revenge and to create more distance over the 2020 playoff line.

2020 Stats Snapshot (ELP/SLC)
Goals For             9 / 5
Goals Against     9 / 6      
Min/goal              60 / 72
Possession          55% / 41%
Passing Acc.        83.7% / 74.7%
Fouls                     65 / 57
Yellow Cards      16 / 8
Red Cards            0 / 1

Locomotive Run Down

Locomotive FC snapped a three-game winless skid in its last outing, picking up a 4-2 win over Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC. Chapa Herrera, Dylan Mares, and Aaron Gomez all contributed to the scoreline, with Chapa notching his first professional goal and brace on the night. With three points secured, Locomotive FC sits comfortably in second place on Group C, four points over its weekend opponent, Real Monarchs.

Player to Watch: Midfielder Louis “Chapa” Herrera has a newfound confidence as Saturday displayed his read of the beautiful game. The team chemistry on display as Chapa knew when to make his runs forward to link with fellow teammates, Omar Salgado, Aaron Gomez and Nick Ross. Chapa’s performance helped Locomotive FC control the midfield, ending Switchback attacks early.

Real Monarchs Run Down

Real Monarchs have not been in the best form since beginning its 2020 campaign. Opening the season on two losses and giving up a two-goal lead with a man advantage against Switchbacks FC, before finally getting its first win with a late goal on the road against Switchbacks. The 1-2-1 record of the Monarchs has the team currently sitting in third place on the Group C table, looking to close the gap on the playoff line as the halfway point of the season approaches.

Player to Watch: The experienced presence of midfielder Jack Blake makes the Englishman one to watch in Saturday’s contest. Blake’s passing talents and read of the game led to the Monarchs having one of the more dangerous attacks of the league in 2019. In the Monarchs victory over Switchback FC, Blake converted a penalty and contributed an assist to the game-winning goal.

EL PASO, Texas – August 14, 2020 – El Paso Locomotive FC has acquired MLS Defender Brent Kallman on loan from Minnesota United FC, the club announced today, pending league and federation approval.

“Brent is a quality player coming from a quality club, so it is great to be able to bring him in,” said Mark Lowry, Head Coach and Technical Director. “He is a player I know from the NASL days so I’m familiar with his capabilities, the leadership, and quality he will had to our center-back department. These qualities will be very useful as we approach a stretch of 10 games in 50 days.”

Kallman, 29, signed his first professional contract with Minnesota United FC in 2013 – then in NASL – before becoming the first Minnesotan to join the Loons in its expansion to MLS. Through his time at the NASL level, Kallman made 40 appearances with one goal, helping lift the side to a Spring Season Championship in 2014. The Woodbury, Minnesota native signed again with Minnesota United ahead of its inaugural in MLS, making 63 appearances and two goals and an assist, helping the team through in its most successful year, helping the team early on to finish 4th in the West during the 2019 season.

Prior to signing with Minnesota United, Kallman played his collegiate career at Creighton University, helping his side to back-to-back college cup appearances in 2011-12. An all-around athlete, the 29-year-old defender lettered in soccer, tennis, basketball, and football, earning first-team all-state and all-conference as a senior at Woodbury High School. Kallman also served as a member of the Minnesota Olympic Development Program.

EL PASO, Texas (Thursday, August 13, 2020) – El Paso Locomotive FC heads to Zions Bank Stadium, the site of the 2019 Western Conference Final, for a rematch against defending champions, Real Monarchs. The contest is scheduled for Saturday, August 15, with kickoff from Herriman, Utah set for 8:00 p.m. MT and will be presented live on ESPN+.

Last Saturday, Los Locos snapped their winless skid with a dominating 4-2 victory over Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC. The hometown heroes shined through the 90 minutes, as Memo, Aaron Gomez, Omar Salgado, and Chapa each shared the pitch, contributing to the scoreline. Chapa scored his first professional goal, cementing it with a brace just beyond the hour mark. Memo highlighted the right-back position, holding off the Switchbacks FC offensive, while Omar and Gomez contributed with an assist each and a goal for Gomez – his third in as many games. The win over Switchbacks created breathing room above the playoff line with a four-point difference over its weekend opponent, Real Monarchs.

Locomotive FC heads to the site of the 2019 USL Championship Western Conference Final for a rematch against Real Monarchs. Through 2019, the two sides stood on equal ground, playing to scoreless draws in Regular Season before meeting in the Western Conference Final. The penultimate Championship match saw the two again on equal footing, going into added extra time after ending 1-1 in regulation. It was a heartbreaking last-second goal off a set piece that put an end to the Locos Blue championship dreams.  Locomotive will be looking to create more breathing room over the playoff line as it turns its attention to a Monarchs side that has only won a single game in its last four. 

Follow El Paso Locomotive FC at Real Monarchs – Sat., August 15, 2020

·         Coverage Begins: 8:00 p.m. MT
·         Local TV: N/A
·         Digital Streaming: ESPN+
·         Social Media: @EPLocomotiveFC & #SLCvELP on Twitter
·         Additional Content: Official El Paso Locomotive FC App (iOS / Android)

The body is a canvas for us to shape in whichever way we see fit. We exercise to sculpt it and decorate it with piercings. Tattoos provide a unique way to share our personality or to tell our story. The ink we paint our canvases with can tell a thousand words of what is important to us, what we have been through, and who we are.

Bryam Rebellón

Locomotive Midfielder Bryam Rebellón has one of the most intricate pieces on the team. A mural painted across his chest features the names of his parents, a watch and a compass, framing hands pressed together in prayer. Each piece of the mural symbolizes something meaningful to Bryam. The names of his parents show his closeness to family; The watch serves as a reminder that time is precious; the compass to remember where he came from; The hands to represent his faith in God.

The overall experience took 12 hours to complete – time that he spent in one sitting rather than done in sessions. Bryam explained he didn’t want any hard lines, instead wanting everything to be done through shadows and gradients, a style that only extended the amount of time he sat in the chair. While he recounted the experience being a painful one, it was one that he said was worth it.

Leandro Carrijo

Recent signee, Forward Leandro Carrijo has an array of ink on him, with five pieces in total. For Carrijo, each tattoo represents different things, but he stated, in the end, each one represents the feelings he has for God, his family and he likes each of them.

The first tattoo the Brazilian striker has is text across his back that read Paz de Cristo. On his right arm is a small cross, a tattoo that he shares with his wife, while on his left arm is a beautifully colored mural of his daughter. His calves feature a cross with a rosary and a Menorah to represent the Hanukkah miracle. While each one is very intricate in design, Carrijo said it was the colored mural on his left arm that took the longest, because of the various colors and details.

Josue Aaron Gomez

Forward Aaron Gomez features the face of a proud lion on his bicep, with its mane flowing. The elaborate shading for the fur and details of the lion took about three and a half hours to complete. The mural on his arm represents leadership and union, two powerful qualities to carry onto the pitch, but the meaning goes even deeper. For Gomez, the lion also represents always being close to his family.

Each player’s tattoos hold a deep meaning to them. They are telling of who they are on and off the pitch as they represent their values and principles just like the Locomotive badge they wear proudly on the front of their kits.

Locomotive midfielder Louis “Chapa” Herrera highlights the USL Championship Team of the Week Starting XI for Week 7 after a standout performance against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC on Saturday. The El Paso native recorded his first professional goal in the 66th fighting off a defender to convert the goal on one touch. Chapa punctuated his performance with a second goal just two minutes later, converting another goal off one touch to net the brace and help secure the 4-2 win for Locomotive FC.

On top of the pair of goals, Herrera played a near picture perfect game in the midfield, playing 72  minutes, completing 35 of his 37 passes.

See below for the full USL Championship Team of the Week for Week 7, presented by Cleer Audio:

USL Championship Team of the Week – Week 7

GK – Eric De La Cerda, Reno 1868 FC: The 19-year-old recorded seven saves, including six on shots inside the penalty area and a crucial second-half penalty kick denial, to help Reno earn a 2-1 victory against Tacoma Defiance. 

D – Ish Jome, Austin Bold FC: Jome recorded two goals and one assist, completed 52 of 65 passes and made six recoveries to lead Austin to its first victory since the season resumption with a 4-1 win against Rio Grande Valley FC.

D – Akeem Ward, North Carolina FC: Ward scored the only goal of the game, made four interceptions and nine recoveries and completed 19 of 28 passes in NCFC’s 1-0 road victory against Memphis 901 FC.

D – Jonathan Dean, Birmingham Legion FC: Dean recorded a goal and assist, had three chances created and completed 51 of 56 passes overall while also winning 5 of 7 duels in Birmingham’s 4-1 victory against the Charlotte Independence.

M – Robbie Mertz, Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC: Mertz had two goals, recorded two chances created among 31 of 39 passes completed overall and won 8 of 12 duels in the Hounds’ 4-1 victory against the New York Red Bulls II.

M – Cristian Parano, San Antonio FC: Parano had one goal and one assist, recorded two chances created and six shots, and completed 12 of 12 passes overall in San Antonio’s 3-0 road victory against OKC Energy FC.

M – Jack McGlynn, Philadelphia Union II: McGlynn led the Union II to their first win of the season, recording one goal and one assist, four chances created, four interceptions and six recoveries while winning 4 of 4 duels.

M – Chapa Herrera, El Paso Locomotive FC: The local standout scored a pair of second-half goals and completed 35 of 37 passes as Locomotive FC got back on track with a 4-2 victory against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC.

F – Junior Flemmings, Phoenix Rising FC: Flemmings recorded his first hat trick in the Championship in Phoenix’s 5-2 victory against New Mexico United, while also completing 12 of 15 passes overall.

F – Neco Brett, Birmingham Legion FC: Brett scored his first two goals for Legion FC, recorded four chances created and completed 29 of 39 passes overall as Legion FC swept to a 4-1 victory against the Charlotte Independence.

F – Alec Diaz, Tacoma Defiance: Diaz recorded two goals and one assist, had four shots on goal, complete 2 of 2 dribbles and had three chances created overall in Tacoma’s 4-0 victory against the Portland Timbers 2.

Bench: Alex Tambakis (NC), AJ Cochran (PHX), Hayden Sargis (SAC), Lewis Hilton (TBR) Uvaldo Luna (COS), Solomon Asante (PHX), Ropapa Mensah (PIT)

El Paso Locomotive FC has signed Defender Macauley “Macca” King from USL Championship side, Indy Eleven, the club announced today. The signing is pending league and federation approval.

“We are always looking to improve the quality of our squad,” stated Head Coach and Technical Director, Mark Lowry. “I believe to win a championship and to play at the level we aspire to play at every game, you need a squad that can handle the demands of a full season. Adding Macca gives us a player who fits into the character of our team and a player who has won games in the USL with Indy Eleven. He is familiar with what it takes. We are looking forward to getting him in and training with the team.”

King, 25, joins Locomotive FC from Eastern Conference side Indy Eleven where he made an immediate impact in his professional debut with the club. Through 2019, the Englishman made 22 appearances in league games, contributing one goal, three assists as well as 25 clearances and 14 interceptions to help lift his side to a spot in the Eastern Conference final. Prior to his time with Indy, King was a standout at NCAA Division II power Young Harris College in Georgia. King was selected to the United Soccer Coaches NCAA Division II All-Southeast Region Team following both his Junior and Senior years, and was a three-time selection to the All-Peach Belt Conference First Team during his career. The 25-year-old originally developed in the Academy system of Premier League club Leicester City FC, and additionally competed in USL League Two for Mississippi Brilla FC, the Charlotte Eagles, and Sounders FC U-23.

During his time at Young Harris College, King earned his degree in Business and Public Policy

El Paso Locomotive FC (2-2-2, 8 points) created distance over the playoff line with a 4-2 win over Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC on Saturday night. Hometown talent shined in the victory as Memo Diaz, Louis ‘Chapa’ Herrera, Aaron Gomez, and Omar Salgado all contributed, with Gomez and Chapa recording goals on the night.

“I don’t see any reason why this team can’t go on a winning streak now because we have the quality,” stated Head Coach, Technical Director Mark Lowry. “We’ve been playing really well. We just have to keep pushing ourselves to be better every day. I know the guys in there will do that, we’ve got a great locker room. Experience players that are always pushing each other every single day to be better. I’m looking forward to this week of training because even though we’ve won the calmness will be there. We’ve got some things to clean up and some things to work on which ultimately will make us a better team.”

Locomotive FC dictated the early goings of the match, exposing the gaps and mistakes in the Switchbacks FC defense with through-balls that put Los Locos into menacing positions. The pressure paid off after drawing a foul at the top of the 18, giving way for Dylan Mares to beautifully put away the goal from the freekick. Moments later, Gomez capitalized on a bad back pass from Colorado Springs, converting a one-on-one opportunity to help secure 2-0 at the half-time.

The second half mirrored the first as once again Locomotive FC dominated possession with passing accuracy to find the lanes past the Colorado defense. Chapa recorded his first professional goal and punctuated it with the brace in the 66th and 68th minutes of the game, tapping home the cut back passes from Salgado and a combination pass Nick Ross and Gomez. The comfortable Locos lead began to grow thin as Switchbacks FC’s Uvaldo Luna netted a brace of his own, but it wasn’t enough to close the gap providing Locomotive FC with the 4-2 win.

UP NEXT: The Locos Blue head out on the road to the site of the 2019 Western Conference Final for a rematch against the 2019 USL Championship title winners, Real Monarchs. Kickoff from Zions Bank Stadium is set for Saturday, August 15 at 8:00 p.m. MT.

GOAL SCORING RUNDOWN

ELP: Dylan Mares, 16th minute – After drawing the foul, Dylan Mares stepped up at the top of the 18 to take the free kick. A shot of textbook beauty, Mares curved the ball into the far side of the net just out of reach of a diving Sean Melvin for the opening Locomotive goal.

ELP: Josue Aaron Gomez, 21st minute – Capitalizing on a bad back pass from Switchbacks FC, Gomez intercepted the ball at a crucial time with only Sean Melvin between him and goal. A left footed shot low into the near post, doubled the advantage for the Los Locos.

ELP: Louis Herrera (Nick Ross, Aaron Gomez), 66th minute – Linking up with quick passes and the cutback in at the edge of the touchline, Chapa fought off his man to get a touch on goal to score his first professional goal with one touch to the far net.

ELP: Louis Herrera (Omar Salgado), 68th minute – Chapa made it a brace, mirroring the first goal of the night, taking one touch on the far post after Salgado passed back to create an open easy goal for Chapa to convert.

COS: Uvaldo Luna (Austin Dewing), 82nd minute – Chaos in the box led to a lofted cross to switch the play close to goal. While Logan moved to stop it, Luna took a low shot to the far post just out of reach of Ketterer to pull on back on the scoreline.

COS: Uvaldo Luna, 91st minute – In a heavily populated penalty area, Switchbacks FC made a run to cut through the traffic. Taking a bounce off a Locomotive defender’s foot, Luna saw the opportunity to rifle a goal down the middle to cut the deficit down by one.

NOTES:

– Recent signing, Defender Matt Bahner makes an appearance on the bench for Locomotive FC, subbing in for his debut in the 86th minute.

–  Aaron Gomez continued his run of form, notching his third goal in as many games with the simple conversion in the 21st minute.

– The hometown connection shined as Omar, Aaron Gomez and Louis Herrera connected for multiple goals throughout the night. Paired with minutes from Memo Diaz, the four local Locomotive players highlighted tonight’s matchup.

Match: El Paso Locomotive FC vs Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC

Date: August 8, 2020

Venue: Southwest University Park; El Paso, Texas

Weather: 97F and sunny

Scoring Summary                           1       2       F

El Paso Locomotive FC                     2      2       4

Co. Springs Switchbacks FC              0       2      2

ELP: Dylan Mares, 16’
ELP: Josue Aaron Gomez, 21’
ELP: Louis Herrera (Nick Ross, Aaron Gomez), 66’
ELP: Louis Herrera (Omar Salgado), 68’
COS: Uvaldo Luna (Austin Dewing), 82’
COS: Uvaldo Luna, 91’

Lineups:

El Paso Locomotive FC (4-1-2-1): Logan Ketterer; Andrew Fox, Yuma, Mechack Jerome, Guillermo Diaz (Matt Bahner, 85’), Richie Ryan, Nick Ross, Louis Herrera, Dylan Mares, Aaron Gomez (Moses Makinde, 85’), Saeed Robinson (Omar Salgado, 61’)

Subs not used: Jermaine Fordah, Drew Beckie, Distel Zola

Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC (4-4-2): Sean Melvin; Andre Lewis, Kris Reaves, Adrian Diz Pe (Rony Argueta, 46’), Jordan Burt, Ever Rubio (Uvaldo Luna, 46’), Hiroki Kurimoto, Joan Cervos, George Lebese (Luke Ferreira, 66’), Aidan Daniels (Austin Dewing, 46’), Christian Volesky Mamadi Camara, 73’)

Subs not used: Alejandro Padilla, Abraham Rodriguez

Stats Summary: ELP/COS

Shots: 8 / 13

Shots on Goal: 6 / 5

Saves: 3 / 1

Corner Kicks: 2 / 4

Fouls: 12 / 13

Offside: 2 / 1

MISCONDUCT SUMMARY:

COS – Kris Reaves (Caution), 15’
ELP – Memo Diaz (Caution), 23’
COS – Ever Rubio (Caution), 37’
COS – Jordan Burt (Caution), 87’
ELP – Dylan Mares (Caution), 90’+

El Paso Locomotive FC (1-2-2, 5 pts, Group C – 2) vs Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC (1-2-1, 4 pts, Group C – 3)
Saturday, August 8 | Southwest University Park, El Paso, Texas
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. MT.
Live on El Paso – Las Cruces CW and ESPN+
@EPLocomotiveFC | #ELPvCOS

Group C action is back with Locomotive FC hosting Switchbacks FC, in a contest that could have big implications on the group table. With both sides seeing their share of woes in recent weeks, Saturday is a chance for redemption and for three crucial points in a packed group.

2020 Stats Snapshot (ELP/COS)
Goals For             5 / 7
Goals Against     7 / 8      
Min/goal              90 / 51.4
Possession          57% / 51%
Passing Acc.        83.4% / 81.6%
Fouls                     53 / 48
Yellow Cards      14 / 5
Red Cards            0 / 1

Locomotive Run Down

Despite being the better team in the last three games, Locomotive FC’s winless skid extended three games last Saturday against the 2019 Regular Season title winners, Phoenix Rising FC. With distance from the top of the table growing and the gap with closing below them, Locomotive FC will be looking towards a win against Switchbacks FC on Saturday to maintain its spot above the playoff line.

Player to Watch: With two goals in the last two games Forward Aaron Gomez has found his attacking stride within the last two outings. Against New Mexico United on July 24 and Phoenix Rising FC on August 1, Gomez took six shots towards goal, four of which were on target. The Bravos Loanee placed himself as the team’s leading goal scorer for 2020 with his converted penalty against United and the opening goal against Rising FC.

Switchbacks FC Run Down

Switchbacks FC has proven to be a team not to sleep on after the temporary season suspension. After falling 2-1 against New Mexico United, Switchbacks FC fought back on a two-goal deficit to pull a point from Real Monarchs. Colorado Springs nearly split the points against the reigning champs, however, it was just taken out of reach from a late stoppage-time goal. Winless in their last three, Switchbacks FC is looking to show they have the fight in 2020 as they travel to Southwest University Park.

Player to Watch: An all-around player who can provide threats from the left, Defender Joan Cervos is Saturday’s player to watch for Switchbacks FC. On the attacking front, Cervos has recorded an assist and a goal, while creating an additional five chances for his side on goal to boost the Colorado offensive. Behind the ball, Cervos has recorded eight clearances, four tackles and four interceptions. With a good read on the ball both behind and in front, watch for Cervos to be a dangerous element on Saturday.