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 Herald-Post El Paso News & Opinion
