Match Preview

EL PASO, Texas – El Paso Locomotive FC close the door on the 2024 USL Championship season on the road against Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, looking to end the year with a win against the 2023 Players’ Shield winners.

HOW TO WATCH EL PASO LOCOMOTIVE FC AT PITTSBURGH RIVERHOUNDS SC – SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2024 @ 5 P.M. MT – HIGHMARK STADIUM

Watch: CBS Sports Golazo Network
Watch Party: Cabo Joe’s (7942 Gtwy Blvd E)

Be sure to follow @eplocomotivefc on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for live updates of the match. Additionally, fans are encouraged to download the team’s official mobile app on the Apple App Store or Google Play for instant access to mobile tickets, team content and match notifications.    

ALL-TIME SERIES   

El Paso and Pittsburgh are set for their third-ever meeting and their second to be held at Highmark Stadium.

EL PASO LOCOMOTIVE FC 

Unbeaten in four of their last five matches, Locomotive closed out its 2024 home schedule in tremendous fashion with a 2-1 upset victory against Sacramento Republic FC and El Paso will want to carry that momentum into its final match on the road win against Pittsburgh.

“We played really well today with good mentality,” Head Coach Wilmer Cabrera said after the match. “We were solid and able to overcome difficulties against one of the top teams in this league. I’m proud of the guys, of the players and their mentality to come out to score goals and create chances. That’s the way we needed to close out this season at home, with good mentality. Now, we want to finish the year strong on the road and hope to keep that momentum going as we start thinking of next year.”

After an impressive offensive display last week, fans will surely keep their eyes on forward Malik McLemore who made his mark in his starting debut for El Paso. In addition to his three shots and assist that led to Lucas Stauffer’s opening goal, the German-American showcased his physicality up front, winning all six of his tackles and 9-of-14 ground duels. Fans will hope he can replicate that sort of performance against a stubborn Pittsburgh defense.

Of course, it cannot go without mention that this matchup surely will be an emotional one for goalkeeper Jahmali Waite who returns to the club where he began his professional career. In two seasons with Pittsburgh, Waite was crucial to their historic Players’ Shield winning-campaign last season and got his first call-ups to the Jamaican Men’s National Team to establish himself as the next-in-line behind the legendary Andre Blake. He met his wife in Pittsburgh and no doubt he’ll be reunited with family and friends traveling to make the trip.

Though he has several amazing memories with the side that gave him his first pro opportunity out of college, the 25-year-old will be intent on leaving Highmark Stadium with three points for El Paso and one final clean sheet.

PITTSBURGH RIVERHOUNDS SC

With only two playoff spots remaining in the Eastern Conference heading into Judgement Day, the Riverhounds know that a win is crucial in order to secure their ticket to the 2024 postseason. There is the possibility they could advance with a draw, but they would be dependent on other results across the league to make that happen so a win is no doubt the goal.

Pittsburgh boast the strongest defense in the league, leading with a combined 15 clean sheets and only 28 goals conceded, and one player who will be relied upon is goalkeeper Erick Dick. The 30-year-old has two clean sheets and eight saves in his last two matches and he will need to have another strong performance in order to give the Riverhounds the best chance possible to head into the playoffs.

EL PASO, Texas – The final home match of the 2024 season has arrived as El Paso Locomotive FC host the reverse fixture against Sacramento Republic FC.

HOW TO WATCH EL PASO LOCOMOTIVE FC VS SACRAMENTO REPUBLIC FC – SATURDA, OCTOBER 19, 2024 @ 7 P.M. MT – SOUTHWEST UNIVERSITY PARK

Watch: ESPN+, KVIA.com and the KVIA News app
Tickets: eplocomotivefc.com/tickets

Be sure to follow @eplocomotivefc on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for live updates of the match. Additionally, fans are encouraged to download the team’s official mobile app on the Apple App Store or Google Play for instant access to mobile tickets, team content and match notifications.    

ALL-TIME SERIES   

This will be the tenth overall meeting between the two sides, with the Locos intent on wanting to finish the season strong and snap a three-match losing streak against Sacramento.

EL PASO LOCOMOTIVE FC 

The Locos were unbeaten in its previous five matches at home before falling to Orange County SC in midweek action. For Head Coach Wilmer Cabrera, the performance was not at the level he knows the team is capable of and he stressed in a post-match press conference how urgent it was for the team to make sure it finishes the season strong, especially for its last home game in front of the fans.

“We have to make sure we’re recovered and we need to come back to be solid, make sure we don’t concede and try to close out the last game of the season here at home with a good result,” Cabrera said.

Now there is no doubt that the biggest storyline for tonight is that of Yuma and Eder Borelli, two of Locomotive’s most decorated captains who announced their retirement on Thursday morning. The outpour of love and respect that followed from the league, players and coaches demonstrated how beloved and recognized the defenders are for their contributions to club and city they now call home.

The iconic duo are set to come into the match for their final appearance on the pitch as Locomotive players with a retirement ceremony scheduled to take place after the match.

SACRAMENTO REPUBLIC FC

Sacramento already has its spot in the postseason clinched and is now in a tight race for the Western Conference second seed. However, they have hit a bit of a rut with only one win in their last six matches and they will want to get back into form before the playoffs commence in two weeks.

With their assist leader Jack Gurr questionable for tonight’s match, Sacramento will rely on former Loco Nick Ross (2019-21) to create chances on offense. With attackers like Kieran Phillips, Trevor Amann and Russell Cicerone up top, the Locomotive backline will need to make sure it cleans up the defensive errors that plagued it earlier in the week against Orange County.

EL PASO, Texas – The final homestand of 2024 has arrived for Locomotive which kicks off with midweek action against Orange County SC, with the Locos intent on getting the season sweep over their California rivals.

HOW TO WATCH EL PASO LOCOMOTIVE FC VS ORANGE COUNTY SC – WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2024 @ 7 P.M. MT – SOUTHWEST UNIVERSITY PARK

Watch: ESPN+, KVIA.com and the KVIA News app
Tickets: eplocomotivefc.com/tickets

Be sure to follow @eplocomotivefc on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for live updates of the match. Additionally, fans are encouraged to download the team’s official mobile app on the Apple App Store or Google Play for instant access to mobile tickets, team content and match notifications.    

ALL-TIME SERIES   

Wednesday’s contest will be the 11th overall meeting between the two sides. When it comes to the regular season, the Locos are undefeated in seven league matches dating back to 2019 and perfect in three contests held at Southwest University Park.

EL PASO LOCOMOTIVE FC 

The Locos arrive unbeaten in its last five home matches and unbeaten in nine of their last 11. Though the Locos are out of playoff contention, last week’s comeback draw against San Antonio FC showcased how determined El Paso are to finish the season strong and it aims to continue the run against Orange County SC.

“We need to finish the season stronger, playing well and being solid because we have to build on that,” Head Coach Wilmer Cabrera said after the San Antonio match. “At this point, the fans, the front office, the players and us as a staff feel like we’re building something positive. We’re changing the mentality, we’re changing the face of the club to be a team that [previously] wasn’t with spirit, attitude to be the opposite. Today, we did it… and that’s the spirit we need to have for the team every time.”

SAN ANTONIO FC

Orange County SC will come in ready to battle as a win could position them much closer to a postseason berth. OCSC has hit a bit of positive form heading into the midweek contest, unbeaten in their last five contests with goalkeeper Colin Shutler stepping up to record four shutouts.

EL PASO, Texas – It’s Copa Tejas night at Southwest University Park as El Paso Locomotive FC will fight for a chance to lift the trophy for the first time since 2021 against in-state rivals San Antonio FC.

HOW TO WATCH EL PASO LOCOMOTIVE FC VS SAN ANTONIO FC – WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2024 @ 7 P.M. MT – SOUTHWEST UNIVERSITY PARK

Watch: ESPN+, KVIA.com and the KVIA News app
Tickets: eplocomotivefc.com/tickets

Be sure to follow @eplocomotivefc on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for live updates of the match. Additionally, fans are encouraged to download the team’s official mobile app on the Apple App Store or Google Play for instant access to mobile tickets, team content and match notifications.    

ALL-TIME SERIES   

This will be the 13th meeting between the in-state rivals and the Locos will look to secure the 2024 season sweep against San Antonio, as well as its first home win against the visitors since 2021.

EL PASO LOCOMOTIVE FC 

There’s no doubt that defense has been the Locos’ key factor in recent matches, shutting out six of its last 10 opponents while combining for 181 clearances, 98 won tackles, 68 interceptions and 34 saves in that same time frame.

A key addition to that backline is undoubtedly Arturo “Palermo” Ortiz, who has donned the captain’s armband in El Paso’s two wins. Since making his debut in a 1-1 draw against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, the Mexican international is on a path to prove that he is still capable of performing at a high level. In his three matches for the Locos, Palermo has contested all 270 available minutes while registering eight clearances, five blocks, four interceptions and three won tackles.

Alongside him is defender Tony Alfaro, who has been very solid in the back for El Paso since returning from a lengthy injury. He was recently named to the USL Championship’s Team of the Week for his performance against Tulsa in which he recorded eight clearances, five recoveries and 5 of 7 aerial duels. With the way the standings are sitting now right now, the Locos need to secure a win to make sure it gives itself the best off of remaining in playoff contention.

“We know we have to win,” Alfaro said in a post-training interview. “Whether we want to look at the table or not, we just have to take care of our performances to make sure we get as many points as we can and we’ll let the table figure itself out.”

SAN ANTONIO FC

San Antonio snapped its two-match losing streak with an impressive upset performance against Sacramento Republic FC, recording a 2-1 victory at home to grab a crucial three points. Now facing the quick turnaround, SAFC will come into Southwest University Park boosted with confidence as it seeks to clinch a Copa Tejas three-peat.

One person who the Locos will be familiar with is Luis “Lucho” Solignac, who is set to make his return to El Paso since leaving at the end of last season and will face his former side for the first time this year. As El Paso’s all-time leading goal scorer, Solignac is quite familiar with putting the ball into the back of the net at Southwest University Park and he’ll be eager to do so again as San Antonio fights for a playoff berth.

EL PASO, Texas – El Paso Locomotive FC kick off the final month of regular season action with a road trip to FC Tulsa on Saturday, October 5 at 6:30 p.m. MT.

HOW TO WATCH EL PASO LOCOMOTIVE FC AT FC TULSA – SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2024 @ 6:30 P.M. MT – ONEOK FIELD

Watch: ESPN+, KVIA.com and the KVIA News app
Tickets: eplocomotivefc.com/tickets

Be sure to follow @eplocomotivefc on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for live updates of the match. Additionally, fans are encouraged to download the team’s official mobile app on the Apple App Store or Google Play for instant access to mobile tickets, team content and match notifications.    

ALL-TIME SERIES   

El Paso and Tulsa will face off for the eighth time overall this weekend, with the Locos set on recording their first win against Tulsa since 2022.

EL PASO LOCOMOTIVE FC 

Locomotive dominated the match offensively against North Carolina FC but perhaps what stood out most was the Locos’ ability to shut down the visitors from creating opportunities. NCFC were only able to register one shot in the first half and only two shots on target in the second half, which goalkeeper Jahmali Waite kept out to record the fourth clean sheet in El Paso’s last six fixtures. Combined, the Locos defense recorded 12-of-14 won tackles, 10 clearances and five interceptions.

“It was well deserved against a tough opponent at home,” Head Coach Wilmer Cabrera said after the win. “This is going to give us a boost for what is coming. I don’t know what is going to happen but we need to close the year with good intensity, good mentality and every game at home, we have to play at win.”

If the Locos are able to replicate that sort of defensive performance again, they will provide their offense with a greater sense of security in the back and allow the attacking players more freedom to create opportunities in front of the Tulsa box. Additionally, the Locos will be boosted by the fact they have never lost a match at ONEOK Field in three visits to the venue.

FC TULSA

Tulsa remain on the hunt for their first postseason appearance since 2021. No doubt their road win against Oakland Roots SC – which snapped a five-game winless streak – boosted their confidence ahead of hosting Locomotive. For Tulsa to jump over the playoff line this weekend, they need to beat El Paso at home and hope Orange County loses its match at Las Vegas Lights FC.

The attacking duo of Diogo Pacheco and Stefan Stojanovic – who combined have eight goals and six assists – are the attacking threat Tulsa will look to help them in their search of a win against El Paso.

EL PASO, Texas – El Paso Locomotive FC will host North Carolina FC this weekend for the final day game of the 2024 season, looking to grab three points in its first ever meeting against the Eastern Conference side.

HOW TO WATCH EL PASO LOCOMOTIVE FC VS NORTH CAROLINA FC – SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2024 @ 1 P.M. MT – SOUTHWEST UNIVERSITY PARK

Watch: ESPN+, KVIA.com and the KVIA News app
Tickets: eplocomotivefc.com/tickets

Be sure to follow @eplocomotivefc on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for live updates of the match. Additionally, fans are encouraged to download the team’s official mobile app on the Apple App Store or Google Play for instant access to mobile tickets, team content and match notifications.    

ALL-TIME SERIES   

El Paso and North Carolina will clash for the first time this Saturday, with both sides keen on getting a win. A win for El Paso would see the gap close between them and those above the playoff line whereas a win for NCFC could potentially see them jump into a playoff position.

EL PASO LOCOMOTIVE FC 

The Locos have only lost once in their last five matches and are unbeaten in their last three matches at home, so it is evident that there has been improvement on the field in recent performances. One of the key defensive factors in the last match against Colorado Springs was Arturo Ortiz, the Mexican international and Liga MX veteran whose presence and experience was felt, registering a game-high four blocks and six recoveries.

Alongside the rest of the backline, he will be someone the Locos will look to to step up and keep things steady in the back to give the offense ability to be creative up top to create scoring opportunities.

“I am trying to do my part as best I can as well as every other guy within the team,” Ortiz said in a post-training interview. “It’s important that we all work together alongside each other to improve defensively and offensively, we need to score more goals. The team is playing well and I think there’s much more organization and intensity within the squad than before, so if we continue this trend, we will continue to get better as a team.”

NORTH CAROLINA FC

With 11 goals in their last four matches, there is no wonder why North Carolina are amongst the highest-scoring teams in the USL Championship this season. The power of their counter-attack was on full display last week against Indy Eleven, recording a 2-0 win to make the Eastern Conference playoff battle much tighter heading into Week 30.

With an attacking trio of Evan Conway, Rodrigo Da Costa and Oalex Anderson up top, the Locomotive defense will have to make sure it stays organized and disciplined to minimize North Carolina’s attacking chances.

EL PASO, Texas – El Paso Locomotive FC will be searching for a win on Saturday, September 21 as they host the reverse fixture against regional rival Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC with kickoff on ESPN+ and KVIA.com set for 7 p.m. MT.

HOW TO WATCH EL PASO LOCOMOTIVE FC VS COLORADO SPRINGS SWITCHBACKS FC – SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2024 @ 7 P.M. MT – SOUTHWEST UNIVERSITY PARK

Watch: ESPN+, KVIA.com and the KVIA News app
Tickets: eplocomotivefc.com/tickets

Be sure to follow @eplocomotivefc on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for live updates of the match. Additionally, fans are encouraged to download the team’s official mobile app on the Apple App Store or Google Play for instant access to mobile tickets, team content and match notifications.    

ALL-TIME SERIES   

El Paso and Colorado Springs have quite the history as rivals and will look to add another chapter in their series. In fact, no other opponent has played more league matches against El Paso than Colorado Springs, with the two sides set to face off for their 17th league contest on Saturday. 

Though the Switchbacks have won three of the last four contests, El Paso greatly dominates the series between both sides, recording seven wins and six draws against Colorado Springs.

EL PASO LOCOMOTIVE FC 

Having improved defensively in the three matches prior, the result against Indy was disappointing to say the least for Head Coach Wilmer Cabrera and during a post-training interview, he made sure to mention how critical it is for the Locos to reestablish the form they had before the loss.

“We were disorganized against a strong offensive team, so we have to correct those mistakes… and find the form we had when we were playing better and be sure not to commit the same mistakes against [Colorado Springs],” Cabrera said.

No doubt defensive structure will be a huge priority for the Locos against an in-form Switchbacks attack. Something that the Locos will look forward to is the potential addition of Arturo “Palermo” Ortiz this weekend, who has finally been declared available for selection. The Mexican international and Liga MX veteran will hope to link alongside other defensive veterans like Wahab Ackwei and Tony Alfaro to strengthen the backline heading into the final stretch.

Additionally, the Locos will hope to find the back of the net once again after scoring last week for the first time in two matches. To aid in the effort, the Locos announced the acquisition of Malik McLemore, a strong and speedy forward who has scored 41 and assisted 23 in 181 matches with teams in the German lower divisions.

COLORADO SPRINGS SWITCHBACKS FC

Colorado Springs are hitting a late season stride and have catapulted themselves into third in the Western Conference thanks to wins in their last four matches, beating notable contenders like Charleston Battery and Tampa Bay Rowdies along the way. Their magic number is currently set at 9 points and they’ll be hoping to inch closer to a postseason ticket by winning on the road against the Locos.

The Switchbacks offense now doubt has lit up in recent weeks and former Locomotive forward Justin Dhillon was a key contributor in their last two wins, in which he notched two goals and an assist. Dhillon has found positive form with Colorado Springs and upon his return to Southwest University Park, he will be fighting to get his first win at the venue in 2024.

EL PASO, Texas – El Paso Locomotive FC will look to build on its recent performances and search for three points on the road against Indy Eleven this Saturday, September 14, with the match set to kickoff at 5 p.m. MT on ESPN+.

HOW TO WATCH EL PASO LOCOMOTIVE FC AT INDY ELEVEN – SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2024 @ 5 P.M. MT – MICHAEL A CARROLL STADIUM

Watch: ESPN+
Watch Party: The Palomino Tavern (205 Cincinnati Ave)

Be sure to follow @eplocomotivefc on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for live updates of the match. Additionally, fans are encouraged to download the team’s official mobile app on the Apple App Store or Google Play for instant access to mobile tickets, team content and match notifications.    

ALL-TIME SERIES   

Set for their third-ever league meeting, this will be the first match played at Indy’s Michael A. Carroll Stadium. The series is evenly split at 1-1-0 and the Locos will look to avenge last season’s 3-2 defeat at home with a win on Indy’s home turf.

EL PASO LOCOMOTIVE FC 

One of Wilmer Cabrera’s priorities when taking over the job midseason was to strengthen the backline and reduce opponent scoring. Over the course of last month with the help of new defensive additions Wahab Ackwei, Ricky Ruiz and Robert Coronado, the Locos have seen steady progression in their defensive play, recording their third consecutive clean sheet against Detroit City FC.

In fact, in El Paso’s last six matches (Aug. 3-Sept. 7), the Locos backline have only permitted four goals – or 0.44 goals against average – which is significant in comparison to the 12 goals allowed – or 1.33 goals against average – in the six matches prior (June 15-July 27).

With the defense a bit more solidified, the Locos offense can afford to be a little more creative up top and they will need to work on being more clinical in front of goal against an Indy Eleven side who currently have the 5th-worst goals conceded (40) record in the USL Championship.

“We have to take our chances,” defender Wahab Ackwei said in a post-training interview. “You can play a very good possession game but when you don’t win, we’re going to stay where we are. So we need to start putting the ball into the back of the net, come together and work as team to get the three points.”

INDY ELEVEN

Indy have hit a bit of rough form in recent weeks, winning only once in their last 11 league matches. With the offense that they have (which includes the likes of Jack Blake, Augi Williams and Aedan Stanley), no doubt it has been a frustrating few weeks for Indy as the pressure builds for them to try and cling on to a home playoff spot.

Like El Paso, they closed out last week’s action with a 0-0 draw, battling it out with Hartford Athletic on the road. Upon their return home, they will be looking for three points to get their season back on track.

EL PASO, Texas – After almost a month away from home, El Paso Locomotive FC return to Southwest University Park for Noche De Locos against Detroit City FC on Saturday, September 7 with kickoff on ESPN+ and KVIA.com set for 7 p.m. MT.

HOW TO WATCH EL PASO LOCOMOTIVE FC VS DETROIT CITY FC – SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2024 @ 7 P.M. MT – SOUTHWEST UNIVERSITY PARK

Watch: ESPN+, KVIA.com and the KVIA News app
Tickets: eplocomotivefc.com/tickets

Be sure to follow @eplocomotivefc on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for live updates of the match. Additionally, fans are encouraged to download the team’s official mobile app on the Apple App Store or Google Play for instant access to mobile tickets, team content and match notifications.    

ALL-TIME SERIES   

This will be the third meeting between El Paso and Detroit and the second consecutive match to be played at Southwest University Park. The Locos will look to clinch their first series win against Detroit and avenge last year’s 3-1 defeat.

EL PASO LOCOMOTIVE FC 

August was the best month the Locos have posted so far this season, winning two and drawing two in five matches contested.

Though there is still room to grow on the offensive side, the Locos defense has cleaned up well thanks to some of its new additions like 2022 All-League Second Team defender Wahab Ackwei and Ricky Ruiz as well as the implementation of Robert Coronado in defensive midfield. As a result of their efforts and that of Jahmali Waite in net, the team recorded three clean sheets in August.

Now back at home since their win against Miami FC last month, the Locos will look to build off recent performances and string together consecutive home wins for the first time this season. For Ricky Ruiz, it is of utmost importance for the team to solidify its performances at home heading into the final stretch and it has to begin against Detroit.

“We’re focused on what we need to do day by day, game by game and that focus right now is on Saturday,” he said. “[We want] three points at home. It’s been a difficult task throughout the year, and we got our first win at home a few weeks ago. Our goal is to keep winning at home, especially with these last nine games we have… we need to take advantage of these home games. Our focus is on three points, no matter how it comes.”

DETROIT CITY FC

Detroit currently sit fourth in the Eastern Conference and are fighting to clinch their first ever home playoff game since joining the USL Championship in 2022. Though they are one of the more difficult teams to break through defensively, their attack has not been as consistent as it was in the first half of the season and as a result has only won two of their last 12 matches.

One player DCFC will hope to be a difference maker is Ben Morris, the team’s current top scorer and assist leader. Morris has scored five goals in Detroit’s last seven games and if given a chance in front of goal against Locomotive, he will look to capitalize to help DCFC in their home playoff pursuit.

EL PASO, Texas – El Paso Locomotive FC will look to build off its current momentum and search for a win in Seaside, California against a Monterey Bay F.C. on Saturday, August 24, streaming exclusively on ESPN+ at 8 p.m. MT!

HOW TO WATCH EL PASO LOCOMOTIVE FC AT MONTEREY BAY F.C. – SATURDAY, AUGUST 24, 2024 @ 8 P.M. MT – CARDINALE STADIUM

Watch: ESPN+
Watch Party: Union Draft House Sunland (730 Sunland Park Dr)

Be sure to follow @eplocomotivefc on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for live updates of the match. Additionally, fans are encouraged to download the team’s official mobile app on the Apple App Store or Google Play for instant access to mobile tickets, team content and match notifications.    

ALL-TIME SERIES   

El Paso and Monterey Bay F.C. will face off for the sixth time this weekend, with the Locos looking to secure their first win against the NorCal side since their inaugural 5-0 home win in 2022.

EL PASO LOCOMOTIVE FC 

El Paso Locomotive FC closed out a two-game week with an historic first-ever road win against Orange County SC, the second win in the last three league matches for the Locos, and extended its regular season undefeated streak against OCSC to seven matches. For El Paso Head Coach Wilmer Cabrera, getting the win on the road will be highly positive for the Locos who now look to build off that positive momentum and string together consecutive road wins.

“Winning away can give you good strength in a mental aspect,” Cabrera said. “It was a good reaction, and [this will be] good momentum for the players. Hopefully this week, we can focus on improving details of the formation and attacking possibilities then prepare for the game against Monterey Bay a bit better to go over there with the mentality to win three points.”

Eric Calvillo (who was named to the USL Championship Team of the Week) was the hero on the night against his former side and made sure to reiterate that the Locos are still within the realm of possibility of clinching a postseason trip.

“I’m just very thankful that we got the three points against an opponent like [Orange County] that we’re chasing in the conference. Now, onto the next one and try to reflect on what we just did to go away to Monterey Bay, another team we’re trying to catch. It’s another opportunity to get closer in these last couple of games we have coming up.”

MONTEREY BAY F.C.

The start of the Jordan Stewart era at Monterey Bay has not kicked off to a great start, picking up two losses in his first two matches in charge to extend the club’s current winless streak to five matches (0-3-2). It does not help that the NorCal side might not have the help of their top scorer, Tristan Trager, who was listed questionable for Saturday’s match. Monterey Bay do have other attacking options though in Alex Dixon and Mobi Fehr that could cause issues for Locomotive and with the side having scored at least once in their last four matches, the hosts will want to carry that scoring momentum into this match at home.

It goes without being said that one of the big challenges that El Paso will face is Monterey Bay goalkeeper Antony Siaha, the league’s top shot stopper with 90 saves this season whose 3.91 saves per 90 rate is on track to seeing him break into the USL Championship single-season record books. The Cameroonian has been one of their best players this season and Monterey Bay will once again rely on him to keep them above the playoff line.