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El Paso Locomotive FC has renewed Haitian defender Mechack Jérôme’s contract for the 2020 season.

“Prior to Mechack’s injury, the Locomotive faithful were presented with glimpses of the quality that Mechack possesses. His passing range and composure on the ball allows us to dictate possession out of the back, his 1v1 defending and athleticism allows us to play higher up the field and take more risks when attacking. I cannot wait to see him back on the field in 2020, he is a very exciting player and someone I just love working with,” stated Head Coach Mark Lowry.

The powerhouse defender made ten appearances for El Paso before being called up to represent Haiti in the 2019 Gold Cup. While on international duty, Jérôme suffered a season-ending injury and spent the remainder of the 2019 season recovering.

He is expected to be fully and readily available for the 2020 season.

In his limited appearances with El Paso this season, Jérôme recorded 45 clearances, four blocks and nine interceptions. He is a vital asset in the Mark Lowry possession model and will be a key defensive element in the 2020 campaign.

Jérôme is the seventh returning player for next season; joining Richie Ryan, Logan Ketterer, Bryam Rebellon, Omar Salgado, Yuma, and Alexy Bosetti.

All aboard, year two is almost here! Season Ticket Memberships, Group Tickets, and Individual Match Tickets can be purchased online or by calling or texting 915-235-GOAL.

El Paso Locomotive FC announces six players from the inaugural season are returning to fulfill their two-year contracts for the 2020 season. Richie Ryan, Logan Ketterer, Bryam Rebellon, Omar Salgado, Yuma, and Alexy Bosetti will be the first players signed to the 2020 Locomotive roster, pending league and federation approval.

“Richie is such an integral part of what we are trying to create here on and off the field. His quality on the ball and intelligence on the field is second to none, and his leadership and character off the field help us cultivate an environment of high standards. He is a key figure in this process,” stated Head Coach Mark Lowry.

Midfielder Richie Ryan made 31 appearances for the Locos this season and recorded the fourth-highest passing accuracy for the squad at 90.4 percent. Ryan made his professional debut with Sunderland in the English Premier League in the 2003 season. He was an integral component of the midfield and highly contributed to El Paso’s average match possession of 57 percent across the season.

Logan Ketterer held down the starting goalkeeper position and had 14 clean sheets, putting him in fifth place across the entire league. Ketterer saved 80 percent of the penalties taken against him showing his elite level of play. Ketterer recorded the second least goals against in the Western Conference for the 2019 campaign and faced only 129 shots; a testament to the defensive prowess of El Paso.

Lowry commented on Ketterer’s season, “We saw Logan get better and better as the 2019 season went along. He was a key part of the best defense in the West and I am excited to see how Logan continues to grow into his role and status as one of the best keepers in the USL.”

“Bryam’s intensity both going forward and defending is a key piece of our identity as a team. His reputation as a high-level right back was recognized throughout the 2019 season, and I cannot wait to continue my work with Bryam and to see him reach even greater heights in 2020,” said Lowry.

Bryam Rebellon has appeared for Locomotive 27 times this season, notching two goals, 53 interceptions, and boasted a 79 percent successful tackle rate. Rebellon was instrumental in the defensive efforts of El Paso and shutting down opposing team’s attack and routinely muted their most explosive players.

Omar Salgado was the very first player signed to the Locomotive roster and appeared in every match (38), the most of any player on the squad. The hometown kid, Salgado, scored three goals in Locomotive colors and provided the second most assists (seven) in the 2019 campaign. He proved himself to be one of the most difficult players in the league to face on the wing, showcasing his raw athleticism and strength on a consistent basis.

“It was enjoyable to watch Omar grow as the season went along. His all-around game, on both sides of the ball, evolved and developed as the season progressed. When he gets running with the ball, he is very exciting to watch and he is a very dangerous player for opposition defenses within the league,” commented Lowry on the club’s first signing.

Yuma appeared for El Paso 26 times this season and amassed a 90.6 percent passing accuracy. For the 2019 campaign, Yuma recorded 2 assists and 20 key passes as a midfielder and defender. He was a key component in the Loco’s defensive and possessive gameplay.

Lowry stated that “Yuma exemplifies what being a winner is all about. His desire to win, not only in games, but during training sessions, is such an important characteristic when trying to create a winning culture. He is another player with bags of experience and will play another pivotal role in our success next season.”

“Alexy showed glimpses of his quality during his short time here last season. He is a player we are excited about for 2020, someone we see with huge potential to make a real impact on the league. His playing background really fits the type of profile we want here at the club,” said Lowry. Alexy Bosetti joined Locomotive in mid-August by way of trade with OKC Energy FC. Since joining the Locos, Bosetti has scored two goals and proved to be another tool in the Lowry attack.

El Paso Locomotive’s Edson Partida will be returning to Toluca per his loan agreement which extended through the 2019 regular season. While with El Paso, Partida notched six goals across 15 appearances.

Partida was also awarded the number one play by Sports Center Top Ten in August for his bicycle kick stunner against Tacoma.

El Paso Locomotive is currently working on additional player announcements for the 2020 season and will announce the renewals and new signings once they are confirmed.

All aboard, year two is almost here! Season Ticket Memberships, Group Tickets, and Individual Match Tickets can be purchased online or by calling or texting 915-235-GOAL.

El Paso Locomotive FC put on a performance for the ages in front of 7,500 plus screaming Loco fans. Locomotive flattened Sacramento Republic 3-0 to punch their ticket to the Western Conference Final.

El Paso came out of the gate proving that they are a force to be reckoned with. The first goal of the match came off a free kick taken by James Kiffe. The curling ball found Josue Aaron Gomez in the box and Gomez finished it with class off a glancing header.

Locomotive kept the pace high and came out in the second half with a fire. Locos were awarded a penalty late in the second half and Sebastian Contreras stepped up to the spot. The Argentine took the kick and sent the keeper the wrong way.

When the ball hit the back of the net, Southwest University Park went into a state of euphoria.

Locomotive weren’t done there. The nail in the coffin goal came in the 88^th minute when Sebastian Velasquez continued to impress with his agility. Velasquez took on the Sacramento defense and came out on top.

Putting the ball to his favorite left foot, the seasoned professional sent a missile of a ball into the back of the net. The energy was contagious and at the final whistle, El Paso’s season would continue.

The Locos will travel to Salt Lake City to face Real Monarchs on Saturday, November 9^th at 1 p.m. In both of the regular-season meetings between the clubs, neither side has found a goal.

Locomotive continues their #Track2TheTrophy and an official watch party location will be announced shortly.

The single elimination tournament concludes on Sunday, November 17^th, at a time to be determined, where the last remaining team in the West and East play for the Championship Trophy.

Gallery by Andres ‘Ace’ Acosta – Chief Photographer – El Paso Herald Post

El Paso Locomotive FC move one point closer to clinching a position in the post-season after drawing Austin Bold FC 1-1 at home in front of 6,355 fans.

Andrew Forrest, General Manager, Business Operations, commented on the draw, “Great effort tonight by the players and the team for getting a point and inching closer to a playoff spot.  Our gameday atmosphere was incredible tonight and the fans brought the energy to Southwest University Park as usual.  We will be prepared for Portland and are ready to clinch at home next Tuesday.  We can’t wait to have our fans be there for this historic moment in our club’s history.”

El Paso sits in 8^th place in the West and have two matches left in the regular season to better their standing heading into post-season play.

Home playoff tickets are available now for Season Ticket Members by calling 915-235-GOAL from 8:30-5:30 M-F, or by accessing their MyTixx account.

Season Ticket Members will have the exclusive opportunity through Wednesday, October 16 at 11:59 PM to purchase their Season Seats for home playoff matches before those tickets are made available to the general public.

All other tickets will be on sale and available to the general public beginning October 10 at 9 p.m.

The potential El Paso Locomotive FC 2019 home Playoff schedule is as follows:

Play-in Round, if necessary: Wednesday, October 23 @ 7 pm

Western Conference Quarter-Final: Saturday, October 26 @ 7:30 pm

Western Conference Semi-Final: Saturday, November 2 @ 7:30 pm

Western Conference Final: Saturday, November 9 @ 7:30 pm

USL Championship Final: Date and Time to be determined by USL

The USL Championship Playoffs is a single-elimination format featuring the top 10 teams from both conferences. El Paso Locomotive FC is currently in 8th place in the Western Conference.

El Paso Locomotive FC play their final regular-season home match on Tuesday, October 15^th at 7:00 PM against Portland Timbers 2. Season Ticket Memberships, Group Tickets, and Individual Match Tickets are available and may be purchased online or by calling 915-235-GOAL

El Paso Locomotive FC defeated Sacramento Republic FC 2-1 on the road to gain a thundering three points and move deeper into securing a play-off position.

The match began with two weather delays that shifted the momentum and saw the Locos go down a goal early in the match. The rain wasn’t enough to stop this train.

El Paso’s first goal of the night came from defender Bryam Rebellon who finished a deflected ball off a Sacramento defender.

Rebellon hit a bouncing volley on his first touch and sent the ball booming into the back of the net, notching his second goal of the season.

El Paso’s winning goal came in the waning moments of the match when it seemed that things would end in a draw. The go-ahead goal was awarded to Aaron Gomez, his third in the last four matches.

After the four minutes of stoppage time were added, the elusive and calm attacker pounced on a poorly deflected clearance and gave his team and city the winning goal.

With this win, El Paso sits in ninth place, with three points separating them from fifth place. El Paso Locomotive FC plays their next match at home on Wednesday, October 2^nd against Fresno.

Season Ticket Memberships, Group Tickets, and Individual Match Tickets can be purchased online or by calling 915-235-GOAL.

With a playoff slot on the line, El Paso Locomotive had their route set Saturday night: defeat Colorado Springs Switchbacks.

And the Locomotive crew did not disappoint, winning 2-0, gaining three points and moving into play-off position.

“If we can get it right and replicate our first half from tonight across 90 minutes, then I don’t see a team that can beat us. Every game we are going for three points, at this stage we want to go all out for the win,” said Head Coach Mark Lowry.

The Locomotive possessed the ball 61 percent and completing 91 percent of their passes.

The first goal of the night came from defender Bryam Rebellon who finished a precision pass from James Kiffe (his third assist of the season). Rebellon trapped a cross, took a touch outside his body and then sent his left boot through the ball and into the back of the net.

El Paso’s final goal came in the waning moments of the match and from a newcomer to the squad. Alexy Bosetti joined El Paso just over a month ago and tonight was his first goal in Loco colors.

Omar Salgado went down the left flank untouched and found his teammate inside the Colorado box. Bosetti finished a bouncing volley on his first touch and sent Southwest University Park into a state of elation.

El Paso Locomotive FC plays their next match at home on Wednesday, October 2^nd against Fresno. Season Ticket Memberships, Group Tickets, and Individual Match Tickets can be purchased at online or by calling 915-235-GOAL.

Continuing with its community spirit, El Paso Locomotive FC and Novamex will honor local high school soccer stars as the “Jugadores Jarritos” during halftime of the Locomotive match against Colorado Springs Switchbacks on Sept. 21^st at Southwest University Park.

The Jugadores Jarritos are high school students who are standouts on and off the pitch. Spanning the city, from Canutillo High School to San Elizario High School, the all-stars were identified by their high school coaches and invited out to the Sept. 21^st Locomotive FC match, along with their families.

The Jugadores Jarritos will also receive a prize pack from Jarritos.

Kickoff for the match is 7:30 p.m., with gates opening at 6:30 p.m.

The 2019 Jugadores Jarritos are:

• Karla Campos – Bel Air HS
• Bianca Chacon – Franklin HS
• Juan Contreras – Bel Air HS
• Irvin Duran – Chapin HS
• Chondra Espino – Canutillo HS
• Victoria Fernandez – Franklin HS
• Karina Gallegos – San Elizario HS
• Alan Mendez – Canutillo HS
• Jose Olmos – Del Valle HS
• Jedrek Partoja – San Elizario HS
• Kevin Pena – Bel Air HS
• Yoshi Rubalcava – El Dorado HS
• Victor Unzueta – San Elizario HS
• Gabriel Valenzuela – Andress HS
• Kennedy Varela – Franklin HS

Also in attendance will be Luis Fernandez, Novamex CEO, Ramon Carrasco, Novamex COO, and Tomas DeLeon, CFO, who will join the honorees on-field.

El Paso Locomotive FC plays their next match at home on Saturday, September 21^st against Colorado Springs Switchbacks.

Season Ticket Memberships, Group Tickets, and Individual Match Tickets can be purchased online or by calling 915-235-GOAL

El Paso Locomotive FC unveils their fourth jersey which they will wear on Noche de Locos, September 4^th and on September 21^st.

The jersey pays homage to the colorful culture of our border city, taking design inspiration from Mexican folk art and capturing the Borderland’s essence.

“The inspiration for designing this jersey came from combining the traditional Mexican sugar skulls and the vibrant colors found in all corners of Mexico. Calaveritas, or sugar skulls, represent the Mexican folk art and symbolize honor for the spirits of our ancestors – which for Mexicans is a very unique and rich tradition,” commented Locomotive’s graphic designer and native of Juarez, Itzel Zambrano, who designed the jersey.

The colors of the Mexican flag adorn the collar and the “Locos” alternate logo sits inside the neckline. As your eyes move down the jersey, contrasting bright lines against a dark blue field makes the imagery pop off the fabric. This is truly a one of a kind design found nowhere else in the league.

El Paso Locomotive and BLK have never been ones to shy away from being bold when it comes to design, and this jersey is a testament to that. “The process was digging into my culture to accurately represent to the members of BLK how we celebrate the Mexican culture in our border city,” continued Zambrano. “Together, we were able to make this jersey a success. Design is about connection. The input I was able to provide translated to a more authentic design that helps our fans connect and feel the Mexican culture.”

Noche de Locos will run in tandem with Hispanic Heritage month which begins September 15^th and Día de la Independencia on September 16^th. The September 4^th match will feature Folklorico dancers and the first 1,000 fans through the door will get a “Noche de Locos” scarf.

A special limited run of these jerseys will be available for purchase in the Locomotive Team Shop starting at 10 a.m.

Fans will also be able to get their hands on the actual game jersey’s worn by Loco players by way of an auction whose funds will benefit the El Paso Locomotive FC Foundation. More details on the auction to come.

El Paso Locomotive FC plays their next match at home on Wednesday, September 4^th against Tulsa Roughnecks. Season Ticket Memberships, Group Tickets, and Individual Match Tickets can be purchased online or by calling 915-235-GOAL.

El Paso Locomotive FC will play their rescheduled match vs Portland Timbers 2 on Tuesday, October 15^th at 7 p.m. local time.

“We appreciate our friends in the Portland Timbers organization being flexible and easy to work with in regard to finding a makeup date that works for both teams in the wake of the terrible tragedy. We look forward to hosting them in our wonderful city on October 15^th,” commented Andrew Forrest General Manager, Business Operations.

Any fan who held a valid ticket for the August 3^rd match will be able to use their same physical/electronic ticket on October 15^th. If fans have any questions, they are encouraged to contact the Locomotive box office at 915-242-2060.

El Paso Locomotive FC plays their next match at home on Saturday, August 17^th against Tacoma Defiance.

Season Ticket Memberships, Group Tickets, and Individual Match Tickets can be purchased online or by calling 915-235-GOAL!

El Paso Locomotive FC continues their support of the development of the region’s youth soccer community by adding the Locomotive Futures Program to their youth soccer initiatives.

The Locomotive FC Futures Program is designed to deliver quality training and games to youth soccer players unlike any other program in the Borderland and will debut this fall.

“I’m excited about the programs we will offer this fall season,” said Bob Bigney, Locomotive FC Director of Youth Soccer.

“Continuing the Lil’ Locos and the Player Development Program and adding the Select Team Program and the Locomotive Futures Program, will allow Locomotive FC Youth Soccer to positively impact the youth soccer community. With the quality coaches on board now with Locomotive Youth Soccer (JC Garzon, Matt Williams, Memo McFarland), other coaches we will be adding to the staff, and the top local coaches; these programs will provide a quality experience to all players involved.”

Offered as a pool-based program, the Locomotive FC Futures Program will provide a player-centric environment, allowing players to be moved based on each player’s developmental needs, for training sessions and games.

There are no set teams or fixed rosters in this program, and it will be open for boys and girls born in 2010 and 2011 (u10/u9 soccer age group) for the fall season.

“Locomotive FC Youth Soccer will also continue to assist all local soccer groups through the Affiliate Club Program, through coach clinics and by working with the local leagues to help make youth soccer for all children a wonderful experience,” continued Bigney.

The 2019 fall soccer season will also see the return of the following Locomotive Youth Soccer programs from earlier this spring:

• Lil’ Locos (Children ages three to six)
• Player Development Program (Invite only developmental youth training, u11-u17)
• Select Program (Select teams assembled for tournaments and friendlies from athletes identified at PDP and other events)

For more information on El Paso Locomotive Youth Soccer programs, please visit the Youth Soccer page.

El Paso Locomotive FC plays their next match at home on Saturday, August 3^rd against Portland Timbers 2. Season Ticket Memberships, Group Tickets, and Individual Match Tickets can be purchased online or by calling 915-235-GOAL.

Wednesday night, El Paso Locomotive FC opened up their first of two games in a single week in front of 6,128 electric “Loco” fans, who also saw the first lightning delay in franchise history, postponing the match in the 49^th minute and causing a 30-minute delay of play.

Locomotive had to dig deep into their bench and field a different starting 11 than the club has played with over the last few weeks, playing tough in the 3-1 loss to San Antonio.

“The injuries right now are really hurting us. The performances aren’t the problem. No one is playing badly … Injuries are all adding up and taking their toll. We got in some great areas tonight offensively, just unlucky getting them to go into the back of the net,” said coach Mark Lowry.

Defender Andrew Fox notched his first career goal in Locomotive colors tonight in the 28^th minute. A deflected shot by Derek Gebhard sent the ball into traffic where Fox was waiting.

In an instant, he sent his left foot through it, finding the back of the San Antonio net to bring things level.

Newcomer, defender Moses Makinde also made his home debut tonight. El Paso tested the San Antonio goalkeeper on multiple occasions but couldn’t find the last one percent.

El Paso Locomotive FC plays their next match at home on Saturday, July 20^th against Real Monarchs. Season Ticket Memberships, Group Tickets, and Individual Match Tickets can be purchased online or by calling 915-235-GOAL

Gallery by Andres ‘Ace’ Acosta – Chief Photographer – El Paso Herald Post

El Paso Locomotive FC rallies for come from behind draw against Energy FC to pick up a point in their road campaign.

Homegrown hero, Louis “Chapa” Herrera has made himself a regular starter in the Locomotive lineup and continues to provide that spark on the pitch; Chapa’s Saturday night offensive proficiency led to the own goal by OKC.

Logan Ketterer came up big yet again for El Paso and saved his fourth penalty of the season which set up the El Paso counter attack.

Defender Andrew Fox received the ball near the midline and sent a booming through ball over the top of the Energy FC backline, finding Chapa who redirected the ball with his head and finished it off with a half-volley that caught an OKC defender, sending it into the net.

The contest would end in a 1-1 draw, closing El Paso’s third straight road match journey.

Locomotive sit in fourth place in the Western Conference.

El Paso Locomotive FC plays their next match at home on Wednesday, July 17^th against San Antonio FC. Season Ticket Memberships, Group Tickets, and Individual Match Tickets can be purchased online or by calling 915-235-GOAL.

El Paso Locomotive FC have acquired Tulsa Defender Moses Makinde via trade pending league and federation approval. Tulsa will acquire El Paso midfielder Calvin Rezende early this week.

“I want to thank Calvin for his service here and wish him nothing but the best at Tulsa. Moses is going to offer us much-needed depth to the back line that has been down to the bare bones this last couple of weeks. We look forward to integrating him into the group this week,” said Coach Mark Lowry.

The English-American defender was born in London and played his collegiate career with North Carolina State Wolfpack from 2010-2013, making 69 appearances and scoring twice.

Makinde has played in the United States, England, Germany, Romania and Sweden. Makinde made 21 appearances with Syrianska FC (Sweden) and that season the club was promoted to the second division in Swedish Football.

El Paso Locomotive FC plays their next match at home on Wednesday, July 17^th against San Antonio FC.

Season Ticket Memberships, Group Tickets, and Individual Match Tickets can be purchased online or by calling 915-235-GOAL.

El Paso’s nine-game unbeaten streak came to an end at the hands of Las Vegas, who came into this match after a thundering 5-1 victory over New Mexico United.

Locomotive saw a shift in the backline after losing three key performers due to injury but maintained 74 percent of the possession and only faced one shot on target.

“The guys did a great job in the second half. Edson did great when he came one. He got off some good shots and, on another day, those go in,” said Coach Mark Lowry.

El Paso Locomotive FC packed Southwest University Park with 8,117 fans, resulting in the second largest crowd in franchise history behind their historic home opener on March 9^th.

The energy and buzz in the stadium carried the cheers of the fans into the El Paso night as Locomotive battled for 90-minutes.

El Paso Locomotive FC plays their next three matches on the road and they return home on Wednesday, July 17^th to face San Antonio.

Season Ticket Memberships, Group Tickets, and Individual Match Tickets can be purchased at https://www.eplocomotivefc.com/ticket or by calling 915-235-GOAL

Gallery by Andres ‘Ace’ Acosta – Chief Photographer – El Paso Herald Post

El Paso Locomotive FC extended their undefeated streak to nine straight league matches with the win against Tulsa Roughnecks FC.

USL Player of the Month Jerome Kiesewetter asserted his dominance and scored his tenth goal of the season putting him in a first-place tie for goals scored across the league while playing four games less than the rest of the field.

Sebastian Contreras showed his grit and professionalism Saturday night; scoring the first goal and drawing the penalty in the second half.

Omar Salgado once again dominated in his new position on the wing, leading to the first goal.

In the 37th minute, Salgado was unstoppable on the wing and took the ball deep into the Tulsa box, sending a perfectly placed cross that Contreras was able to convert.

The goal to break Tulsa came in the 67th minute when Contreras outclassed and out dribbled two Tulsa defenders who would have no other choice but to put him down in the box.

Who else but Kiesewetter would step up to take the penalty?

In calculating and clinical fashion, the German-American converted from the spot by sending a booming shot into the upper 90. El Paso would close the night with a big win and three points on the road boosting them up the rankings.

El Paso Locomotive FC plays their next match at home on Saturday, June 22^nd against Las Vegas. Season Ticket Memberships, Group Tickets, and Individual Match Tickets can be purchased at online or by calling 915-235-GOAL.