Club News

As the sun rose high in the Texas sky these past two Saturdays, future supporters and fans of El Paso USL were ready to pick their seats for the 2019 inaugural season. All were welcomed to visit the park and see where their USL team would be playing starting this coming March. Supporters mingled with each other, planning their chants and more importantly selecting their location for cheering on our guys and tormenting the opposing squad. Families and friends discussed where they wanted to be when the first whistle blows in the coming months.

Drinks and snacks were shared over the sounds of Premier and Champions League matches on the video board and TVs throughout the park as Head Coach Mark Lowry mingled with fans while being included in countless selfies. The two select-a-seat events also offered fans the opportunity to put a face, name and a handshake to the El Paso USL front office; people they may have only spoken with over the phone or emailed back and forth up until this point. Soccer, football, or fútbol has the uncanny ability of bringing communities and people together. This was apparent these past two Saturdays, and we can’t wait to see all those faces again on match day.

Don’t worry, these events weren’t the last opportunity to pick your seats. Call 915-235-GOAL or visit elpasousl.com/seasontickets to speak with a representative and see how you can pick your seats today!

El Paso’s own, Jair Marrufo, has had an extensive and esteemed career in his tenure as a referee; a career that has also spanned generations. “Watching my father every weekend on the tv reffing in the Mexican League was a unique experience for any kid and when I was 19 he kept asking me to ref.” At first to no avail, Jair eventually succumbed to his father’s request. Moving through the ranks of the pro refereeing world and fast tracking his way to the upper echelons, in three years’ time he stepped onto the pitch in his first professional debut as a referee, in an MLS matchup between the Colorado Rapids and New England Revolution.

Eighteen years have passed since his pro debut and Jair Marrufo has done anything but slow down. Reffing across the globe, he has been an integral component of some of the world’s largest matches and tournaments, from countless Gold Cup appearances, Copa America, the Beijing Olympic Games, and most recently the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Just as with athletes, there is a progression and leveling that your craft must go through to get to the highest level of the game. “I think my first game was a U-8 game in El Paso and since then I was able to keep moving up and be a part of the highest level of soccer in the world.” This FIFA World Cup was not only the first for Jair, but also for the implementation of the VAR system, a system that he had familiarity with during his time working in the MLS.

“VAR is great and fortunately for us (American audiences) we are already used to the idea of video replay in sports. In Russia, it held players and refs accountable. We gave out no red cards for violent conduct. It ultimately makes the game safer in many ways.” VAR also solidified the “excellent call” made by Jair in his World Cup debut of Tunisia vs Belgium, when he called for a penalty. “To the viewers it looked like it was on the line, but I knew I made the right call and when it was confirmed by VAR, the Tunisia players and others who were skeptical of the call were appeased.”

A proud El Pasoan, Jair Marrufo can be seen on the tele and reffing local youth games when the opportunity arises.

EL PASO, Texas – August 28, 2018 – El Paso USL has signed forward, Derek Gebhard of Severna Park, MD. Gebhard comes by way of Jacksonville Armada FC where he has been since 2015. In the 2018 season, he has registered two goals and started in 11 matches for the club. Gebhard has also held the honors of being named to the NASL Team of the Week twice, NASL Team of the Month and has been awarded Man of the Match three times. 

The 22-year-old is the second player to be signed to El Paso USL and has prior experience playing under EL Paso USL Head Coach Mark Lowry at Jacksonville Armada FC. Derek will be a vital asset in the attack with future teammate Omar Salgado. “Having had the experience of working with Derek in the past at Jacksonville, I am very excited and comfortable bringing him with me to El Paso. He’s a player with bags of pace and he brings a lot to the table. I know that whether he is up top with Omar or playing out wide he will provide a different type of threat that the USL is not accustomed to; he will give defenders a lot of problems. Having him here in El Paso to continue to grow and build the roster is really exciting for us.”

Derek will be joining El Paso USL on December 1st and until then will be on loan to Charlotte Independence for the remainder of the USL season pending league and federation approval. General Manager of Business Operations, Andrew Forrest, “We really want to thank Jacksonville and Charlotte for their commitment to helping us get Derek to El Paso.  We know he will get the proper training in Charlotte and we look forward to watching him finish the season and are all wishing him a great playoff run.” 

Before his Jacksonville debut, Derek Gebhard played one season with Jacksonville United FC of the NPSL in the spring of 2015 and played one season with Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers, Florida. In 2013 he was selected to the U.S Soccer Region III Olympic Development Program and helped lead his team to a 1-0 win over the Costa Rica U17 Men’s National Team and an overall 4-0-0 record in San Jose, Costa Rica.

EL PASO, Texas – July 25, 2018 – El Paso USL President, Alan Ledford, and General Manager, Andrew Forrest, announced today that Mark Lowry has been named Head Coach and Technical Director for the organization.  Mark joins the growing El Paso USL staff which has business and soccer operations running full steam ahead for the inaugural season in 2019.

“On behalf of the owners of El Paso USL, I would like to welcome Mark and his family to El Paso.  We are looking forward to offering championship-level soccer under his direction,” said Josh Hunt, CEO of MountainStar Sports Group.  “Mark is clearly committed to our community and his connection to it will be critical to our success.” 

“Our extensive search provided exposure to many very talented and experienced soccer coaches, but Mark’s passion, recent success, training, and progressive approach stood out.  His enthusiasm for the sport of soccer and his desire to win, combined with an appreciation of the role a team plays in a community and the significant responsibility that comes with his role, convinced us that he was the right choice to lead our soccer operation on the field,” said Alan Ledford, President of El Paso USL. 

“Mark has a proven track record in coaching and team management.  He’s progressive and he has an innate ability to relate to players both on and off the field which is essential for a successful soccer club,” said Andrew Forrest, General Manager for El Paso USL.  “We think Mark is one of the best and brightest young coaches in the United States and he brings a wealth of top flight knowledge from his international training and experience to our organization.”

Born and raised in Birmingham, England, Mark comes to El Paso from the Jacksonville Armada FC (NASL) where he first served as Assistant Coach and ultimately the Head Coach leading the team through record-setting milestones.  Prior to that, he was with the Orlando City Soccer Club (MLS) where he worked as Assistant Coach for the u23’s and then as the MLS Pro Academy Head Coach.  He also served the Orlando City Soccer Club as Community Programs Director.   While in England, Mark worked for two English Premier League (EPL) teams.  He served as a Player Scout and Academy Coach for the Wolverhampton Wanderers FC and he also served as a Player Scout for the Birmingham City FC.    

Mark played an extensive amount of youth soccer and actually signed with Coventry City, a professional academy, at age 12.  He holds a National Diploma in Personal Training and Sports Performance and Sports Therapy, Register of Exercise Professionals Level 3.  Mark’s coaching qualifications from the English Football Association (The F.A.) include the UEFA ‘A’ License, the UEFA ‘B’ License, and the Player and Match Analysis Certificate. 

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to join MountainStar Sports Group as the first ever head coach for El Paso’s new USL club.  I am excited to help bring high level football to this town and, with such amazing ownership, we expect to be a contender from day one,” said Mark Lowry, Head Coach and Technical Director of El Paso USL.  “We will be bringing the best players possible to put a competitive team on the pitch.  I am very much looking forward to getting my family settled here in El Paso and getting started.”

Mark will start with El Paso USL in August.  He will relocate his wife, Jessica, and two young daughters to El Paso before the end of the year.   

El Paso USL Soccer will debut in March of 2019.  Those interested in placing a Season Seat Deposit to be among the first to select their season seat location can do so with a $50 per seat deposit at www.elpasousl.com/tickets or may call 915-235-GOAL.  Ticket prices and packages will be announced in the coming months. 

In 2019, El Paso USL will begin play and will have the chance to face teams across the US. Before our debut in March of next year, we invite our fans to Meet the League. Every Monday, we will be profiling a new team in the USL so check back to learn a little more about each of the opponents we will be facing on the pitch.

Saint Louis was awarded their professional team expansion bid on May 1, 2014 and debuted in the USL in the 2015 season. Head Coach, Anthony Pulis, hails from Bristol, England and has prior experience in the United Soccer League where he played with Orlando City from 2011-2014. He also saw time with Stoke City, Southampton, and Stockport County.

A rich history of soccer runs deep in Saint Louis and that history was inserted into their team and crest. Founding in the early 1900s, the St. Louis Soccer League got the ball rolling and at the time was the “only fully professional league in the country.” Saint Louis FC have an official supporter group; the St. Louilligans can be heard loud at every match!

We look forward to playing matches with this club in 2019! Until then visit  saintlouisfc.com for more information.

Hitting the ground running in 2011, Orange County Soccer Club is the official affiliate of LAFC. Orange County was one of the first of the 12 founding teams when the USL began. They are headed by Braeden Cloutier, who was born in Wichita and made the move to Germany to play for Hamburger SV when he was 18. Cloutier had an extensive club career (indoor and outdoor), playing until 2012. He was named head coach for Orange County in 2017.

One of the things that makes Orange County unique is their integration and creation of an eSports team under the same name as their club. They are the first club in the USL to have an official FIFA eSports team and are the first official US Pro Soccer FIFA eSports team. Orange County is a team of firsts and even currently in first place in the Western Division.  

We look forward to competition with this club! Until then, visit https://www.orangecountysoccer.com for more information.

El Paso Locomotive FC is one of the newest clubs to join the USL for the upcoming 2019 season. The club’s name is deeply rooted in the history of El Paso and the Borderplex region that they call home. Up until October 4th, the club was known as El Paso USL, and then the official name and branding behind the team was announced. Similar to many other USL clubs, Locomotive FC will play their matches in a Triple A baseball stadium, Southwest University Park.

The club’s head coach is Mark Lowry of Birmingham, England. Lowry was previously with the Jacksonville Armada, where he held the highest winning percentage of any other manager in the club’s history. A native of El Paso and the first pick in the 2011 MLS Superdraft, Omar Salgado was the club’s first signee and is joined by forward Derek Gebhard (formerly of Jacksonville Armada and on loan to Charlotte Independence) and defender Daniel Navarro.

We look forward to playing our first match in 2019 El Paso! Until then, visit https://www.eplocomotivefc.com for more information.

Fresno Football Club took to the pitch for the first time in March 2018 and they were led out by Head Coach, Adam Smith, whose name may sound familiar to a few of you that follow Sacramento Republic. Smith was the former assistant head coach for Sacramento before moving into his current role. Like with few other teams in the USL, Fresno (also known as The Foxes and Los Zorros) play their matches inside a baseball park. They share the stadium with the Fresno Grizzlies, a common opponent of the EP Chihuahuas.

Fresno Football Club is the first professional soccer team to exist in the San Joaquin Valley. As all USL clubs are unique, Fresno stands in company with only a handful of other clubs that have a Women’s side that plays in the WPSL and a U23 squad.

We look forward to competition with this club! Until then, visit https://www.fresnofc.com for more information.

Sacramento Republic FC started their play in 2014 and ended up winning the USL Championship that year; setting the bar high from the first whistle. The city of Sacramento’s motto upon settlement was Urbs Indomita because it’s citizens where not easily subdued. Sacramento is truly the Indomitable City, and their club is a testament to that. Their crest represents the state of California and the people who make it up.

Head Coach, Simon Elliot who has been with the club since February of 2018, brings with him his own extensive and impressive playing resume. Elliot has played in the MLS, Premier League and for his home country, New Zealand.  The club’s supporter group is the Tower Bridge Brigade and they bring serious noise and support for their team.

We look forward to competition with this club! Until then, visit www.sacrepublicfc.com for more information.

Colorado Springs has some of the most breathtaking views of the Rockies and is also home to the state’s only USL Team. Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC has been delivering professional soccer to fans since they played their first season in 2015. They also play in the highest altitude (6,500 feet) of any primary home stadium for a pro team in the American soccer pyramid, making them a highly conditioned unit.

Head Coach, Steve Trittschuh has been the leader of the team in the entirety of the club’s tenure. He has also amassed his own impressive playing resume prior to his current station. Playing in the MLS, Major Indoor Soccer League, American Professional Soccer League, and he also has earned thirty-eight caps with the US men’s national team.

We look forward to competition with this club! Until then, visit https://www.switchbacksfc.com for more information.

We last introduced you to Tulsa Roughnecks FC, but our neighbors to the northeast have more than one USL team that we will battle with! OKC Energy FC, an affiliate of MLS’s FC Dallas, are led by Head Coach Steve Cooke who has seen stations at many different levels within the MLS coaching hierarchy. OKC Energy has five recognized supporters groups, The Grid, La Furia Verde, OKC Breakers, Northend United, and Main Street Greens – Remember these groups EP USL fans, you’ll be competing against them!

With all teams, the rivalries are what makes the USL so thrilling, and OKC Energy FC is no exception. The Black Gold Derby is the rivalry between Tulsa Roughnecks FC and OKC Energy FC and has seen OKC boast a winning record of 8-3-3. The team plays their matches in historical Taft Stadium that was built in 1934 and has seen multiple updates through the years.

Visit https://www.energyfc.com for more information on this club!

This week we are looking to our neighbor state, Oklahoma, and introducing you to a conference rival, Tulsa Roughnecks FC. With a rich and long-standing history, the club laid its initial NASL roots in San Antonio in 1975 and the relocated to Hawaii until past franchise owner, H. Ward Lay relocated the club to Tulsa in the late 1970s. They played their final season in the NASL in 1984 before folding, but their legacy established the groundwork for what the club is today and introduced “the beautiful game” to the city of Tulsa.

As is the case with a handful of other USL teams, Tulsa Roughnecks FC shares an ownership group with a minor league baseball franchise, the Tulsa Drillers. Led by interim Head Coach, Michael Nsien—who holds his own impressive soccer resume, including time with the Nigerian Olympic team, LA Galaxy, and the Portland Timbers—the club plays in the Western Conference and battles with in-state rival, OKC Energy. The Roughnecks are affiliated with the Chicago Fire in the MLS.

Visit www.roughnecksfc.com for more information on this club!

Last week we featured Las Vegas Lights FC, but Nevada is actually home to two USL clubs. The first of those clubs was Reno 1868 FC, who began play in 2017. Named after the founding year of the city, Reno 1868 calls Greater Nevada Field home. The team shares the field and are managed by the same owners as the MiLB Triple-A team, the Reno Aces.

The team has been coached by Ian Russel for both seasons in the league. Russell was a former player and coach for the San Jose Earthquakes, the MLS affiliate of Reno 1868. The technical affiliation between the two clubs means that players can more easily move between the two clubs; whether it be on loan or a permanent signing. Given that we will play against Reno 1868 next year, we may see some of those Earthquakes in El Paso! Visit https://www.reno1868fc.com/ for more information on this club!

This week we look at Las Vegas Lights FC, who are playing their inaugural season in the USL this year. Jose Luis Sánchez Solá, or Chelís, was named as the first head coach of Lights FC and comes to the team after stints as a MLS and Liga MX manager. Currently, the team is coached by Chelís’s son, Isidro Sánchez.  The roster features MLS standout Freddy Adu as well as Omar Salgado, who is El Paso USL’s first player. On loan with the team since July, Salgado has already scored two goals and has one assist in his first five games with the team.

The Las Vegas Lights FC are also grabbing headlines and gaining attention for their activities off the pitch. Dolly and Dotty, two llamas, are an integral part of the team and frequently appear on field and in team photos. The team also sports jerseys with smiley face emojis on the inside that get shown off during goal celebrations and a Las Vegas team wouldn’t be complete without their own DJ, would they?  We can’t wait to see what tricks Lights FC will have up their sleeves next year when we face them. Visit lasvegaslightsfc.com for more information!

After last week’s announcement of Austin Bold FC, the Lone Star State now is home to four USL clubs, including San Antonio FC. Already established as an in-state rival by some fans, San Antonio FC began play in 2016 and is owned and operated by the same ownership group as the San Antonio Spurs.  

The team has been led for all three seasons by head coach, Darren Powell. With more than 15 years of professional soccer experience, Powell holds the position as the winningest coach of the men’s soccer program at Elon University, a Division 1 school.  

Toyota Field, one of the more advanced soccer specific stadiums in the league, is where the team plays their home matches. Currently, the club is looking to shatter their longest win streak after winning their fourth consecutive match.  Who do you think will win the first Sun City vs. Alamo City matchup? Learn more about San Antonio FC!

Today in Meet the League Monday, we travel down the Rio Grande to another USL team located along the border.  Rio Grande Valley FC is a hybrid affiliate of MLS club Houston Dynamo which means that the Dynamo controls the technical side of the club. Wilmer Cabrera, the Toros first head coach, was called up to coach the Dynamo in 2016 and continues to serve as head coach for the MLS side.  

Located in Edinburg, TX, H-E-B Park is the soccer specific stadium the Toros call home. While more than 11 hours away from El Paso, the battle between the two clubs located on the Rio Grande is sure to be an exciting matchup next year! Click here to learn more about the club.

For our first Meet the League Monday, we introduce Phoenix Rising FC. One of the closest opponents distant wise at 6 hours away, Phoenix Rising will be a tough team to face given their performance on the field this year. Currently, Phoenix Rising sits at second place in the Western Conference at 11-4-5 (Wins-Losses-Ties).

Phoenix Rising FC made their debut in 2017 but originally joined USL as Arizona United SC in 2014 under different ownership. The team made headlines in 2017 when they signed Didier Drogba of Chelsea and the Ivory Coast, Chivas great, Omar Bravo, and Shaun Wright-Phillips of Manchester City. Visit http://www.phxrisingfc.com/ for more information!

EL PASO, Texas – July 10, 2018 – El Paso USL revealed the top five finalist nicknames for the team to be voted on by the public beginning today. In April of this year, the community was invited to submit team name ideas. El Paso USL fans submitted more than 1400 name ideas for the team.

The finalist names include:
• Estrellas
• Lagartos
• Locomotive
• Stars
• Tejanos

“We had a lot of fun reviewing the list of names submitted by El Paso USL fans,” said Alan Ledford, President of MountainStar Sports Group. “There was certainly a great deal of thought put into the submissions, and the region’s passion for soccer was definitely evident. Based on the feedback we received, we know our local fans are quite creative, but that tradition is equally important to them.”
The public is invited to vote on the finalist names at www.elpasousl.com/nametheteam beginning today through midnight on Tuesday, July 17, 2018. The final team name selected will dictate the team’s colors, crest, uniforms, and mascot. The team name announcement later this year will include the team’s colors and crest. Uniforms and mascot reveals will be scheduled subsequently.

“This is definitely an exciting time to be an El Paso soccer fan. It’s been thrilling to follow the unpredictable World Cup matches with local soccer supporter groups and fans. It is really rewarding to witness the enthusiasm for El Paso USL,” said Andrew Forrest, General Manager for El Paso USL. “We look forward to announcing the official team name, along with all the other design elements.”
Each of the finalist names was submitted by multiple individuals during the name entry period. As part of the Name the Team contest, those who submitted the winning name will be entered in a drawing. The person selected as the winner will win the grand prize, which includes 2 season seats for the 2019 season, 2 official jerseys, and the winner’s picture taken with the team during the 2019 season.

The criteria for selecting a team name includes name popularity based on public entries and voting, creativity, how well the name represents El Paso, and family-friendliness. While the public input is an important element of the decision-making process, MountainStar Sports Group will make the ultimate name selection based on the aforementioned criteria and USL approval.

El Paso USL soccer will debut in March of 2019.  Those interested in placing a Season Seat Deposit to be among the first to select their Season Tickets can do so with a $50 per seat deposit at www.elpasousl.com/tickets or may call 915-235-GOAL.  Ticket prices and packages will be announced in the coming months. 

EL PASO, Texas – July 9, 2018 – El Paso USL General Manager, Andrew Forrest, announced several staffing additions and a promotion today. This brings the business operation of El Paso USL to a total of seven full-time employees since the organization was launched in February of this year. Becky Lee was named Director of Corporate Partnerships and Suites and Bob Bigney was named Director of Soccer Operations. New hires for the Sales and Service Department are Account Executives Sam Olson and Michael Flores. They join Sales and Service Representative, Ryan Schmitz, who has been working with El Paso USL for several months. Promoted to Director of Marketing and Communications is Sarah Nollner, who previously served the organization as Manager of Business Operations.

“As we prepare for the inaugural season to start next March, and field calls regarding interest in Season Seats and other opportunities, every day is critical for our organization. Hiring a talented and experienced slate of people strengthens our business and soccer operation,” said Andrew Forrest, General Manager for El Paso USL. “We look forward to further growth and success as we continue to build our staff.”

Becky Lee – Director of Corporate Partnerships
A native El Pasoan, Ms. Lee began her professional career with Southwest Airlines, but ultimately ventured into the sports marketing field working with the Phoenix Suns and the Phoenix Mercury. After working in Phoenix for several years, she returned to El Paso to work with UTEP Special Events as a Program Coordinator. In 2011, she joined Miner IMG as the Associate General Manager. In 2013 she was hired by the El Paso Chihuahuas as Director of Corporate Partnerships, the first hire for MountainStar Sports Group’s Triple-A baseball operation. In her new role with El Paso USL, she will continue to serve as a contributing member to the El Paso Chihuahuas Executive Leadership team. Ms. Lee graduated from Arizona State with a Bachelors Degree of Business in Marketing from the W.P. Carey School of Business.

Sarah Nollner – Director of Marketing and Communications
Ms. Nollner was the first hire for MountainStar Sports Group’s USL operation. Until this promotion, she was Manager of Business Operations. She joined El Paso USL from Major League Soccer/Soccer United Marketing in New York City where she was the Marketing and Media Consultant for the Mexican National Team, Copa America Centenario, and Gold Cup. Prior to that, she worked with Club Tijuana Xoloitzcuintles in US Business Operations. Ms. Nollner is a graduate of University of Kentucky and earned her MBA in Sports at San Diego State University.

Bob Bigney – Director of Soccer Operations
Mr. Bigney has over 30 years of experience in youth, collegiate, and professional soccer. He coached for over ten years at the college level and then served in player development roles, including Director of Coaching & Player Development for New Mexico Youth Soccer Association, which is a member of the US Soccer Federation. Throughout his career, he has served on the ODP Coaching Staff of US Youth Soccer Region I and Region IV. Mr. Bigney is an instructor for US Soccer Coaching Courses and he also served as Technical Director for the Arlington (VA) Soccer Association and the Director of Education for Oregon Youth Soccer Association. Prior to taking the position with El Paso USL, he worked as Technical Director for New Mexico Youth Soccer Association. Mr. Bigney earned a Bachelors Degree in Health and Physical Education from Davis & Elkins College in West Virginia. He also holds a Masters Degree in Education from the University of Richmond (Virginia) as well as a teaching certificate. He holds the National A License from the US Soccer Federation. For El Paso USL, Mr. Bigney will be responsible for helping brand the team in the youth soccer community and spread awareness to all youth soccer players, coaches and families in the Borderplex region. He will also assist with business and technical management of the first team and coaching staff.

Sam Olson – Sales and Service Account Executive
Mr. Olson is a native of Duluth, Minnesota where he earned a Bachelors Degree in Marketing with a minor in Communication from the University of Minnesota. While attending school, he worked for the university’s athletic department as a sports marketing intern. He also worked for the Duluth Huskies, which play in the highly respected Northwoods Collegiate baseball league, where he was the lead game day operations intern. Mr. Olson also participated in a program with the Minnesota Timberwolves where he received training from the ticket sales staff.

Michael Flores – Sales and Service Account Executive
Born and raised in El Paso, Mr. Flores graduated from the University of Phoenix with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business with a concentration in Management. He began his career working as an intern for UTEP Athletics Marketing. Later, he became a Graduate Assistant for UTEP where he was in charge of Marketing and Promotions for Women’s Basketball, Softball, Track and Field, Tennis and was secondary on Football and Men’s Basketball. Mr. Flores is currently earning his Masters Degree in Leadership Studies with a concentration in Communication from UTEP.