Game Previews

EL PASO – May 21, 2019 – El Paso Locomotive FC adds defender Drew Beckie to their 2019 roster, pending league and federation approval. Beckie has been with Oklahoma City Energy since June 2018 and has made over 20 appearances for the club. He was drafted by MLS’s Columbus Crew in 2013 and prior to joining Energy FC, spent a season with Coach Mark Lowry at Jacksonville Armada.

“I honestly couldn’t be happier to be adding a player and person of the caliber of Drew Beckie to our squad. Character-wise he is the perfect addition, and he is another tough experienced competitor who knows what it takes to win. He will be a wonderful addition to our defensive unit and gives us fantastic depth,” said Lowry.

Beckie played his collegiate career at the University of Denver where he made 69 appearances and notched 7 goals. Beckie spent 2014 and 2015 with Ottawa Fury (USL Championship) and made 34 appearances. He has represented the Canadian National Team four times at the U23 level and has been called up to the senior team.

El Paso Locomotive FC plays their next match at home on Saturday, June 8th against LA Galaxy II. 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 – May 15, 2019 – El Paso Locomotive FC bowed out in the second round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup after dropping to Forward Madison FC. El Paso fielded a young lineup featuring players who had yet to start or see the pitch in the 2019 campaign.  El Paso returns to league play this Saturday against Sacramento Republic FC.

“I made six or seven changes and we lost some flow. Gave guys the opportunity and saw some interesting things. You have to give guys the chance,” said coach Mark Lowry.  “We had a lot of young guys out there tonight who were able to learn a lesson. The key thing now is the 11 I pick for Saturday and to get back to the way we have been playing … I believe in those young guys that played tonight.”  

El Paso Locomotive FC plays their next match at home on Saturday, May 18th against Sacramento Republic 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!

USL Championship Team of the Week

GK – Joe Kuzminsky, Charleston Battery: Kuzminsky recorded a four-save shutout as the Battery played to a scoreless draw against Saint Louis FC on Saturday night.

D – Carl Haworth, Ottawa Fury FC: Haworth put in two stellar displays as Fury FC claimed four points over the week, recording six key passes, six interceptions and 11 recoveries.

D – Pape Diakite, Tampa Bay Rowdies: Diakite recorded four interceptions and seven clearances and won 8 of 9 duels and 7 of 7 aerials as the Rowdies posted a shutout road win against Nashville SC.

D – Ebenezer Ackon, San Antonio FC: Ackon was strong throughout his side’s shutout performance against Orange County SC, winning 16 of 19 duels, 4 of 4 aerials and recording eight clearances.

M – Dairon Asprilla, Portland Timbers 2: Asprilla scored a pair of goals and had one key pass as Portland moved back to the top of the Western Conference with victory against Tacoma.

M – Magnus Rasmussen, Louisville City FC: Rasmussen scored twice in two outings including a standout finish in the club’s win on the road against Birmingham and recorded three key passes.

M – Jackson, Fresno FC: Jackson recorded a goal and assist in the Foxes’ victory against the LA Galaxy II, and over two contests during the week made 18 recoveries, completed 45 of 62 passes and won 14 of 22 duels.

M – Duane Muckette, Memphis 901 FC: Muckette scored the opening goal, completed 33 of 38 passes and made four recoveries as 901 FC took victory on the road against Hartford.

F – Jerome Kiesewetter, El Paso Locomotive FC: Kiesewetter scored twice and recorded three key passes as Locomotive FC played to a 2-2 draw with New Mexico United.

F – Adam Jahn, Phoenix Rising FC: Jahn scored a pair of goals, recorded one key pass and completed 27 of 31 passes overall to lead Rising FC in a 3-1 victory against Rio Grande Valley FC.

F – Corey Hertzog, Reno 1868 FC: Hertzog struck twice as 1868 FC took a 4-1 victory in the Donner Pass Derby against Sacramento Republic FC on Saturday night.

Bench: Tomas Romero (BST), Sam Hamilton (NM), Felipe Hernandez (SPR), Noah Pilato (LDN), Valeri Saramutin (AUS), Daniel Rios (NSH), Irvin Parra (LV)

EL PASO – May 12, 2019 – El Paso Locomotive FC and New Mexico United kicked off the regional rivalry with a four-goal firefight. With a draw that ended in 2-2, Locomotive are on a four-game streak without a loss (two wins and two draws). They play at home this Wednesday in their first US Open Cup Match vs Forward Madison FC.

El Paso put New Mexico under intense pressure in the first half and opened their scoring account first. Richie Ryan came up with an interception in the middle of the pitch and passed it off to Calvin Rezende. Rezende fought off a defender, took a few touches towards goal and connected with Jerome Kiesewetter who fired it right between the keeper’s hands. New Mexico’s Sam Hamilton answered with one of his own 9 minutes later to close the half leveled at 1-1.

Kiesewetter wasn’t done yet, in the 65th minute he scored a booming header off a perfectly placed ball from Sebastian Contreras that found him in the box. This makes back-to-back matches where Kiesewetter has scored two goals. A late goal tied things up for the visitors, leaving the teams to split the points.

“We played brilliantly. The possession the chances we created; it was superb. Keep in perspective, the last four games we remain unbeaten. We had another great performance tonight against New Mexico who are a great team. We controlled that game and restricted them,” said head coach Mark Lowry.

El Paso Locomotive FC plays their next match at home on Wednesday, May 15th against Forward Madison FC in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. Season Ticket Memberships, Group Tickets, and Individual Match Tickets can be purchased at https://www.eplocomotivefc.com/ticket or by calling 915-235-GOAL!

A rivalry begins this Sunday in the Sun City as number one New Mexico United makes the 275-mile trip south to face El Paso Locomotive FC. This will be the first regular season meeting between the two clubs and the hype is real. New Mexico comes into this match topping the Western Conference standings. New Mexico also leads in goals scored this season (22). The New Mexico attack will be met with a tenacious and hardened Locomotive defensive unit.

El Paso’s goalkeeper Logan Ketterer leads the West in clean sheets (five) and has conceded half as many goals as New Mexico’s Cody Mizell. “That’s all the defense. We don’t give up a lot of shots each game. We handle our crosses extremely well. They are doing so well blocking everything for me. I have to handle a few things every game and that’s about it,” said Ketterer.  In their past two matches, El Paso has held their opponents to eight total shots on target combined.

On the offensive front, forward Jerome Kiesewetter netted two goals in his dominating performance against Colorado Springs. The German-born American has bought into the Lowry system and is reaping the awards.

Banter has been active. Both team’s supporters’ groups have exchanged words. Sunday it all comes life. The next leg of the competition will be held in Albuquerque on July 31 when the two expansion sides meet for the second time.

EL PASO – May 10, 2019 – El Paso Locomotive FC announces the Affiliate Club Program that aims to build relationships with local youth soccer clubs. The goal and purpose of this program is to provide support and services to local youth soccer clubs and develop a strong working relationship between Locomotive FC and recognized affiliate clubs.  Working with local youth soccer clubs, the Affiliate Club Program strives to enhance the youth soccer landscape and the development of youth soccer players in the Borderplex region.

Locomotive FC is pleased to announce Alamo United FC as their first affiliate club. Located in Alamogordo, NM, the club serves as the competitive branch of the Otero County Youth Soccer League. Alamo FC teams compete in leagues in Las Cruces and El Paso.

“Alamo United FC is very excited to be an affiliate of Locomotive FC. This affiliation gives our players and coaches an unprecedented opportunity to develop with the help and guidance of a first-class organization. In the past, we have had the opportunity to work with Bob Bigney and some of the Locomotive staff with great results,” said Eric Hoppes, Club Director for Alamo United FC. “We now look forward to the additional support we will receive by being an affiliate club. In addition, having our players attend games and being part of the club will grow their passion for soccer. It’s a very exciting time for soccer in El Paso and Alamogordo!”

Bob Bigney, the Director of Youth Soccer Programs for Locomotive FC stated, “I believe in the club system for youth soccer and look forward to working with all clubs in this region. Locomotive FC can provide coaching clinics, training sessions for teams and/or players, appearances by Locomotive FC professional players, and many other benefits to affiliate clubs. We’re thrilled to have Alamo United FC as our first affiliate club partner and am excited about working with them”

More details on the Locomotive FC Affiliate Club Program can be found at: https://www.eplocomotivefc.com/affiliateclub

El Paso Locomotive FC plays their next match at home on Sunday, May 12th against rival New Mexico United. 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 – May 9, 2019 – El Paso Locomotive FC receives FC Juárez midfielder Josué Aarón Gómez on loan, pending league and federation approval. This agreement strengthens and highlights the cross-border relationship between El Paso Locomotive and FC Juárez.

“We are very pleased with this signing as it signifies two major areas for us as a developing club.  One, we now have another quality, local talent who has played at an extremely high level in Mexico and can help us continue to win games in El Paso.  The second and equally important part of this signing is the continued unique relationship with our sister club, FC Juarez,” said Locomotive General Manager, Business Operations Andrew Forrest. “Growing the game and showcasing the high-level talent we have in our collective region is imperative. This is a perfect example of how we can benefit one another as we both strive to be the best teams in our respective leagues.”

Gómez has appeared in 38 matches in the Ascenso MX and has acquired five goals. He also appeared in 15 Copa MX matches and netted two goals for the Bravos. “I am very happy to be with this club. I think it is going to be a challenge, but I can demonstrate my value as a player,” said Gómez.

El Paso Locomotive FC plays their next match at home on Sunday, May 12th against rival New Mexico United. 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 – May 4, 2019 – El Paso Locomotive FC defeated Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC 2-0 in a dominating performance. It was a night of firsts for El Paso which included their first road win (the team remains unbeaten on the road), Jerome Kiesewetter’s first two goals for the club and the unveiling of their West Texas Sky Blue kits in a match. Locomotive now sit in eighth place in the Western Conference and have played one less match than the leaders and are the only team in the west sitting on back-to-back wins.

The first minute in the second half saw the German-born American, Jerome Kiesewetter open up his scoring account for Locomotive. The striker went down the right lane, switched direction and beat the keeper near post. Kieswetter wasn’t finished there and grabbed the brace nine minutes later after a precision pass from Omar Salgado split the defense and put the ball at Kiesewetter’s feet in front of the goal. Showing his professionalism, Kiesewetter placed it perfectly into the back of the net and would end the night tied for the lead scorer position on the Locomotive roster with Derek Gebhard, and Edson Partida. The three attackers all sit at two goals on the season.

Goalkeeper Logan Ketterer notched his fifth clean sheet tonight, putting him in first place across the entire league for shutouts. “Logan is a great young goalkeeper and every game he gets more and more mature. He has five clean sheets across eight games which is fantastic,” said Head Coach Mark Lowry.  This match was also the second time a single Locomotive player netted two goals in a match; the first being Partida’s performance against Orange County SC earlier this season.

“We have a lot of talent moving forward in the attack. For Jerome to get two goals tonight was amazing. We can’t wait to get home next week and play against New Mexico United,” said Lowry after tonight’s stellar performance.

El Paso Locomotive FC plays their next match at home on Sunday, May 12th against rivals New Mexico United. 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 Locomotive FC Youth Soccer is proud to announce their summer soccer camp program. Different options exist to fit the needs of children and parents alike. There are evening camps held around the city and at the Locomotive Training Facility, morning camps on both sides of town and three-day camps that culminate with campers attending a Locomotive FC match. The first camp kicks off on June 3rd.

“We are happy to offer the Locomotive FC Summer Soccer Camps for 2019,” said Bob Bigney, Director of Locomotive FC Youth Soccer Programs. “These camps will provide enjoyable soccer activities for youth soccer players all over El Paso. The children attending these summer camps will receive quality coaching from the technical staff of Locomotive FC – and will get to interact with professional soccer players from the Locomotive FC squad.”

“At each camp, children will be grouped by age and ability to provide the best experience for each camper,” continued Bigney.  “Campers will have a lot of fun and improve their soccer skills.”

Each camp location will limit the number of campers accepted and registration will close when the camp is full. Locomotive FC summer camps will be conducted all over El Paso including the westside, eastside and northeast. Each camp is open to boys & girls based on the school grade that the child will be entering this Fall. The fee to attend a camp includes quality soccer instruction, small-sided and full-sided games, a Locomotive FC Soccer Camp T-Shirt and a ticket to a Locomotive FC home game.

For all camp dates, locations and other details, and to register for Locomotive FC Summer Soccer Camps, please visit: https://www.eplocomotivefc.com/camps

El Paso Locomotive FC plays their next match at home on Sunday, May 12th against regional rival New Mexico United. 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 Locomotive FC is headed north this weekend to take on Colorado Springs Switchbacks. Locomotive is coming off a dominating performance against Reno 1868 where El Paso held Reno to only two shots on target and 40 percent possession. Instead of dipping our toes in, Duke Keith and Michael Balogun of our broadcast team dive in head first to breakdown the Locomotive performance.

Duke Keith has been an esteemed member of the El Paso media scene for more than 30 years. He has served in various roles across multiple organizations, including play-by-play for ESPN, the El Paso Patriots, El Paso Rhinos, and UTEP Athletics. Michael Balogun played NCAA D1 soccer for the University of Akron, one of the most highly regarded programs in the country. He also spent time with the US Youth National Team and had stints with various professional clubs. The wealth of soccer knowledge and expertise they both bring to the table is extraordinary.

In their own words, the two members of the Locomotive broadcast unit give us their thoughts:

Duke Keith

As solid a 90 minutes from Locomotive as I think we’ve seen outside of the match against Orange County.

Honestly, after Contreras’ penalty, I thought Reno 1868 would pour it on. Watching other matches around the league, I expected some wackiness. But that attacking wave just never materialized. It got broken up on the rocks! Outside of some too-close free kicks and a couple of excellent long crosses from Brent Richards, there was nothing. Reno’s target man, Brian Brown, barely touched the ball the entire game and 1868’s designated pest, Corey Hertzog, was all chased out and was subbed at the end.

I’m by no means an expert, but what that tells me is that this was a thorough, professional, steely performance from Mark Lowry’s side. They may walk a bit of a tightrope while the offense sorts itself, but there is no desperation, no exasperation. No one forces anything. You know Omar Salgado and Jerome Kiesewetter –– among others –– are just aching to score, but their movement remains measured.

This is a TEAM and it seems to me that, the players have bought all the way into the system.

Michael Balogun

Defense Wins Championships – Not jumping the gun or saying the team will hoist the trophy at the end of the year but it’s important to note Logan Ketterer is tied for in the league with four shutouts out of seven games. Only one other keeper (Diego Restrepo – Austin Bold FC) has that many clean sheets in seven games. Impressive how good he is with his distribution in the buildup, he’s not called on to make many saves during the game but comes up big when needed. 

Goals Goals Goals – Only a matter of time before the team starts ripping the reward of Mark’s possession style. Too much fire power between Kiesewetter, Salgado and Gebhard not to start banging in goals.

Health – Yuma was solid overall in the game but was exposed 1 v 1 on a few occasions against average attacking players. Against more dangerous attackers like Santi Moar (New Mexico United) or Shane Malcolm (CO Switchbacks) and Akiel Barrett (Tulsa) those moments could turn costly. Bryam’s return will help sure up the defense. Also, will give defensive balance having two natural holding midfielders playing next to each other (Richie Ryan & Yuma)

Consistency – No team in the Western Conference is able to put together more than a two-game winning streak. The team needs to build on the past weekend going into the CO Switchbacks game before they return home for three games (2 USL Championship,1 Open Cup).

The breakdown and thoughts from the two members of our team will be put on display this Saturday when Locomotive take the pitch in Colorado Springs. Who will open up the scoring sheet first? El Paso icon Omar Salgado? Or will the esteemed Bundesliga striker Jerome Kiesewetter be added to the growing list of Locomotive players with a goal? After Colorado, the boys head home to face rival New Mexico United, which is already gearing itself up to be a can’t miss match. How will El Paso adapt to the offensive prowess of NM and will the Locomotive defense be United’s kryptonite?