Tag Archives: el paso locomotive FC

El Paso Locomotive FC saw three players make their first start for the club, Forward Jerome Kiesewetter, Midfielder Calvin Rezende, and Defender Daniel Navarro. Injuries earlier in the week led to shifts in the El Paso lineup, most notably in the defensive back.

Phoenix Rising FC took an early lead when Locomotive Goal Keeper Logan Ketterer tripped leaving a wide-open net. Ketterer recovered and came up with three massive saves to keep the score to one and to send the game into halftime.  Locomotive closed out the first half exhibiting a passing accuracy of 86 percent and maintaining possession 59.6 percent of the half.

Locomotive came out in the second half looking for the equalizer, constantly pressing and testing the Phoenix backline. At the end of 90 minutes, Locomotive played their brand of football well with high periods of possession and consistent passing accuracy. Phoenix would find the net once more to close the game 2-0.

Kiesewetter commented on his first match as a Locomotive attacker, “It was good to get the 90 minutes in. We need to work on our rhythm a bit and it will all come together.” He would end the night with two shots.

“We had four players out with injury. Kiesewetter came in and played his first game in six to eight months,” said Head Coach Mark Lowry. “The buildup play was unbelievable. Phoenix is one of the best teams in the league year after year, I thought we controlled the game well. The guys showed great resilience and great mental strength to stay in the game.”

El Paso Locomotive FC plays their next match at home on Saturday, April 27^th against Reno 1868 FC.  Season Ticket Memberships, Group Tickets, and Individual Match Tickets can be purchased at online or by calling 915-235-GOAL!

On Tuesday, El Paso Locomotive FC announced the signing of top-flight German-born American Forward Jerome Kiesewetter, pending league and federation approval.

Kiesewetter was born in Berlin, Germany and has played with multiple teams in the Bundesliga, the highest division of German soccer.

Head Coach Mark Lowry said, “I would like to thank our ownership group and management for giving us the opportunity to bring in a player of Jerome’s caliber. He is a player that is going to fit in perfectly with the attacking talent we already have at the club. His experience in Germany and at the International level with the U.S. gives an idea of the type of quality we want here and the desire we all have to make El Paso Locomotive FC an entertaining, attacking, winning team.”

His resume includes stints with Hertha BSC II, VfB Stuttgart and Fortuna Düsseldorf. In the 2017-2018 season, Kiesewetter and Fortuna Düsseldorf won the 2. Bundesliga Championship.

Along with his esteemed club career, Kiesewetter has been an active member of the United States National Team since 2011. He has made over 30 appearances on the United States U18, U20, U23 and Senior squad, while netting eight goals across his national career. Kiesewetter will be a key member of the Locomotive attack.

El Paso Locomotive FC plays their next match at home on Saturday, April 13^th against Phoenix Rising FC.  Season Ticket Memberships, Group Tickets, and Individual Match Tickets can be purchased online or by calling 915-235-GOAL!

Saturday night, El Paso Locomotive FC won their first match in the franchise’s history at home. At the end of 90 minutes, El Paso came out with a dominating 2-0 victory over Orange County SC.

In the first half, El Paso Locomotive FC sent three shots at the Orange County keeper, took five corner kicks and maintained an 81.8 percent passing rate.

El Paso was knocking at the door of OC, looking for the magic moment and keeping the pressure high. In the 41st minute, midfielder Edson Partida took to the pitch and closed out the half completing 100 percent of his passes.

As soon as the whistle blew, El Paso Locomotive came onto the pitch in the second half with the same intensity as the first with multiple chances created. Salgado hammered down on the Orange County right line and was getting looks on goal, hungry to add a point to his name.

In the 64th minute, El Paso took the lead when Salgado’s shot on goal was deflected, and Partida scooped it up and sent it into the back of the net. Partida wasn’t finished there, in the 88th minute with a perfectly placed assist from Sebastian Contreras, Partida collected the ball at the top of the box and took a few touches in before sending it home and running over to celebrate with the 8th Notch (El Paso Locomotive FC supporter group) who were electric.

“I am really happy we were able to give this win to the city of El Paso; it feels amazing. It is what I have been wishing for since I signed here to play for my hometown,” said Salgado.

“Getting the first win in history feels great and getting it at home feels even better. We are going to continue to work hard and push for more,” said Partida who was also named Estrella of the Match.

El Paso Locomotive FC plays their next match at home on Saturday, April 13th against Phoenix Rising FC.  Season Ticket Memberships, Group Tickets, and Individual Match Tickets can be purchased online or by calling 915-235-GOAL!

Photo gallery by Johnny Yturales, Staff Photographer, El Paso Herald Post

El Paso Locomotive FC announces their gameday collectible poster series that will be designed by prominent local artists. El Paso has an ever-growing art scene that has fostered great talents and this intermingling of art and soccer looks to continue that growth.

“I was so excited when El Paso Locomotive reached out about this project. Art and soccer are connected in so many ways. Like the beautiful game, a piece of art changes and grows while it is being created,” said Gabaldon. “I think that is why I love the game so much. Despite the team shape and tactics, victory often comes down to that little spark or moment of unpredictable creativity.”

The first art-centric poster that fans can get their hands on will be at tomorrow’s match versus intrastate rival, Rio Grande Valley FC, and has been designed by Patrick Gabaldon.

Gates open at 6 p.m. and the first 2,500 fans in the door will receive their collectible poster.

Gabaldon was born and raised in El Paso and his art can be seen throughout the city. Featured in restaurants, art galleries, and the El Paso International Airport amongst others. His work is categorized by his bold use of color and bright tones that illuminate the cross-border culture of the city.

Gabaldon has also produced portraits of notable El Pasoans and pop culture icons alike.

Other local artists designing upcoming gameday posters include Christin Apodaca and Jesus “Cimi” Alvarado. Apodaca is most famous for her distinct style of black and white line work design that often includes portraits with added elements of style to introduce a geometric shift break. She also painted the “Locos” logo in front of fans at the alternate brand unveil.

This piece now lives inside Southwest University Park beside the Locomotive Team Shop entrance.

Alvarado is an El Paso native and has been heavily involved with public art projects and community involvement. His ongoing education program includes two full-scale murals made in conjunction with students from the El Paso Juvenile Detention Center and two large murals showcasing the history of the city. His work has been featured in shows in Buenos Aires, Mexico City, El Paso Museum of Art, and in our sister city, Ciudad Juarez.

El Paso Locomotive FC unveils the Lil’ Locos Program, another component of their youth soccer offerings, that kicks off this spring.

The 2019 Lil’ Locos Program offers young children an introduction to the sport in a safe, age-appropriate and fun environment.

The spring program will be for boys and girls who were born in 2013, 2014 and 2015 (children ages three to six). Lil’ Locos will offer developmentally appropriate practice sessions where children learn about soccer and practice social skills, with an emphasis on fun.

Sessions will be held throughout April and May at various locations in the city, serving families in all corners of El Paso.

At the helm of the Locomotive youth soccer programming is Bob Bigney, Director of Soccer Operations. Bigney has over 30 years’ experience in coaching, holding his US Soccer “A” License, the National Youth License, and is a certified instructor for US Soccer.

In addition, he is a licensed elementary school teacher having worked as a 4th-grade teacher in Las Cruces and an elementary school PE teacher in Virginia and New Mexico. Bigney has also served as the Technical Director for the New Mexico Youth Soccer Association and the Director of Coaching Education for the Oregon Youth Soccer Association.

“The objective of Locomotive FC Youth Soccer is to enhance the quality and scope of youth soccer opportunities in El Paso and surrounding areas,” stated Bigney.

“The Lil’ Locos Program is not team-based and will offer these young children a wonderful first soccer experience. It’s not about winning championships at this young age; but rather learning soccer skills and having fun with friends in a healthy, encouraging environment.”

More information on the Lil’ Locos Program, and other Locomotive FC youth soccer programs and events, is available on the Locomotive FC website.

Tuesday morning, officials with El Paso Locomotive FC announced that defender Mechack Jérôme had received an international call up to represent Haiti in a match against Cuba on March 24^th.

Head Coach Mark Lowry said, “It’s always an honor for a player to represent their country. We send Mechack with our best wishes for a successful camp with Haiti, and hope he returns next week healthy.”

The match is part of the CONCACAF Nations League Qualifying and will be played in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.  Jérôme will miss the upcoming match against Rio Grande Valley FC on March 23^rd.

The Haitian defender has started in both matches for El Paso Locomotive in their inaugural 2019 USL Championship season. Across both matches, Jérôme has amassed a passing accuracy rate of 83.4 percent, six clearances, and two shots on target.

Jérôme has a decorated international career under his belt already. He played for Haiti at the 2007 CONCACAF U-17 Tournament and the 2007 FIFA U-17 World Cup.

Jérôme made his senior career debut in 2008, where he was a member of the squad that competed in the 2008 Caribbean Championship. He was an integral component in helping Haiti qualify for the 2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup as well. In his time representing Haiti, Jérôme has netted three goals and made 62 appearances for his country.

Currently, Haiti rests in second place in the CONCACAF Nations League Qualifying standings.

Good tickets remain for upcoming matches including this Saturday, March 23^rd versus regional rival Rio Grande Valley FC and Saturday, March 30^th against Orange County SC. Season Ticket Memberships, Group Tickets, and Individual Match Tickets can be purchased online or by calling 915-235-GOAL

With much fan-fare and colorful anticipation, the gates to Southwest University Park were opened to a sold-out crowd for the first-ever home match of the El Paso Locomotive.

While the Locomotive lost the match 3-1 against OKC Energy FC, fans finally got a chance to root for their home team.

Among the sold-out crowd was our very own Andres ‘Ace’ Acosta, and we bring you his view of the match in this ‘Story in Many Pictures’

El Paso Locomotive FC announced Thursday that Saturday’s historic inaugural home opener versus Oklahoma City Energy FC is sold out.

“Selling out Southwest University Park is nothing short of amazing, but not at all unexpected,” said General Manager, Business Operations Andrew Forrest. “We knew that when professional soccer was launched in this market that it would be a smashing success and the community has responded beautifully and proven us right. This match will be remembered forever in El Paso history and the people of this city are what made this sell out happen!” 

The game will be televised locally on the El Paso-Las Cruces CW as part of a partnership with KVIA ABC7. Kick-off is slated for 7:35 p.m.

Good tickets remain for upcoming matches on Saturday, March 23rd vs. intrastate rival Rio Grande Valley FC and the Saturday, March 30th match against Orange County SC.

The March 30th match will be accompanied by a promotional mini soccer ball giveaway for the first 1,500 fans who enter the stadium.

The CW is available to everyone in the El Paso/Las Cruces region on 7.2 over the air. Viewers can also watch the game on Spectrum channel 13, Comcast Cable channel 388, Direct TV and Dish Network on channels 8 and 17, respectively, and on AT&T U-verse channel 19. Fans can also catch the action on ESPN+.

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

On Tuesday, El Paso Locomotive FC today announced they have reached agreement with KVIA and the El Paso – Las Cruces CW to broadcast all Saturday and Sunday home matches in their inaugural USL Championship season.

The broadcast team will be comprised of Duke Keith and Michael Balogun.

Keith has been an 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.

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.

El Paso Locomotive FC 2019 Home Match Live Broadcast Schedule

March 09    OKC Energy FC                                   7:30 PM
March 23    Rio Grande Valley FC                        7:30 PM
March 30    Orange County SC                             7:30 PM
April 13       Phoenix Rising FC                              7:30 PM
April 27       Reno 1868 FC                                     7:30 PM
May 12       New Mexico United                           6:00 PM
May 18       Sacramento Republic FC                   7:30 PM
June 08      LA Galaxy II                                           7:30 PM
June 22      Las Vegas Lights FC                             7:30 PM
July 20       Real Monarchs SLC                              7:30 PM
August 03  Portland Timbers 2                             7:30 PM
August 17  Tacoma Defiance                                7:30 PM
September 21  Co. Springs Switchbacks FC        7:30 PM

Alan Ledford, MountainStar Sports Group and Locomotive President said “For those unable to be at Southwest University Park for a weekend Locomotive match, this provides an opportunity to see your local professional team in action and to get to know Locomotive players who come to El Paso from eleven (11) different countries.  We’re proud to be working with KVIA and El Paso-Las Cruces CW to make this possible.”

KVIA-TV General Manager Kevin Lovell said, “We are elated to partner with the Locomotive to provide viewers with a quality broadcast of all 12 Saturday and one Sunday home game this season. If you can’t get to the games at Southwest University Park, they will be carried on the El Paso – Las Cruces CW. The CW network is available over-the-air and on all major cable and satellite outlets in the El Paso and Las Cruces TV market.”

The 12 Saturday and one Sunday Locomotive matches will air live on El Paso – Las Cruces CW channels 13 (Spectrum), 388 (Comcast), 8 (DirecTV), 17 (Dish), 19 (AT&T).  The El Paso – Las Cruces CW is available to everyone in the El Paso and Las Cruces region on 7.2 over the air.

The United Soccer League (USL) and ESPN announced Thursday the full 2019 schedule for the USL Championship Game of the Week, and the newly-minted El Paso Locomotive snagged four telecasts.

The schedule features more must-see games airing across ESPN’s linear networks than ever before, with eight contests set to air on national television over the course of the regular season, as well as an additional 14 to stream digitally on ESPN3.

In what is set to be the biggest season in league history, 26 teams from across the Championship will feature on national broadcasts, including five of the league’s seven expansion sides.

2019 El Paso Locomotive FC USL Championship Game of the Week on ESPN Schedule 

June 26 – San Antonio FC vs. El Paso Locomotive FC, 8:30 p.m. ET, ESPNews
July 31 – New Mexico United vs. El Paso Locomotive FC, 9 p.m. ET, ESPN3
Oct. 2 – El Paso Locomotive FC vs. Fresno FC, 9 p.m. ET, ESPN3
Oct. 19/20 – Match To Be Decided, ESPN3

“We’re very pleased to see so many of our clubs getting exposure on the national stage,” said USL CEO, Alec Papadakis. “Our partnership with ESPN is elevating our league to new heights, and we could not be happier with its ability to bring our league to soccer fans across the United States.”

On the heels of the 2018 USL Cup, which aired for the first time on ESPN2 and in 50+ countries world-wide, Eastern Conference contenders Nashville SC and the Tampa Bay Rowdies will meet in the Championship’s first nationally-televised regular-season contest at First Tennessee Park on May 8.

ESPNews will serve as the home for the remaining seven linear broadcasts in 2019, kicking off with a clash between expansion side Memphis 901 FC and ATL UTD 2 at AutoZone Park on Wednesday, April 10.

Other exciting matches to feature on the network include a visit to Toyota Field for a Texas Derby when San Antonio FC hosts El Paso Locomotive FC on June 26, as well as a meeting between Sacramento Republic FC and the Eric Wynalda-led Las Vegas Lights FC at Papa Murphy’s Park on August 7.

The nationally televised eight-game slate will conclude with a clash between newcomers Hartford Athletic and Birmingham Legion FC at historic Dillon Stadium on October 9 in a game that could determine the playoff fate for both the Eastern Conference newcomers.

The USL Championship Game of the Week package will kick off on ESPN3 in March when newcomer New Mexico United welcomes Tulsa Roughnecks FC to Isotopes Park on March 20.

Four weeks later, we’ll pay a first visit to Bold Stadium to see Austin Bold FC as it takes on 2018 USL Cup finalist Phoenix Rising FC on April 17, before fans head north for the first of two trips in 2019 to Slugger Field where back-to-back USL Cup champion Louisville City FC hosts Memphis 901 FC on the final day of the month.

The package wraps up on the final weekend of the regular season with a matchup that will be selected at a later date as the final places in the 2019 USL Cup Playoffs are decided.

In addition to having the USL Championship Game of the Week on ESPN3, ESPNews and ESPN2, the league’s regular-season contests will be available in the United States through ESPN+, where the league will reside alongside USL League One, Serie A, Major League Soccer, the English Football League and UEFA Nations League, as well as numerous other competitions from around the world.

For the fourth consecutive year, every game will be produced by USL Productions, the league’s state-of-the-art broadcast production and distribution facilities established in partnership with VISTA Worldlink in south Florida.

Over the course of 2019, USL Productions will produce and distribute more than 700 matches and more than 1,500 hours of original content to national partners and local affiliates across the USL Championship and USL League One seasons. 

The historic inaugural home opener takes place on Saturday, March 9^th against OKC Energy FC! Season Ticket Memberships, Group Tickets, and Individual Match Tickets can be purchased online or by calling 915-235-GOAL

Over the weekend, El Paso Locomotive FC and San Antonio FC fought to a draw in a preseason match in the Alamo City.

This budding Texas rivalry planted its early seeds. In a modified preseason format, the match consisted of a 45-minute period, a 30-minute period, and another 45-minute “mini game.”

This restructured format, especially in regard to the mini game, let El Paso Locomotive FC get the entirety of the squad on board.  “All the guys got good minutes tonight and experience, which is important moving forward,” Said Head Coach Mark Lowry.

El Paso Locomotive came out swinging and looked to maintain and implement the high possession gameplay they exhibited this preseason.

With a few good looks on frame in the first half, one of the closest opportunities came off a bicycle kick by defender James Kiffe that kissed the cross bar. El Paso showed creativity in their attack and most importantly showed strength in their defense. Goalkeeper Logan Ketterer stepped up and showcased his pedigree, coming up with four massive saves to keep the sheet clean.

After 45 minutes, the sides remained scoreless and moved to the next period of play, scheduled for 30 minutes. In both halves, each side of the field saw action, with EP Locomotive and San Antonio FC fighting for the chance to take the lead.

After the final whistle, the game moved into what was labeled, a “mini game” that lasted 45 minutes and saw members of the Locomotive squad that shared common threads. The three local players, forward Omar Salgado, and midfielders Louis “Chapa” Herrera and Memo Diaz all saw the pitch together under the lights of Toyota Field.

“I am very happy with how the team competed, it was a great exercise for both teams and I am very pleased with how our team has progressed,” said Lowry after the 0-0 draw against Western Conference foe San Antonio FC.

El Paso Locomotive will play one final preseason match against OKC Energy FC in Tucson, Arizona on March 2^nd.

The historic inaugural home opener takes place on Saturday, March 9^th against OKC Energy FC! Season Ticket Memberships, Group Tickets, and Individual Match Tickets can be purchased online or by calling 915-235-GOAL!

On Thursday, El Paso Locomotive FC officials announced the signing of local talent, midfielder Guillermo “Memo” Diaz.

Diaz was born and raised in Gadsden, New Mexico and played his youth soccer career in El Paso. He attended Gadsden High School, and while playing for the Panthers, was named the 2013-14 Gatorade New Mexico Boys Soccer Player of the Year after scoring 73 points off 27 goals and 19 assists.

“When I got into the office and was offered a contract I felt very thankful to the club and to coach Mark Lowry for giving me this amazing opportunity,” said Diaz. “Getting to play for the professional team in your hometown is every kid’s dream.”

Diaz attended Yavapai Junior College in Arizona where he was a member of the highly competitive Roughriders soccer team. He was an NSCAA and NJCAA All-Region selection and helped the Roughriders to a top-five national finish.

Diaz then transferred to UNLV for his final two years of eligibility for the 2016 and 2017 season. In the 2016 season, Diaz started in 22 matches and was fifth in scoring for the UNLV Rebels. Diaz also spent time in the National Pro Soccer League with Laredo Heat, where he piqued the interest of the Locomotive coaching staff.

He received an offer to participate in the invitational tryout and was extended an opportunity to train with the team during preseason. Diaz impressed the coaching staff during training and in matches during the preseason schedule.

Diaz is now the second trialist to receive an offer in preseason along with English goalkeeper Jermaine Fordah. He is the third local player to make the Locomotive squad, joining forward Omar Salgado and midfielder Louis “Chapa” Herrera.

The historic inaugural home opener takes place on Saturday, March 9th against OKC Energy FC! Season Ticket Memberships, Group Tickets, and Individual Match Tickets can be purchased online or by calling 915-235-GOAL

El Paso Locomotive FC and FC Juarez competed in a friendly match yesterday at Estadio Olimpico Benito Juarez.

The match served as a test for both sides, with El Paso Locomotive inching closer to the start of their historic inaugural season and the Bravos fielding a team of U-23 and first team players.

From the moments before the match started to the final whistle, a sense of unity and connection hung heavy in the stadium.

High-possession and creativity in their passing led to the first goal of the match for El Paso Locomotive FC. Left-back James Kiffe netted a goal in the 24th minute after receiving a pinpoint pass from midfielder Calvin Rezende.

The Bravos tied the match in the 37th minute with a shot by Aaron Gomez to bring score level going into half time. After a foul on the edge of the box, center midfielder Sebastian Contreras stepped up to take a free kick in the 66th minute. Contreras placed it just over the wall and tucked it neatly underneath the crossbar to put Locomotive up 1.

El Paso was able to hold onto the lead through heavy possession and the ability to play the ball out of the back. Contreras stepped up once again in the 80th minute with a cross into the box that resulted in a thundering header from forward Omar Salgado into the back of the net.

After the final whistle, the score was El Paso Locomotive FC 3 and FC Juarez 1.

“This game was exactly what we wanted and expected from a Mark Lowry coached team, heavy possession and passing with a purpose,” said General Manager, Business Operations Andrew Forrest. “To see the maturation of the team to reflect Mark’s style is incredible in just a few short weeks. Mark was not lying when he said we would play entertaining, possession-based football and to see it on full display was encouraging and something fans will not want to miss out on March 9th at Southwest University Park.”

El Paso Locomotive FC is currently 4-1 in their preseason run and still have three matches left before they kick off their inaugural USL Championship season on March 9th.

This Saturday they will face FC Grande (closed to the public), before wrapping up their preseason schedule with two away matches, against San Antonio FC and OKC Energy FC in Tucson, Arizona.

The historic inaugural home opener takes place on Saturday, March 9th against OKC Energy FC! Season Ticket Memberships, Group Tickets, and Individual Match Tickets can be purchased online or by calling 915-235-GOAL.

El Paso Locomotive FC began their preseason schedule Saturday, January 26^th with a match against Texas United (USL League Two.)

The Locomotive won 3-1 and while the preseason home matches aren’t open to the public, fans can be ready for the inaugural home opener on Saturday, March 9^th against OKC Energy FC, by purchasing Season Ticket Memberships, Group Tickets, and Individual Match Tickets online or by calling 915-235-GOAL.

Our very own Andres ‘Ace’ Acosta was there to capture all the action via the gallery below.