Game Previews

It feels like it’s been entirely too long since we have last had a game, right? What a long 12 days. But hey! We made it! Gameday is just around the corner, so let’s break down Wednesday’s match against the Toros.

MATCH DETAILS: USL Championship Regular Season Game #8; at Rio Grande Valley FC; 6:00 p.m. MT kickoff

VENUE/WEATHER: H-E-B Park; Edinburg, Texas; Forecasted 91F, 40% of rain and thunderstorms.

WATCH PARTY: The Union Drafthouse (12040a Tierra Este Road)

WATCH: ESPN+

RECORDS/STANDINGS: Locomotive: 4-0-3 (15 points, MTN-2); RGVFC: 5-2-3 (17 points, MTN-1)

PREVIOUS MEETING: Locomotive topped RGV earlier in the season with 1-0 on the scoreboard. Lucho Solignac scored the lone goal deflecting a clearance from RGV goalkeeper Tyler Deric in the 18th second – the fastest goal in Locomotive franchise history and the fastest goal scored so far in the 2021 USL Championship season.

THE TRAIN KEEPS ROLLING

Say it louder for the people in the back: 18-GAMES UNDEFEATED. Locomotive keeps rolling in games as it rapidly approaches the league record for the longest unbeaten streak in the regular season. Locomotive has not lost a regular-season game since the start of August 2020 and is currently the only undefeated team in the USL Championship. Now on the road against RGVFC, Locomotive is aiming to keep the streak going and to claim the record from FC Cincinnati.

MOUNTAIN DIVISION SUPREMACY

As the 2021 season rounds the first corner, now a quarter of the way of through, El Paso Locomotive, Rio Grande Valley FC, and New Mexico United have made themselves forerunners early in the Mountain Division. While RGVFC currently holds the top spot, Wednesday’s night contest between RGV and Locomotive can shake up the table and have an impact on the top seed late in the season. Locomotive is currently only 2 points below RGV, so a win on Wednesday would move Locomotive to the top seed with games still in hand to create distance.

DIVISION OF DEATH

If Group F was the Group of death in the UEFA EURO, the Mountain Division in USL Championship is setting itself up to be the same. In Group F, four teams vied for two guaranteed spots into the Round of 16. In the Mountain Division, seven teams are duking it out for four playoff spots. Group F, the top three nations were only separated by a single point, with Hungary missing out barely by last-minute goals and results in another game. Mountain Division, the top four teams are separated by a single win with the next two teams nipping close behind two points shy. If the Mountain Division continues the way it is, the final few weeks of the 2021 USL Championship season will come down to the wire with dramatic soccer à la Group F EURO.

FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE 2019…

In the three years, El Paso Locomotive has played in the USL Championship, it has only visited Rio Grande Valley FC once. August 24, 2019, El Paso made the trip to H-E-B Park, only to fall narrowly behind an early second-half goal, 1-0. For the first time since that night, Locomotive makes the trip to Edinburg, Texas to revisit the Toros on their home turf. Both teams are vastly different from 2019 however, with Locomotive having now nearly three years of a culture built under it and Rio Grande Valley finding its form under returning Head Coach Wilmer Cabrera.

El Paso Locomotive makes its return to Southwest University Park where it is currently undefeated in the last 11 games (9-0-2) to host Indy Eleven of the Eastern Conference. Kickoff is set for Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. MT. Tickets are available for purchase online or by phone by calling 915-235-GOAL.

Fans in attendance at Southwest University Park can enjoy $2 Specials including $2 Estrella Jaliscos, margaritas, hotdogs, and regular sodas.

After the weekend’s USL Championship action, Locomotive is now one of just two teams left undefeated across the league. With a record of 2-0-2 after four games, El Paso has come away with a point against Sporting Kansas City II and New Mexico United while claiming 1-0 victories over Rio Grande Valley FC and Austin Bold FC. Most recently, it was the first professional goal for Midfielder Diego Luna that secured three points over the Bold.

Now Locomotive takes on its next challenge, an unfamiliar Eastern Conference foe, Indy Eleven. The boys in blue will be looking to be at nearly full-strength with Goalkeeper Logan Ketterer back in goal after his loan to the Portland Timbers of MLS. Locomotive currently leads the league in the fewest goals conceded with only one, while Indy Eleven has managed to find seven goals across six games this season. Indy Eleven will be coming to Southwest University Park with fire in their eyes after falling 2-1 against Memphis 901 FC, truly testing the 9-0-2 record that Head Coach Mark Lowry and his squad have built in El Paso.

Follow El Paso Locomotive FC vs Indy Eleven – Wed., June 9, 2021

·         Coverage Begins: 7:00 p.m. MT; Gates open at 6:00 p.m. MT
·         Watch: ESPN+
·         Social Media: @EPLocomotiveFC & #ELPvIND on Twitter
·         Additional Content: Official El Paso Locomotive FC App (iOS / Android)

The Loco Express
El Paso Locomotive (1) at Austin Bold FC (0)
Thursday, June 3; Bold Stadium, Austin, Texas

El Paso Locomotive earned its first road win of the 2021 USL Championship regular season behind the first professional goal by Diego Luna. Luna appeared on the Starting XI, playing for 68 minutes, finding the game-winning goal in the 56th. Keeping Austin Bold to only one shot on target which Goalkeeper Adrian Zendejas easily saved, Locomotive has now earned three straight clean sheets to stay undefeated in the opening games of 2021. 

It’s always a good sign when you troubles picking out just one player highlight. While it’s easy to point towards the young 17-year-old Diego Luna, whose first professional goal was the game-winner at Bold Stadium, there were others on the Locomotive squad that shined through the 90 minutes. Macca King, for example, weaved up and down the right flank putting in solid defensive work alongside an offensive that was highlighted with the picture-perfect cross that gave Luna his goal.

Ultimately, my vote for Estrella of the Match falls to the Irish midfielder himself, Richie Ryan. Ryan won 7 of 11 duels, made five tackles with two clearances and three interceptions to protect the midfield leaving Austin Bold with only a single shot on target. Pair his defensive stats with 36 of 41 passes completed to maintain possession for Locomotive, Richie Ryan’s performance kept the boys in blue in control of the tempo of the game, leading to the 1-0 win. 

Eleven. Locomotive is not shy about taking chances with a shot. This mentality typically leads to 10+ plus shots towards goal from the El Paso side alone. This defensively-minded game from both sides led to only 11 shots total in the entire game (Six from Austin, Five from El Paso), with each side only finding one shot on target. It, of course, would be El Paso that would make their shot on target count with the lone goal, but it was a strangely quiet game at Bold Stadium.

With two wins and two draws to open the 2021 USL Championship season, El Paso Locomotive extended its undefeated streak to four. Heading into the weekend, Locomotive has stepped over its Southwest Desert rival, New Mexico United. Still with games in hand over the other teams in its division and plenty of games to go in the 2021 season, Locomotive is very much in control of its own destiny and is poised early for a third consecutive playoff appearance.

El Paso Locomotive returns home for a pair of games at Southwest University Park, starting by hosting Indy Eleven of Eastern Conference success. The matchup will be the first time Locomotive takes on the 2019 Eastern Conference finalists in franchise history, setting the stage for an unpredictable and exciting game in El Paso. Tickets are available now online or by phone by calling 915-235-GOAL.

Locomotive Defender Yuma led a defensive clinic against a dangerous Sporting Kansas City II side on Sunday. The performance not only largely contributed to the Locomotive clean sheet in Kansas City but also earned a nod from USL Championship as he highlights the defenders on the Team of the Week for Week 6.

Completing an outstanding 94 out of 99 passes, including a 94.6% passing accuracy in SKCII’s half, Yuma did more than his part as a defender in Coach Mark Lowry’s play-from-the-back system. Yuma also made completed four tackles, four interceptions, won five out of six of duals, and regained possession 10 times for Los Locos to bring a point back to El Paso.

This is Yuma’s second appearance on the Team of the Week Starting XI, last earning the accolade in Week 15 of the USL Championship.

The Championship’s Player of the Week is selected by the USL National Media Panel, which is made up of representatives from each media market in the Championship.

The full USL Championship Team of the Week for Week 6 is listed below:

GK – John Pulskamp, Sporting Kansas City II: John Pulskamp recorded a six-save shutout including five saves on shots inside the penalty area and also completed 27 of 30 passes in SKC II’s 0-0 draw with El Paso Locomotive FC on Sunday.

D – Adrian Diz Pe, Rio Grande Valley FC: Adrian Diz Pe recorded the assist on Juan Azocar’s spectacular late equalizer for the Toros against San Antonio FC and defensively won 13 of 15 duels, 7 of 8 aerial duels and made four interceptions.

D – Dani Rovira, Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC: Dani Rovira recorded one assist and two key passes and defensively recorded four interceptions and 12 recoveries while winning four tackles and 10 duels in his side’s 3-0 win against the New York Red Bulls II.

D – Yuma, El Paso Locomotive FC: Yuma completed a game-high 94 of 99 passes and won 5 of 6 duels while making four interceptions and 10 recoveries in El Paso’s 0-0 draw with Sporting Kansas City II on Sunday evening.

D – Jack Metcalf, San Diego Loyal SC: Jack Metcalf recorded one assist and four key passes while completing 45 of 53 passes overall and winning 2 of 2 tackles in SD Loyal’s 2-1 victory against Las Vegas Lights FC on Saturday night.

M – Alex Dixon, Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC: Alex Dixon notched one goal, one assist and two key passes while making 11 recoveries and recording two interceptions in the Hounds’ 3-0 win away to the New York Red Bulls II.

M – Bruno Lapa, Birmingham Legion FC: Bruno Lapa scored the decisive goal in a pair of 1-0 victories for Birmingham Legion FC over the week and also completed 76 of 90 passes and had five key passes as his side defeated OKC Energy FC and Atlanta United 2.

M – Danny Griffin, Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC: Danny Griffin scored the opening goal in the Hounds’ 3-0 victory against the New York Red Bulls II and also won 4 of 4 tackles and made nine recoveries and three interceptions during the contest.

F – Jordan Hamilton, Indy Eleven: Jordan Hamilton scored both goals for Indy from the penalty spot, including the side’s late winner, and completed 12 of 16 passes as Indy defeated Louisville for the first time since 2018.

F – Santi Moar, Phoenix Rising FC: Santi Moar continued his regular-season goalscoring streak to six games as he recorded the lone goal in Phoenix’s 1-0 win against Sacramento Republic FC, while also completing 2 of 3 dribbles and making recording three key passes.

F – Jonny Bolivar, Loudoun United FC: Jonny Bolivar scored his first goal for Loudoun to lift the side to a 1-0 victory on the road against New Mexico United, while also recording six shots overall and completing 11 of 15 passes.

Bench: Danny Vitiello (PIT), Robert Coronado (OKC), Yasser Khemiri (SA), Jake Areman (CLT), Jorge Hernandez (LA), Alejandro Guido (SD), Ariel Martinez (MIA)

El Paso Locomotive FC played its first game in franchise history against Sporting Kansas City II, picking up a point on the road after a scoreless draw on Sunday at Children’s Mercy Park. Goalkeeper Adrian Zendejas recorded his second straight clean sheet to keep Locomotive as one of the last four teams in USL Championship to be undefeated in the 2021 season.

The opening 15 minutes kicked off quickly with both Locomotive and Sporting Kansas City II testing each other on goal. Midfielder Jose Aguinaga and Forward Aaron Gomez got early chances forcing SKCII goalkeeper John Pulskamp into diving saves. On the other side, Defender Richie Ryan made a goal-line clearance to keep the scoring level while a shot from SKCII’s Matiti struck the crossbar and back out into play, ultimately ending the first half even without a goal.

Sporting KC II controlled the tempo throughout the opening minutes of the second half, however, the ever-stalwart defense of El Paso Locomotive stood fast to keep the home side off the board. Zendejas served up big saves throughout the second half while Forwards Leandro Carrijo and Aidan Apodaca combined to knock on the door of the SKCII goal. While chances flew for both sides, neither could find the edge, playing to a scoreless draw in the first-ever meeting between Locomotive and SKCII.

UP NEXT: El Paso Locomotive has a quick turnaround match, playing against on Thursday, June 3 when the El Paso team takes on its Texas rival, Austin Bold FC. Kickoff for Thursday’s match-up is set for 7:00 p.m. MT and will be broadcast nationally on ESPN Deportes as the USL Championship’s Game of the Week.

NOTES:

– Midfielder Jose Aguinaga makes his debut in Loco Blue, making an appearance in the Starting XI, as the only change from last week’s lineup.

– Goalkeeper Adrian Zendejas recorded his second straight clean sheet in as many appearances for Locomotive since joining the club on loan from Minnesota United.

– Locomotive remains as one of four teams left unbeaten across the USL Championship, holding a record of 1-0-2 after three games. Locomotive is joined by Tacoma Defiance, Tampa Bay Rowdies, and Hartford Athletic.

Match: El Paso Locomotive FC vs Sporting Kansas City II
Date: May 30, 2021
Venue: Children’s Mercy Park; Kansas City, Kansas
Weather: 68F; Sunny

Scoring Summary              1          2          F

El Paso Locomotive FC      0          0          0

Sporting KC II                       0          0          0

Lineups:

El Paso Locomotive FC (4-4-2): Adrian Zendejas; Eder Borelli, Yuma, Mechack Jerome (Matt Bahner, 31’), Macauely King, Richie Ryan, Nick Ross, Jose Aguinaga (Bryam Rebellon, 59’), Dylan Mares (Diego Luna, 59’), Luis Solignac (Leandro Carrijo, 59’), Aaron Gomez (Aidan Apodaca, 75’)

Subs not used: Ben Beaury, Chapa Herrera

Sporting Kansas City II (4-3-3): John Pulskamp; Daniel Barbir, Kaveh Rad, Amadou Dia, Jaylin Lindsey, Felipe Hernandez (Jayin Van Deventer, 62’), Petar Cuic, Cameron Duke, Wilson Harris (Ropapa Mensah, 74’), Grayson Barber (Tyler Freeman, 74’), Enoch Mushagalusa (Osvaldo Cisneros, 90’)

Subs not used: Maximillano Trejo, Alijaz Dzankic, Kayden Pierre

Stats Summary: ELP | SKC

Shots: 10 | 11
Shots on Goal: 6 | 3
Saves: 2 | 6
Corner Kicks: 4 | 2
Fouls: 13 | 12
Offside: 3 | 2

MISCONDUCT SUMMARY:

ELP – Eder Borelli (Caution), 67’
SKC – Kaveh Rad (Caution), 78’
ELP – Macca King (Caution), 90’+4

El Paso Locomotive FC ended the Rio Grande Valley FC winstreak at Southwest University Park behind a goal by Forward Luis Solignac on Saturday night. Solignac’s 18th-second goal is the fastest in Locomotive history and currently stands as the fastest goal across the league in the 2021 season.

“I’m really happy,” said Head Coach and Technical Director Mark Lowry. “It’s only our second game of the season but it kind of feels like the first with the bye week last week. We haven’t been able to get momentum, the fitness levels, or build the relationships on the field, and that was [RGV’s] fourth game this season. They’ve won three games so far, they are a good and strong team coming into it with confidence. We started the game great. Lucho [Solignac] with a great press. That’s not luck; it was a smart play. I had a good feeling he was going to score tonight because he had been so good in training.”

Locomotive got off to a dream start with a high press that paid off with a goal in the first minute. As RGV’s goalkeeper Tyler Deric punted the ball out of his own box, Solignac put his body in the way forcing a rebound into the back of the net. With RGV chasing the game for the remainder of the first half, Locomotive was able to get away with chances towards goal, including a long ball from Defender Mechack Jerome that found Midfielder Nick Ross near goal. Ross took one touch to put the ball over Deric, but ultimately sent it over the frame as well.

On the other end of the field, Goalkeeper Adrian Zendejas, on loan from MLS side Minnesota United, tallied a clean sheet in his debut. Tested into only one save tonight, the Locomotive backline held strong against an RGV side that was chasing the game to help secure the three points at Southwest University Park.

UP NEXT: El Paso Locomotive goes on the road for the first time in the 2021 season, playing Sporting Kansas City II for the first time in franchise history. Kickoff from Children’s Mercy Victory Field in Kansas City is set for 3:00 p.m. MT and will be broadcast live on ESPN+.

GOAL SCORING RUNDOWN

ELP: Luis Solignac, 1st minute: As RGVFC’s Goalkeeper Tyler Deric went to punt the ball far from his own goal, a high press from Solignac allowed him to jump in the way before the ball got cleared out. Rebounding off Solignac, the ball bounced into the RGV goal, providing the fastest goal in franchise history.

NOTES:

– Forward Luis Solignac found the fastest goal in Locomotive franchise history, rebounding a punted kick by RGV Goalkeeper Tyler Deric into the back of the net in the 18th second.

–  Goalkeeper Adrian Zendejas made his Locomotive debut after signing on loan from MLS club Minnesota United, the day before.

– Locomotive moves its undefeated record to 9-0-2 in the last 11 games played at Southwest University Park, including playoffs.

Match: El Paso Locomotive FC vs Rio Grande Valley FC
Date: May 22, 2021
Venue: Southwest University Park; El Paso, Texas
Weather: 93F; partly cloudy

Scoring Summary              1          2          F

El Paso Locomotive FC      1          0          1

Rio Grande Valley FC         0          0          0

ELP: Luis Solignac, 1’

Lineups:

El Paso Locomotive FC (4-4-2): Adrian Zendejas; Eder Borelli, Yuma, Mechack Jerome, Macauely King, Richie Ryan, Nick Ross, Bryam Rebellon, Dylan Mares (Diego Luna, 87’), Luis Solignac (Leandro Carrijo, 90’+2), Aaron Gomez (Aidan Apodaca, 75’)

Subs not used: Ben Beaury, Chapa Herrera, Jose Aguinaga, Matt Bahner

Rio Grande Valley FC (4-4-2): Tyler Deric; Adrian Diz Pe, Erik Pimentel, Carter Manley, Grant Robinson (Adrián Vera, 41’), John Sánchez (Ronald Cerritos, 45’), Christian Sorto, James Murphy (Baboucarr Njie, 85’), Wan Kuzain (Juan Azócar, 64’), Rodrigo López, Elvis Amoh

Subs not used: Camden Riley, Colin Miller, Josue Soto

Stats Summary: ELP | RGV

Shots: 15 | 5
Shots on Goal: 2 | 1
Saves: 1 | 2
Corner Kicks: 4 | 1
Fouls: 15 | 16
Offside: 3 | 2

MISCONDUCT SUMMARY:

ELP – Richie Ryan (Caution), 45’+2
ELP – Nick Ross (Caution), 62’
RGV – Elvis Amoh (Caution), 70’
ELP – Dylan Mares (Caution), 77’
RGV – Elvis Amoh (2nd Caution; Ejection), 80’
ELP – Eder Borelli (Caution), 89’
RGV – Baboucarr Njie (Caution), 90’+5

El Paso Locomotive FC has signed Minnesota United goalkeeper Adrian Zendejas on loan, pending league and federation approval.  

“As we enter a period of uncertainty with lots of games coming up and the transfer window closing on June 1, it was important for us to cover all possibilities,” started Mark Lowry, Locomotive Head Coach and Technical Director. “Our job is to always protect the integrity of this club and make sure no matter what scenarios present themselves in the next couple of weeks that we are prepared, in control, and we continue to be competitive every single day and win games. We want to thank Minnesota United for helping us push this through with Adrian and are excited for what he can offer the group over the next few weeks.”

Zendejas, 25, comes to El Paso with extensive experience at the USL Championship level. The California native made his professional debut with USL side, Sporting Kansas City II helping lift the club to two USL Cup finals (2016, 2017). After his standout performance in the 2016 season with SKCII, Zendejas signed with its MLS parent club, Sporting Kansas City, where he made appearances in the 2018 U.S. Open Cup, shutting out Real Salt Lake in a 2-0 victory, and notching five saves against FC Dallas to secure a 3-2 win in the Round of 16. In 2019 and 2020, Zendejas was traded to Nashville SC before being traded again to Minnesota United where he is currently signed. 

Zendejas joins El Paso Locomotive ahead of its Saturday, May 22 matchup against Copa Tejas rival, Rio Grande Valley FC at Southwest University Park. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. MT and tickets are available at https://www.eplocomotivefc.com/tickets or by calling 915-235-GOAL.

Transaction: Locomotive Signs Goalkeeper Adrian Zendejas on Loan from MLS club Minnesota United

Name: Adrian Zendejas
Position: Goalkeeper
Number: 95
Height: 6’5”
Weight: 185 lbs.
Hometown: Chula Vista, California
Birthdate: August 30, 1995 (25)

El Paso Locomotive FC revitalizes the supporter-run Copa Tejas tournament against its South Texas rival, Rio Grande Valley FC. Here is everything to know ahead of Locos versus Toros on Saturday:

MATCH DETAILS: USL Championship Regular Season Game #2; vs. Rio Grande Valley FC

VENUE/WEATHER: Southwest University Park; El Paso, Texas; 91 degrees and partly cloudy.

TICKETS: Click here!

WATCH: El Paso – Las Cruces CW | ESPN+

RECORDS/STANDINGS: Locomotive: 0-0-1 (1 points, MTN-5); RGVFC: 3-0-0 (9 points, MTN-1)

PREVIOUS MEETING: Kicking off the return to play in 2020 after the temporary hiatus, Locomotive and RGVFC met at Southwest University Park. A quiet and slow first match turned into the Locomotive show in the second half, with El Paso throwing shots towards goal that paid off late in the 83rd minute through Dylan Mares’ goal that slid into the bottom left corner off his second touch.

HOME UNDEFEATED STREAK

Forward Leandro Carrijo’s stoppage-time goal against New Mexico United in the home opener kept alive the Locomotive home undefeated streak. Having not lost a game at Southwest University Park since July 24, Locomotive now stands with a home record of 8-0-2 including playoffs. With another game set to be played in El Paso, Los Locos will have another opportunity to extend the undefeated streak.

REVIVAL OF COPA TEJAS

 In 2019, the Copa Tejas supporter tournament was born – a round-robin competition between the four USL Championship Texas teams played throughout the season. Austin Bold FC lay claim to the title in its inaugural year and held on to the title through 2020 after the group divisions in return to play saw Locomotive separated from its Texas rivals. The USL Championship Copa Tejas returns in 2021 with Locomotive playing its first match in the tournament against Rio Grande Valley FC on Saturday.

TAMING THE BULLS

Rio Grande Valley FC has started off the season with their strongest opening since their inaugural 2016 year. After three games, the Toros have claimed all nine points with arguably upset victories over New Mexico United (1-0), San Diego Loyal (1-0), and San Antonio FC (2-1). RGVFC has been tearing through its competition as a dark horse, making them a team to beat in the early stages of 2021.

REPLACING KETTERER

In a quick turn of events, Locomotive goalkeeper Logan Ketterer left El Paso on an Extreme Hardship loan to Major League Soccer side, Portland Timbers. While the El Paso shot-stopper makes waves in the Pacific Northwest, it leaves a question mark of who will start in goal for El Paso going into Saturday’s contest against Rio Grande Valley FC. 19-Year-Old Marco Canales made an appearance on the lineup in the home opener against New Mexico United, could this be the opportunity for the loanee from FC Juarez to make a professional debut? GK Javier Beker is also no stranger to the Locomotive style of play, having been with the team since 2019 on the training fields. Another option is for Head Coach Mark Lowry to shop around for a more experienced goalkeeper to bring into the fold for the time being. Only time will tell who will anchor the defensive third for Locomotive on Saturday.

LEVEL RECORD

El Paso Locomotive and Rio Grande Valley FC have met three times since 2019, playing to an even 1-1-1 (4 points) record. The 2019 season saw Locomotive split points on a 2-2 draw at home against the Toros, before falling 1-0 on the road later the season. Los Locos leveled out the series behind a 1-0 win courtesy of a late-game goal midfielder Dylan Mares in the first game back in Return to Play in 2020. When the two sides meet this Saturday, it will be to take control of the All-Time Series between the two sides, pitting a nine home game undefeated streak against a three-game winning streak.

El Paso Locomotive FC is set to play its second match of the 2021 USL Championship regular season against its Texas rival, Rio Grande Valley FC, in a revival of the Copa Tejas. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. MT on Saturday, May 22 at Southwest University Park. Tickets at a limited capacity are available online at https://www.eplocomotivefc.com/tickets or by calling 915-235-GOAL.

Two weeks ago, Los Locos kicked off its season against New Mexico United with a thrilling contest. After going down a goal in the 57th minute, courtesy of United’s Devon Sandoval, Locomotive rallied behind late-game substitutions to earn the point at home. Forward Leandro Carrijo equalized the scoring in the final minute of stoppage time to earn the point at Southwest University Park after Midfielder Diego Luna set Forward Aaron Gomez up for the header with a beautiful cross in his professional debut.

The 1-1 draw against New Mexico United continues the undefeated streak Locomotive has built since July 24. Extending the record to 8-0-1, including the playoff wins against FC Tulsa and New Mexico, Locomotive now tests its home record against a Rio Grande Valley side that has so far been a strong contender in 2021. The Eastern Texas side has opened the 2021 USL Championship season undefeated, claiming 1-0 victories over New Mexico and San Diego Loyal before taking a 2-1 win over San Antonio FC last weekend. In the 2020 season, Locomotive and RGV only met once, kicking off the return to play with a Locomotive 1-0 win on July 11.

Follow El Paso Locomotive FC vs Rio Grande Valley FC – Sat., May 22, 2021

·         Coverage Begins: 7:30 p.m. MT; Gates Open at 6:30 p.m. MT
·         Local TV: EL Paso – Las Cruces CW
·         Digital Streaming: ESPN+
·         Social Media: @EPLocomotiveFC & #ELPvRGV on Twitter
·         Additional Content: Official El Paso Locomotive FC App (iOS / Android)

EL PASO – May 19, 2021 – Southwest University Park announced today that effective immediately facial coverings will no longer be required at all events for ticketed guests who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Facial coverings are still recommended for guests who are not vaccinated.

Southwest University Park will continue to implement health and safety protocols for all games and matches including hand sanitizer stations and thorough cleaning and sanitization of the facility before, during, and after events.

El Paso Locomotive FC takes on Rio Grande Valley on May 22 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available now at https://www.eplocomotivefc.com.

The Chihuahuas face Oklahoma City, the Los Angeles Dodgers affiliate, in a six-game series beginning May 27. Single-game tickets are on sale now at epchihuahuas.com.

As a reminder, Southwest University Park is a cashless venue and a clear bag/no bag facility.