Club News

EL PASO – February 12, 2019 – El Paso Locomotive FC signs 25-year-old goalkeeper, Jermaine Fordah, pending league and federation approval. Fordah was born in London, England and trained with the U23 side of English Premier League club, West Ham United for the 2016 and 2017 season. Fordah most recently played with U.S. club, New York Cosmos B in the National Premier Soccer League.

Fordah was invited to attend the invitational tryouts in early December and impressed the coaching staff with his skill between the posts. He was extended an opportunity to participate as a trialist for preseason and extended his time with his stellar performance. After three weeks, he was offered a contract for the 2019 season.

“Jermaine has earned his way into the squad, from attending Invitational tryouts and then performing well during preseason. On the field he will be a great back up to Logan and will work hard every day to make our goalkeeper department a strong one,” said Head Coach Mark Lowry. “In the locker room, his personality shines through and he brings a positive energy into the group which will be valuable throughout the season.”

The historic inaugural home opener takes place on Saturday, March 9th against OKC Energy FC! Season Ticket Memberships, Group Tickets, and Individual Match Tickets can be purchased at https://www.eplocomotivefc.com/ticket or by calling 915-235-GOAL!

The nation’s oldest ongoing soccer tournament will include a record number of professional teams in its 106th iteration. Eighty-four teams will be competing for the Cup, one of those teams will be El Paso Locomotive FC. The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup began in 1914, making it not only the oldest and longest running soccer tournament in the United States but also the oldest annual tournament for team sports.

The story of soccer in this country is one that mirrors our history as a nation, as the two have become intertwined and amalgamated into one. Soccer is universal and possesses the capacity to provide commentary on society or the world’s transactions. From the industrial and company backed powerhouses like Bethlehem Steel, to the teams comprised of immigrants coming to the United States from all corners of the globe, many of these teams still exist to this day including; the Brooklyn Italians (1949), Milwaukee Bavarian SC (1929), New York Ukrainians (1947), and the Croatian Eagles (1922). These teams epitomize the spirit of soccer and reflect its ability to bring people together.

The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup reflects the ideologies of the American dream, in that, if you want it bad enough and are willing to work, then you have a shot. By allowing amateur teams to compete with USL and MLS professional clubs coupled with a single elimination format, the proverbial David’s have a shot at the Goliath’s. This tournament represents what the pillar of competition is comprised of; you have to be the best every match and bring the best onto the pitch with every touch, or you could be going home. There is one match to show the world what you are made of.

Kicking off May 7th and 8th with 19 First Round games and featuring a total of 84 teams from all levels, the competition culminates in August with America’s soccer champion lifting the Open Cup trophy after eight rounds of single-elimination play.

El Paso Locomotive and a handful of other USL Championship side clubs won’t see action until the Second Round of Open Cup play which begins on May 14th and 15th. Each club will battle to move on to the next round and prove that they have what it takes and step on the same pitch as MLS clubs. The team that lifts the Dewar Challenge Trophy in late August will be cemented in U.S. soccer history, etched forever on the trophy and displayed at the National Soccer Hall of Fame in Frisco, Texas. They will also receive a $300,000 prize with a spot in the 2020 CONCACAF Champions League.

El Paso and the city’s connection to the U.S. Open Cup is a story that has a rich history beginning in the early 90’s. The El Paso Patriots formed in 1989 and played in the former PDL. They were the city’s first glimpse at what soccer could become in the high desert. In 1995, they reached the final of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup in their first year of entering the competition. That final match was also hosted in the Sun City but saw the Patriots losing to the Richmond Kickers in penalties after a 1-1 regular time score. The Patriots remained El Paso’s team in one facet or another until they dissolved in 2013. A spark has rekindled the U.S. Open Cup’s relationship with El Paso, with a “first date” on the horizon.

Two El Paso based clubs could potentially face-off in the U.S. Open Cup this year, adding to the drama of the tournament. UPSL squad Southwest Wolves FC and your very own El Paso Locomotive FC may meet in the tournament with a place in the next round at stake. El Paso Locomotive may not know their opponent’s names yet, but that does not factor into the situation; the prize and the goal remain the same, regardless who stands in their way.

*This article has been updated to reflect changes as of February 12, 2019

What do you call a group of people who have never played together, much less just met each other a few weeks before their first match? Locomotive preseason. El Paso Locomotive FC has been practicing together as a near full unit for the past three weeks, with players trickling in for training camp from their respective countries and cities. From Belgium, Scotland, Mexico and everything in between, the boys have landed in El Paso, laced up their boots and been putting in the work for March 9th. Between that historic first whistle and now, Locomotive FC faces four more preseason matches.

In any sport, the goal is a three-letter word. W-I-N. Teams are measured on their performance and their ability to outscore opponents. With preseason, this goal is still evident, but the way you approach that end goal differs. It is reminiscent of taking an alternate route to work one morning to experience a phenomenon of dissimilarity, you still arrive at your final destination in a similar amount of time but are offered a varied outlook on your journey. Head Coach Mark Lowry has tested three different roads thus far in his preseason run, and the route looks lovely.

El Paso Locomotive FC began their preseason with a match against USL League 2 squad, Texas United. The team came rolling down the tracks full steam ahead. The first goal came off a set piece connecting with the head of defender, Chiro N’toko and experienced a rapid change of direction to find the net. Locomotive kept the energy high and netted another two by the time the final whistle blew, winning this contest 3-1. The second contest of the preseason was a matchup between EP Locomotive and Hooligans, a club that is an amalgamation of regional players. It was a physical contest with Locomotive coming out on top with a score of 2-0.

The team’s most recent match was against local UPSL team, Southwest F.C., on a chilly desert night. In contrast to the temperature, EP Locomotive was red hot and netted two goals in the match to notch another 2-0 victory. In preseason, EP Locomotive is running on a plus 6 goal differential and have been implementing the high-possession style of play that Mark Lowry has been hammering down on. From the countless hours of drills and training, and the three matches under their belt, it is apparent that the team is finding their rhythm.

Today the team faces another test in playing fellow USL Championship side club, New Mexico United. This will be the first time the two “regional” rivals will face each other. Though it is preseason, it will be the first note in the melody of this budding rivalry.

A river and a border may separate the two teams, but on February 13th they will face off! EP Locomotive is crossing the Rio Grande to face FC Juarez, who play in the Ascenso MX, as part of their preseason run. This match will be a fabulous test for the Locomotive squad who have already come out of the station firing away.

El Paso Locomotive will face two other USL Championship squads before March 9th rolls around, beginning with a trip to the heart of Texas and meeting state opponent San Antonio FC on February 23rd. The following week, the team heads west to meet OKC Energy FC (who they will also face in their home opener) in Tucson, Arizona.

People often say that preseason is just that, pre. The Locomotive and Lowry approach to this statement is, treat every match and every touch like the real thing, because when matchday comes around, you revert to your training to carry you through. Form follows function and these lads are in top form.

El Paso Locomotive and New Mexico United met for the first time this past Saturday, February, 9, and kicked off the rivalry between the two new kids on the block. Unfortunately, New Mexico struck first after converting a penalty kick. Although El Paso Locomotive maintained their high-possession gameplan, they couldn’t find the net before the final whistle blew. Locomotive returns to the action tomorrow, February 13 against FC Juarez. 

EL PASO – February 4, 2019 – El Paso Locomotive FC signs 26-year-old defender, Andrew Fox, pending league and federation approval. Fox has seen stints with Peterborough United, Stevenage, and Grimsby Town in his home country of England. He played the 2017 season with Swedish top tier squad, AFC Eskilstuna and made 13 appearances. He comes to El Paso Locomotive FC from his most recent club, Grimsby Town.

Fox is a dynamic player who has played in defensive and midfield roles throughout his career. He spent four years playing collegiate soccer in the United States with St. Edward’s University in Austin, Texas. In his time with the Hilltoppers, Fox made 63 appearances and tallied 36 goals as a midfielder.  

“Andrew is a high-level defender. He has a lot of experience in very difficult leagues and will be a great addition to our defensive unit,” said Head Coach Mark Lowry. “He is strong, has a great left foot and can play left back, left center back or on the left of a three. His arrival gives us good options tactically and strengthens our group as we push on through our pre-season and head into league play.”

The historic inaugural home opener takes place on Saturday, March 9th against OKC Energy FC! Season Ticket Memberships, Group Tickets, and Individual Match Tickets can be purchased at https://www.eplocomotivefc.com/ticket or by calling 915-235-GOAL!

EL PASO – January 30, 2019 – El Paso Locomotive FC signs defender, James Kiffe pending league and federation approval. Kiffe has over 100 appearances in the USL Championship across Sacramento Republic, Reno 1868 and Charlotte Independence. Kiffe won the USL Championship with Sacramento where he recorded two assists in the playoffs, one of those coming in the championship match.

In 2017 he was named to the USL All League Second Team and was in the running for “Defender of the Year.” Kiffe held a 75.6 percent tackle success rate and a 79.5 percent pass success rate in the 2017 season, registering a career-high six assists in the regular season.

Kiffe played his collegiate soccer career with the University of California Santa Barbara from 2009-2011. While attending university, he played with Ventura County Fusion, formerly of the PDL now a member of USL League 2. Kiffe played with Fusion from 2011-2014, before signing with Sacramento Republic.

“To have the opportunity to bring in a player of James’ caliber and experience is going to serve our group well over the course of the season. He has a lot of USL appearances, and was a key figure in a Sacramento team that not long ago were the best team in the league,” said Head Coach Mark Lowry. “He is a winner, and he has a desire to win more things, which fits in perfectly with the characters we already have here.”

The historic inaugural home opener takes place on Saturday, March 9th against OKC Energy FC! Season Ticket Memberships, Group Tickets, and Individual Match Tickets can be purchased at https://www.eplocomotivefc.com/ticket or by calling 915-235-GOAL!

EL PASO – January 24, 2019 – El Paso Locomotive FC begins their preseason schedule this Saturday, January 26 with a match against Texas United (NPSL) at 2 p.m. All preseason matches will be closed to the public. The preseason schedule includes seven matches in total, with three of those against USL Championship clubs: New Mexico United, San Antonio FC, and OKC Energy FC, and one match against neighboring Ascenso MX club, FC Juarez.

“We want our first impression to our fans to be the best version of our team and that best version will be seen on March 9th vs OKC Energy FC in Southwest University Park,” said Andrew Forrest, General Manager, Business Operations.
“Preparation as a new team that is just now co

ming together for the first time with 22 new players is crucial. We want the fans to see our team at the highest caliber and that will be evident in our inaugural home opener,” commented Head Coach Mark Lowry on the closed preseason matches.

El Paso Locomotive FC takes the field on March 9th against OKC Energy FC in the historic inaugural home opener. Individual Match Tickets for the inaugural 2019 season are available online and in-person at the Durango and Santa Fe Box Office at Southwest University Park now! Season Ticket Membership options start as low as $170 for the entire 34-week season, call 915-235-GOAL now to speak with your own account executive or visit www.eplocomotivefc.com/eplocomotivefc/tickets!

The full El Paso Locomotive FC preseason schedule below is subject to change.

Home | Saturday, January 26. |Texas United | 2 p.m.
Home | Saturday, February 2. | Hooligans | 2 p.m.
Home | Wednesday, February 6. | SW Wolves | 7 p.m.
Home | Saturday, February 9. | NM United | 2 p.m.
Away | Wednesday, February 13. | FC Juarez | 10:30  p.m.
Away | Saturday, February 23. | San Antonio FC | 7 p.m.
Away | Saturday, March 2. | OKC Energy FC | 10 a.m.

EL PASO – January 22, 2018 – El Paso Locomotive FC revealed their 2019 official kit and its manufacturer today. The team’s inaugural uniform will include two different home jerseys and pays homage to El Paso and the Borderplex region. BLK was also announced as the official jersey manufacturer.  Locally owned Southwest University, the namesake of Southwest University Park, will be the presenting jersey partner. Estrella Jalisco (L&F Distributors), GECU and Helen of Troy are also jersey partners and Swift Transportation will be the sole shorts sponsor. 

“Our organization is proud to have all five of our partners locally headquartered,” said Andrew Forrest, General Manager, Business Operations. “Local support is vital to the success of a young club and having these companies and brands partnered with us reinforces just how great we can be. We are proud to have them on our inaugural jersey and look forward to working together for years to come.”

The Locomotive will sport two home jerseys in 2019, the first is in the iconic West Texas Sky Blue that can be found in the El Paso Locomotive FC crest. The jersey features a vertical railroad track on the front left with the Locomotive crest on the chest and pays homage to the region by incorporating the iconic El Paso Mountain Star on the lower back. A gradient checkered pattern rises from the bottom to mid-chest and gives the jersey a modern aesthetic with an ode to classic jersey design. 

The second jersey features the Desert Dusk Blue and brings in additional design aspects from the EP Locomotive crest. This jersey includes the grill of the Locomotive crest powerfully extending from the shoulders to the middle of the chest with the West Texas Sky Blue revealed beneath. The sleeves introduce a unique gradient aspect that combines the two blues featured in the Locomotive crest and is rarely seen in jersey design, giving fans a one-of-a-kind piece. 

Richard Upshall, Executive Chairman of BLK stated; “Having been in business in the great state of Texas for 25 years, it is immensely satisfying to be the trusted kit provider for this inaugural season for El Paso Locomotive FC, thank you to them and their fans!”

BLK – Beyond Limits Known — began operations as a rugby brand in Australia. RU Active is the licensee for the UK, USA, and Caribbean and have brought Beyond Limits Known to new homes for the BLK brand in soccer.

“We pick teams that want to push the boundaries,” Upshall said when referring to the partnership with Locomotive FC. “The passion of the leadership team is apparent. Everything we do, we do for longevity. We want to be a part of that family atmosphere and we will go beyond our limits here.” 

BLK is also the official kit manufacturer for USL Championship club, Las Vegas Lights FC who play in the western conference of the USL Championship  with Locomotive FC. 

Jerseys are available for purchase at the Locomotive Team Shop on Tuesday, January 22 starting at 2 p.m. The Locomotive Team Shop and the Santa Fe Box Office’s hours will be extended until 7 p.m. Tuesday.  Jerseys may also be purchased online at  https://el-paso-locomotive-fc-team-shop.myshopify.com. Jerseys are $85.

El Paso Locomotive FC Season Ticket Memberships, Groups and Hospitality, Individual Match, and Premium Seating Options for the historic 2019 inaugural season are on sale now! Seats are limited and filling up fast! For more information please visit our website at https://www.eplocomotivefc.com/tickets, call 915-235-GOAL, or email tickets@https://www.eplocomotivefc.com.

EL PASO – January 21, 2019 – El Paso Locomotive FC signs Haitian defender, Mechack Jérôme for the 2019 inaugural season. Jerome played the beginnings of his professional career in the Ligue Haïtienne with Baltimore before making a move to the Portuguese Second Division with Mirandela. Jérôme made his MLS debut with Sporting Kansas City in 2013 and made 12 appearances. He also spent time in the NASL and the USL with Jacksonville Armada and Charlotte Independence respectively. He has made 62 appearances for the Haitian men’s national team and was also a member of the 2007 FIFA U-17 World Cup squad.

The 28-year-old defender has over 200 appearances across his professional and international career and will be a key aspect of the Locomotive FC lineup. “The quality that Mechack Jérôme possesses as a ball playing center back is second to none. His passing ability allows us to be creative with our build-up play and maintain possession of the ball even when under pressure,” said Head Coach Mark Lowry.

“As a defender, he has great 1v1 defending abilities, is good in the air and is a fantastic athlete. On top of being a very good player, his personality off the field is a class act,” said Lowry. “I am very excited to reunite with him and bring him to El Paso. Our fans are going to love watching him play.”

El Paso Locomotive FC plays their first match of their inaugural 2019 season on March 9th, against OKC Energy FC at Southwest University Park at 7:30 PM.

Individual Match Tickets for the inaugural 2019 season are available online and in person at the Durango and Santa Fe Box Office at Southwest University Park now!  Season Ticket Membership options start as low as $170 for the entire 34-week season, call 915-235-GOAL now to speak with your own account executive or visit https://www.eplocomotivefc.com/tickets!

EL PASO – January 18, 2019 – El Paso Locomotive FC signs 6’ 3” goalkeeper Logan Ketterer for the 2019 season, pending league and federation approval. The Madison, Wisconsin native comes to El Paso from the Columbus Crew SC, who play in the MLS, where he spent two seasons and was a fourth-round pick in the MLS SuperDraft. He made his first appearance for the Crew against Chicago Fire on June 6, 2018.

“He has spent the last couple of years working closely with Zack Steffen, the number one national team keeper,” said Head Coach Mark Lowry. “He will be coming to us with a great foundation, a willingness to be brave with the ball at his feet, and a desire to win games and be a leader in the group.”

Bringing Ketterer to El Paso aligns perfectly with the high-possession game Lowry is implementing in the 2019 inaugural season. “Logan is a goalkeeper that is coming from an MLS environment that played in a similar manner to us and used the goalkeepers as a big part of their possession game,” said Lowry.

“The goalkeeper position is a critical element to how we want to play. Not just with the obvious objectives of making saves and keeping clean sheets, but more-so with how we want to build our possession and bravery to play slightly higher up the field,” said Lowry.

Tickets for the historic inaugural match on March 9 against OKC Energy FC can be secured online beginning Saturday, January 19 at https://www.eplocomotivefc.com/tickets, at the Santa Fe and Durango Box Offices, or by calling 915-235-GOAL now!

EL PASO – January 17, 2019 – El Paso Locomotive FC Signs veteran Irish Midfielder, Richie Ryan, from FC Cincinnati, pending league and federation approval. Ryan has amassed a legendary professional career that spans 15 years and two continents. He made his professional debut with Sunderland in the English Premier League in the 2003 season. After an 11-year career in Europe, playing in the first division in Ireland, Scotland, and Belgium, Ryan moved to the United States and joined then NASL club Ottawa Fury for the 2014 season where they reached the finals.

Ryan most recently played with USL Championship club FC Cincinnati, who will be premiering in Major League Soccer (MLS) this year as the newest expansion club.

“Having known Richie personally for a few years, coupled with his undoubted quality and winning pedigree on the field, I am honored to have the opportunity to work closely with him again,” said Head Coach Mark Lowry. “The high standards he is going to bring to our group both on and off the field will go a long way to helping us achieve the goals that we have set.”

“I want to thank the ownership and upper management at El Paso Locomotive FC for helping me bring in an individual of this caliber. Big thanks to Richie and his agent for making the process a smooth one,” said Lowry. 

Ryan and the Locomotive squad will take the field on March 9, against OKC Energy FC at 7:30 p.m. for the historic home opener of the inaugural 2019 season. Individual match tickets are available for purchase beginning Saturday, January 19 at 10:00 a.m. at the Durango and Santa Fe Box Office at Southwest University Park, or online at https://www.eplocomotivefc.com/tickets