Club News

El Paso Locomotive FC (1-0-2, 5 pts, Group C – 1) vs New Mexico United (1-1-1, 4 pts, Group C – 3)
Friday, July 24 | Southwest University Park, El Paso, Texas
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. MT.
Live on ESPN+ | El Paso – Las Cruces CW
@EPLocomotiveFC | #ELPvNM

The El Paso Locomotive FC and New Mexico United rivalry continues on Friday, July 24 as the two clash once again in a rematch of last Wednesday’s action. After ending the last contest on a 2-2 draw, both teams feel there is still a lot left on the field heading into Round 2. The action continues with both sides looking to gain an edge on one another in the Group C standings.

2020 Stats Snapshot (ELP/NM)
Goals For             3 / 4
Goals Against     2 / 4      
Min/goal              90 / 67.5
Possession          58% / 50%
Passing Acc.        83.4% / 78.1%
Fouls                     33 / 41
Yellow Cards      9 / 4
Red Cards            0 / 0

Locomotive Run Down

After a rough first 20 minutes against New Mexico United last Wednesday, in which United claimed an early goal, Los Locos responded in strength. The fighting mentality of Locomotive FC has shined bright in the second half of matches, as with RGV a second-half surge found a late game-winning goal, while the fight against New Mexico United saw chances for the advantage goal but would just sail wide. Eager to secure three points against its rival and move to further up on the Group C table, Locomotive FC will come out fighting again against New Mexico United in Friday night action.

Player to Watch: Across two games, Defender Andrew Fox has taken two shots on goal, one of which found the back of the net against New Mexico United and the other forcing the RGVFC goalkeeper into an outstretched save. Tallying four key passes, Fox’s forward play has opened the Locomotive attack into three goals over the last two games. Defensively, Fox made a last-minute clearance to protect the net against United following a massive deflection from teammate GK Logan Ketterer to protect the scoreline in the 2-2 draw. The intelligent display against New Mexico last week earned Fox a nod on the USL Week 4 Team of the Week.

New Mexico United Run Down

Between its first match against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC and the last game against Locomotive FC, New Mexico United has shown it can be adaptable and change its style of play to suit its opponent. Last Wednesday, United played a strong forward play that paid off in capitalizing on a Locomotive mistake in the back to find an opening goal. The pressure again paid off by drawing a foul in the penalty area to earn the penalty kick to steal a point at Southwest University Park. After Round One, United may adapt and change to secure the full three and vault to the top of Group C.

Player to Watch:, The high pressure from New Mexico United proved to pay off through Midfielder Chris Wehan when the two met on July 15. Acting as the kryptonite against the ironclad Locomotive defense, Wehan has proven capable of getting through the backline and open up chances to goal. Last Wednesday, Wehan led the United attack four shots and two key chances created, highlighted by a goal in the 11th minute. Watch for Wehan to once again be a dangerous thorn in the Locomotive side and a potential game-changer when the two do battle once again on Friday.

EL PASO, Texas (Wednesday, July 22, 2020) – El Paso Locomotive FC returns to Southwest University Park to once again host New Mexico United for round two of four in Group C competition. Kickoff is set for 7:30 P.M. MT on Friday, July 24, and will be presented live locally on El Paso – Las Cruces CW and nationally on ESPN+.

The two sides clashed in El Paso just over a week ago in a contest that saw the two split the points at Southwest University Park following a tense back and forth. Early pressure from United paid off with a quick goal, however FW Omar Salgado and DF Andrew Fox took the advantage with goals ahead of the interval. New Mexico United leveled the scoring in the second half, converting a penalty kick in the 76th minute and despite Locomotive’s best efforts to regain the lead, the two sides drew level at 2-2 at the end of 90 minutes.

It’s a quick rematch for the two as both sides feel there is still much left on the field following last week’s contest. Round 2 of Locomotive FC vs New Mexico United could prove critical for both sides trying to gain an edge on the Group C table. A win for Los Locos will provide breathing room as they create distance from the pack at the top of the group. Meanwhile, United will aim to vault to first with three points gained at Southwest University Park. The Derby Del Rio Grande showdown continues Friday, July 24 in El Paso!

Follow El Paso Locomotive FC vs New Mexico United – Wed., July 15, 2020

·         Coverage Begins: 7:30 p.m. MT
·         Local TV: El Paso – Las Cruces CW
·         Digital Streaming: ESPN+
·         Social Media: @EPLocomotiveFC & #ELPvNM on Twitter

Defender Andrew Fox had a phenomenal performance that turned heads against New Mexico United to earn him a spot in Week 4’s Team of the Week Starting XI.

The veteran defender played across the field on the night, completing 87% of his passes while creating three chances for Los Locos for an opportunity on goal. On the defensive side, Fox recorded five recoveries and two tackles, including a picture-perfect clearance following a huge deflection from teammate GK Logan Ketterer to protect the scoring. The Englishman’s performance was topped off by finishing up a Locomotive corner kick in first-half stoppage time to provide his side the 2-1 advantage going into the break.

The full Team of the Week for Week 4 is listed below:

USL Championship Team of the Week – Week 4

GK – Parfait Mandanda, Hartford Athletic: Mandanda recorded a three-save shutout and provided the assist on the lone goal of the game as Hartford Athletic took victory on the road against the New York Red Bulls II.

D – Jesus Vazquez, LA Galaxy II: Vazquez scored the game-winning goal for Los Dos, and put in a solid display defensively as the visitors handed San Diego Loyal SC its first loss of its inaugural season at Torero Stadium.

D – Phanuel Kavita, Saint Louis FC: Kavita put in a strong display at the back with nine clearances and nine recoveries while winning 7 of 10 duels, and he also completed 32 of 38 passes in STLFC’s shutout win against Louisville City FC.

D – Andrew Fox, El Paso Locomotive FC: Fox scored once, completed 47 of 54 passes, recorded three chances created and recorded two tackles and five recoveries in his side’s 2-2 draw with New Mexico United.

M – Taiberson, Rio Grande Valley FC: The Brazilian scored a late equalizer against San Antonio FC after a performance that saw him register three shots, two chances created and win 11 of 13 duels while completing 36 of 43 passes overall.

M – Daniel Griffin, Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC: Griffin recorded one goal and two assists in his first professional start, recording three key passes and completing 23 of 28 passes overall against the Philadelphia Union II.

M – Bruno Lapa, Birmingham Legion FC: Lapa recorded three goals and one assist in his first two professional appearances, leading Legion FC to victories against Memphis 901 FC and the Charleston Battery.

M – Kenardo Forbes, Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC: Forbes recorded the 18th instance of a three-assist game in the Championship’s history, and completed 66 of 80 passes, won 9 of 14 duels and made 10 recoveries as he led the Hounds against the Philadelphia Union II.

F – Jaime Chavez, OKC Energy FC: Chavez recorded two goals and one assist as Energy FC picked up four points on the week, including a goal and assist on his 33rd birthday in a 3-1 road win against Austin Bold FC.

F – Alec Diaz, Tacoma Defiance: Diaz scored two goals in two games and completed 25 of 28 passes over the two contests to help the Defiance take four points against Sacramento Republic FC and the Portland Timbers 2.

F – Dariusz Formella, Sacramento Republic FC: Formella scored twice on four shots, recorded three chances created and completed 26 of 32 passes overall in Sacramento’s 3-3 draw with Tacoma Defiance.

Bench: Kyle Morton (STL), Abdul Rwatubyaye (COS), Daniel Robles (TAC), Leo Fernandes (TBR), Chris Wehan (NM), Brian Wright (BHM), Tyler Pasher (IND)

Defender Andrew Fox has been a man on a mission since El Paso Locomotive FC returned to play on July 11. Clinical in the defensive third, and dangerous in an attacking position, Fox has proven he is a player that can do it all.

Across two games, the English defender has taken two shots on goal, one of which found the back of the net against New Mexico United and the other forcing the RGVFC goalkeeper into an outstretched save. Tallying four key passes, Fox’s forward play has opened the Locomotive attack into three goals over the last two games. Defensively, Fox made a last-minute clearance to protect the net against United following a massive deflection from teammate GK Logan Ketterer to protect the scoreline in the 2-2 draw.

Paired with 53% duel win rate and an 83.4% passing accuracy, Andrew Fox’s work rate over the last two games makes him the GECU Player to Watch heading into Friday’s New Mexico United rematch at Southwest University Park.

EL PASO, TEXAS – July 20, 2020 – In response to the ongoing developments surrounding COVID-19 locally and statewide, El Paso Locomotive FC has opted to continue play without fans in attendance for the Friday, July 24 match against New Mexico United. The match will be broadcast live locally on El Paso – Las Cruces CW and nationally on ESPN+ at 7:30 p.m. MT.

Locomotive FC will continue to diligently monitor the situation and remain in constant communication with health officials as the club moves forward with future home matches and the 2020 season.

Fans may still support El Paso Locomotive FC from home via the Cutout Conductor program while watching the game on El Paso – Las Cruces CW and ESPN+. To purchase or to get more information on Cutout Conductors, visit https://www.eplocomotivefc.com/cutoutconductors.

El Paso Locomotive FC (1-0-2, 5 points) split the points with a 2-2 scoreline against New Mexico United following a heated contest in the rain on Wednesday. FW Omar Salgado and DF Andrew Fox each recorded goals for the equalizer.

“Every point is important, not losing games is important, we are unbeaten in three, “ said Head Coach Mark Lowry, in a post-game press conference. “All those things are important and right now, it’s just raw because we had the chances to win the game. I think we are the team that’s most disappointed with the tie which says a lot about the group we have. We want to win every game.”

The derby got off to a quick start as United played in high pressure, punishing Locomotive on small mistakes in passing. The high pressure paid off early as an awkward bounce in the pass back landed at the feet of Chris Wehan who converted the opening goal. While Locomotive survived the heavy pressure through the rest of the first half, the El Paso side came back fighting late in the first when Salgado snuck one into the net in the 43rd minute and Fox converted on the follow-through following chaos after a corner in extra time.

The early moments of the second half, Locomotive was the stronger team, putting pressure in around Cody Mizell’s goal, however, New Mexico United quickly regained its high-pressure play, taking control of possession. As the rain started to fall, the game turned into an intense back and forth as each side fought for control. Though Locomotive sought the go-ahead against a 10-man United, the two split the points on the night.      

UP NEXT: Locomotive FC returns to Southwest University Park for round two against New Mexico United. Kickoff is set for 7:30 P.M. MT on Friday, July 24, and will be presented live on ESPN+ and El Paso – Las Cruces CW.

GOAL SCORING RUNDOWN

NM: Chris Wehan, 11th minute – New Mexico started off with high pressure in the first half, keeping Locomotive deep within its own half. Ketterer was unable to handle a pass back from Jerome, allowing a Wehan in waiting to clean up the pieces and send United ahead with the opening goal.

ELP: Omar Salgado, 43rd minute – Bryam Rebellon took the run down the flank on the right side before sending a low pass to the far post where the ball took a small deflection off a New Mexico defender and into the path of Omar Salgado who snuck a strike into the back of the net.

ELP: Andrew Fox, 45th+4 minute – A corner kick sent into the middle of the box, and an attempted bicycle kick sees the ball loose in the penalty area following a deflection from United goalkeeper, Cody Mizell. Fox was quick on the reflexes to respond cleaning up the goal for the Locomotive advantage.

NM: Devon Sandoval (PK), 77th minute – A bad sliding tackle at the top of the box prompts the ref to point to the spot in favor of United. Sandoval stepped up to the spot and sent the ball to the low left, barely slipping past an outreached Logan Ketterer.

NOTES:

– Locomotive FC begins its group play with the first of four games will play against New Mexico United.

– Forward Omar Salgado marks his return in Locos Blue, coming off a 2-game red card suspension from the 2019 Western Conference Final last October.

– With Round One in the books, Locomotive has a quick chance for revenge, facing New Mexico United again at Southwest University Park on Friday, July 24.

Match: El Paso Locomotive FC vs New Mexico United

Date: July 15, 2020

Venue: Southwest University Park; El Paso, Texas

Weather: 99F degrees and overcast

Scoring Summary                           1       2       F

El Paso Locomotive FC                     2      0       2

New Mexico United                           1       1       2

NM: Chris Wehan, 11’

ELP: Omar Salgado, 43’

ELP: Andrew Fox, 45’+4

NM: Devon Sandoval (PK), 77’

Lineups:

El Paso Locomotive FC (4-1-2-1): Logan Ketterer; Andrew Fox, Chiro N’Toko (Drew Beckie, 68’), Mechack Jerome, Bryam Rebellon, Richie Ryan, Nick Ross, Distel Zola (Yuma, 46’), Dylan Mares, Josue Aaron Gomez (Marios Lomis, 85’), Omar Salgado

Subs not used: Jermaine Fordah, Louis Chapa Herrera, Saeed Robinson, Moses Makinde

New Mexico United (4-4-2): Cody Mizell; David Najem (Daniel Bruce, 29’), Sam Hamilton, Kalen Ryden, Austin Yearwood, Juan Guzman (Saalih Muhammed, 70’), Andrew Tinari (Ryan Williams, 59’), Amando Moreno (Joris Ahlinvi, 70’) Romeo Parkes (David Estrada, 59’), Chris Wehan, Devon Sandoval

Subs not used: Philipp Beigl, Josh Suggs

Stats Summary: ELP/NM

Shots: 22 / 12

Shots on Goal: 6 / 6

Saves: 4 / 4

Corner Kicks: 4 / 2

Fouls: 10 / 13

Offside: 2 / 2

MISCONDUCT SUMMARY:

ELP – Bryam Rebellon (Caution), 37’

ELP – Omar Salgado (Caution), 40’

NM – Andrew Tinari (Caution), 49’

NM – Romeo Parkes (Caution), 53’

ELP – Mechack Jerome (Caution), 84’

ELP – Dylan Mares (Caution), 97’

OFFICIALS:

Referee: Chris Ruska

Assistant Referees: Manuel Vargas, Chris Canales

4th Official: Marco Vega

El Paso Locomotive FC is set for a midweek matchup when it begins Group C play, hosting New Mexico United at Southwest University Park. Kickoff is scheduled for Wednesday, July 15 at 7:00 P.M. MT and will be available to watch live on ESPN+.

On Saturday, Locomotive FC returned on a high following a late 83rd minute goal by offseason signee midfielder Dylan Mares to secure a 1-0 win over Rio Grande Valley FC. After shaking off the rust in the first half, Locomotive came out swinging before forward Aarón Gómez connected the heading pass. Mares took one touch to settle the ball before sending it flying past the Toros goalkeeper to provide Locomotive FC with a critical inter-group three points. Paired with results around the league, Locomotive FC sits at the top of Group C with a point ahead of Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC and New Mexico United.

Locomotive now puts itself on track to create distance on the table with back-to-back games against New Mexico United, where every point could prove to be crucial. The two met twice in 2019, pulling out a 2-2 draw at Southwest University Park before Locomotive dropped a 3-0 result on the road. It will be New Mexico United’s deadly offense against the ironclad defense of Locomotive FC as each side looks to gain an edge in Group C competition on Wednesday. 

Follow El Paso Locomotive FC vs New Mexico United – Wed., July 15, 2020

·         Coverage Begins: 7:00 p.m. MT

·         Local TV: N/A

·         Digital Streaming: ESPN+

·         Social Media: @EPLocomotiveFC & #ELPvNM on Twitter

El Paso Locomotive FC (1-0-1, 4 points) returned to Southwest University Park to host Rio Grande Valley FC, securing a critical three points in a 1-0 victory on Saturday. Midfielder Dylan Mares tallied the loan goal to open his Locomotive scorecard.

“I was amazed by how good the guys were, to be honest considering we haven’t played for four months and we haven’t been able to train for three of those months properly with the shutdown,” Head Coach and Technical Director Mark Lowry said after the match. “To do that after three weeks of full side training, just goes to show how good this group of players are and the desire and the passion they have.”

The first half saw the two sides shaking off the rust with a back and forth that saw Locomotive FC hold its own on the defensive front. With some key stops from DF Drew Beckie and easy grabs by GK Logan Ketterer, neither side was able to gain the edge in the first 45 minutes.

Momentum swung in the second half in Locomotive’s favor, as the team switched to an offensive that applied heavy pressure. DF Andrew Fox unleashed some crosses that set up for a goal, even taking a shot of his own that forced the Toros goalkeeper into massive saves. In the end, it was Mares with a quick touch and a shot to the near post to close out the homecoming with three points.

UP NEXT: Locomotive FC faces a quick turnaround with a midweek matchup against regional rival, New Mexico United. Kickoff from Southwest University Park is set for Wednesday, July 15 at 7:00 p.m. MT.

GOAL SCORING RUNDOWN

ELP: Dylan Mares (Aarón Gómez), 83rd minute – A beautifully weighted headed pass by Aarón Gómez found the gaps in the Toros defense which Mares took advantage of. One quick touch to settle the ball, was all it took to rifle the shot that found the back of the net for the game-winning go-ahead goal.

NOTES:

– Locomotive FC returned to Southwest University Park for the first time since the Western Conference Semifinal 3-0 victory over Sacramento Republic FC in October 2019.

– MF Dylan Mares opened up his account with a late-game goal to secure a critical three points in inter-group play.

– The victory against Rio Grande Valley FC marks one of three matches Locos will play with groups outside of its group. Phoenix Rising FC and San Antonio FC will make up the remaining two matches.

Match: El Paso Locomotive FC vs Rio Grande Valley FC

Date: July 11, 2020

Venue: Southwest University Park; El Paso, Texas

Weather: 105 degrees and clear

Scoring Summary                                    1       2       F

El Paso Locomotive FC                         0       1       1

Rio Grande Valley FC                             0       0       0

ELP: Dylan Mares (Aarón Gómez), 83’

Lineups:

El Paso Locomotive FC (4-1-2-1): Logan Ketterer; Andrew Fox (Moses Makinde, 78’), Chiro N’Toko (Richie Ryan, 46’), Drew Beckie, Bryam Rebellón, Yuma (Mechack Jerome, 46’), Nick Ross, Chapa Herrera (Distel Zola, 65’), Dylan Mares, Marios Lomis, Aarón Gómez (Saeed Robinson, 90’)

Subs not used: Jermaine Fordah, Memo Diaz

Rio Grande Valley FC (4-4-2): Paul Blanchette, Emile Legault, Robert Coronado, Robert Castellanos, Manly Carter (Christian Lucatero, 83’), Isidro Martinez, Timo Mehlich (James Murphy, 74’), Taiberson (Deshane Beckford, 60’), Kevin Rodriguez (Kembo Kibato, 83’), Luka Prpa, Juan Carlos Obregón Jr. (Garret McLaughlin, 60’)

Subs not used: Ryan Coulter, Diego Rocha

Stats Summary: ELP/RGV

Shots:  13 / 7

Shots on Goal: 6 / 0

Saves: 0 / 5

Corner Kicks: 9 / 3

Fouls: 13 / 16

Offside: 1 / 0

MISCONDUCT SUMMARY:

ELP – Drew Becki (Caution) 32’

ELP – Yuma (Caution) 38’

ELP – Dylan Mares (Caution) 78’

RGV – James Murphy (Caution) 80’

RGV – Robert Castellanos (Caution), 85’

RGV – Emile Legault (Caution), 95’

OFFICIALS:

Referee: Ismir Pekmic

Assistant Referees: Chris Canales, Manuel Vargas

4th Official: Marco Vega