Tag Archives: el paso locomotive

TAMPA – The United Soccer League announced on Monday the home openers for all 35 clubs in the USL Championship, with the league’s 10^th anniversary season set to kick off on Friday, March 6.

The 2020 campaign opens with a Friday doubleheader that will feature three teams that reached the postseason in the Western Conference last season, with Orange County SC set to host El Paso Locomotive FC in the opening game at Championship Stadium in California before Tacoma Defiance takes on Reno 1868 FC at Cheney Stadium.

“Coming off the success of our inaugural season we are thrilled to open our home campaign on March 14th against Portland Timbers 2. We opened up last season at home in front of an electric sold-out crowd and showed the nation that we are a soccer city. Coupled with the high-level team Coach Mark Lowry has been putting together this off-season and our loyal fanbase, we know that Southwest University Park will be the place to be on March 14th as we begin our Quest for the West,” said General Manager, Business Operations Andrew Forrest.

The first Saturday of the season contains plenty to watch for, too, with perennial playoff contenders North Carolina FC hosting Louisville City FC and the New York Red Bulls II hosting the Tampa Bay Rowdies.

In the Western Conference, Real Monarchs SLC will open its title defense on the road against San Antonio FC, while two sides that reached the postseason in their inaugural seasons will kick off their second campaigns when Austin Bold FC hosts New Mexico United.

The weekend’s marquee matchup arrives late on Saturday night when expansion side San Diego Loyal SC, led by Landon Donovan, hosts Las Vegas Lights FC and Head Coach Eric Wynalda as the former U.S. Men’s National Team legends square off on the sidelines for the first time.

Other notable home openers include the first game at home for defending champion Real Monarchs SLC, which welcomes 2019 Regular Season Title-Winner Phoenix Rising FC to Zions Bank Stadium on Saturday, March 14, while Miami FC and the Tampa Bay Rowdies will meet for the first time in the USL Championship on Friday, March 13 at Riccardo Silva Stadium.

Louisville City FC will be the visitor for two early 2019 Eastern Conference playoff rematches as it visits Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC on Saturday, March 21 at Highmark Stadium and then takes on Indy Eleven on April 4 at Lucas Oil Stadium.

The two-time champion will then open its new 11,700-seat Lynn Family Stadium on Saturday, April 11 as it plays host to Birmingham Legion FC, kicking off a new era for the club as it aims to reach the USL Championship Final for an unprecedented fourth consecutive season.

2020 USL Championship Home Openers

March 6
Orange County SC vs. El Paso Locomotive FC
Tacoma Defiance vs. Reno 1868 FC

March 7
Austin Bold FC vs. New Mexico United
Memphis 901 FC vs. Indy Eleven
New York Red Bulls II vs. Tampa Bay Rowdies
North Carolina FC vs. Louisville City FC
OKC Energy FC vs. Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC
Philadelphia Union II vs. Loudoun United FC
Phoenix Rising FC vs. Portland Timbers 2

Sacramento Republic FC vs. FC Tulsa
Saint Louis FC vs. Miami FC
San Antonio FC vs. Real Monarchs SLC
San Diego Loyal SC vs. Las Vegas Lights FC

March 8
ATL UTD 2 vs. Charleston Battery
Rio Grande Valley FC vs. LA Galaxy II
Sporting Kansas City II vs. Charlotte Independence

March 13
LA Galaxy II vs. Austin Bold FC
Miami FC vs. Tampa Bay Rowdies

March 14
Charlotte Independence vs. Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC
Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC vs. San Antonio FC
El Paso Locomotive FC vs. Portland Timbers 2
FC Tulsa vs. New Mexico United
Las Vegas Lights FC vs. Sacramento Republic FC
Real Monarchs SLC vs. Phoenix Rising FC
Reno 1868 FC vs. OKC Energy FC

March 15
Birmingham Legion FC vs. Charleston Battery

March 21
Hartford Athletic vs. Charleston Battery
New Mexico United vs. El Paso Locomotive FC

Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC vs. Louisville City FC
Tampa Bay Rowdies vs. North Carolina FC

March 22
Portland Timbers 2 vs. Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC

March 28
Charleston Battery vs. Philadelphia Union II

April 4
Indy Eleven vs. Louisville City FC
April 11
Louisville City FC vs. Birmingham Legion FC

May 6
Loudoun United FC vs. Charlotte Independence

El Paso Locomotive FC has added goal scorer Marios Lomis pending league and federation approval.

Lomis played his youth and the beginnings of his professional career in the highly esteemed Dutch football system. He made the move to the United States to play for Creighton University, where he spent one year before leaving to begin his professional career in the United States.

“Marios is a proven goal scorer in the USL and has been a top striker the past 2 years in the Eastern Conference. Last season, he scored 6 goals in the first 7 games of the season, before an unfortunate injury curtailed his progress. He is 6’2, a good target man with fantastic movement inside the box and a great work ethic defensively. He gives us a great goal scoring threat on the field and the right mentality off it to improve the group in various ways,” said Head Coach Mark Lowry.

Lomis signed with USL Championship’s North Carolina FC (NCFC), where he spent the 2018 and 2019 season. In his first season with NCFC, Lomis recorded 896 minutes in 23 USL matches, while scoring five goals and adding two assists. He also had a strong U.S. Open Cup campaign, where he added three goals and one assist.

In the 2019 season, Lomis appeared for NCFC 14 times and scored seven goals. Joining Locomotive, he will bring firepower to bolster the attack.

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 and KVIA-TV, local ABC affiliate, continue their partnership and dedication to the community by airing the USL Western Conference Final this Saturday on local television.

This broadcast will allow for all fans in the El Paso – Las Cruces area to tune in and support the Locos in their historic playoff run. Locomotive has one goal in mind; to bring a professional soccer championship to the city.

The fan favorites and familiar voices of Duke Keith and Michael Balogun will be calling the game from the booth.

Fans are also encouraged to join in at one of two Official Watch Parties this Saturday at 1 p.m. The Palomino Tavern and Cabo Joe’s will be offering fans food and drink specials during the match, providing El Paso two locations to come together and cheer on the Locos.

“KVIA-TV is honored to broadcast the Locomotive Western Conference final from Salt Lake City on the El Paso – Las Cruces CW.  The first-year team’s success is nothing short of phenomenal.  El Paso is one of only four teams remaining in the 36-team United Soccer League.  We wish the Locomotive all the best in their quest for a championship,” commented Kevin Lovell, KVIA-TV General Manager.

Locomotive and Real Monarchs have met twice in the regular season, with both matches ending in hard-fought 0-0 draws. This Saturday, at 1 p.m. MT, they face off again in the Western Conference Final.

Only one team can move on to the USL Championship final on November 17^th, where the West and East battle for the trophy.

Fans can tune in to all the action on the following channels; On Air 7.2, Time Warner Cable 13, Comcast 14, DirecTV 8, Dish Network 17, and AT&T U-verse 19.

El Paso Locomotive players, coaching staff, and management held a news conference Wednesday to talk about the team’s remarkable season and the upcoming playoff game.

Locomotive will host the USL Championship Semi-Final on Saturday, November 2nd against Sacramento Republic FC at 7:30 p.m.

Some standout milestones for the El Paso club include:

Locomotive is one of eight teams remaining in the postseason out of 36 total teams in the league.
Only expansion team in this stage of the postseason.
Only expansion team to host a conference semifinal.
Least goals against in the league.
Locomotive have defeated Sacramento in both regular-season meetings.
First-year club, first-year Head Coach (USL Championship), and first-year General Manager.

El Paso Locomotive FC put on a clinical performance to earn their spot in the postseason with the 4-1 win over Portland Timbers 2

The Locos defeated Timbers 2, in what was their largest margin of victory, most goals scored, and fastest goal in club history.

Locomotive have made history in their inaugural season as the first expansion club to earn their place in the 2019 postseason.

The action kicked off in the 4^th minute when Sebastian Velasquez dribbled past three Portland defenders, showcasing his agility and creativity on the ball, and then hammered the ball into the back of the net.

The four-minute goal has earned the honor of fastest goal in club history. The records weren’t finished yet. El Paso’s 4-1 win also grabbed them their largest margin of victory and the most goals scored in a single match, and the first expansion side to clinch a playoff berth.

El Paso’s second goal of the match came from Nick Ross who received a precision throw-in from James Kiffe. Ross took a few touches and finished the goal with clean professionalism.

The Loco’s third and fourth goal both came from Josue Aaron Gomez (his second brace of the year). When the final whistle blew, Southwest University Park was sent into a state of mania that carried into the El Paso night.

Locomotive have one regular-season match remaining and take to the road on Saturday to face off against LA Galaxy II to better their standing in the postseason.

El Paso have the possibility of finishing between fourth and eighth place, with the chance of hosting a home playoff match in their inaugural season.

El Paso now sits in 6th in the West and have one match left in the regular season. Home playoff tickets are available now for Season Ticket Members by calling 915-235-GOAL from 8:30-5:30 M-F and go on sale to the general public on Wednesday, October 16th.

Playoff tickets can be purchased at the Locomotive Box Office or by visiting the Locomotive website.

El Paso Locomotive FC has scored a goal for Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso (TTUHSC El Paso) as a single scholarship sponsor of the Paul L. Foster School of Medicine’s 10-year anniversary celebration.

The soccer team raised funds by auctioning special-edition “Noche de Locos” jerseys, worn by players during the Sept. 21 match against the Colorado Springs Switchbacks.

The gift of $4,000 will support a scholarship fund for Foster School of Medicine students.

“We are thrilled to provide the medical school with a donation that will help prepare the next generation of medical professionals to serve this great community,” said Andrew Forrest, El Paso Locomotive FC’s general manager, business operations. “Our partnership with Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso continues to be collaborative and innovative in its approach to provide the highest level of care for not only our players, but the El Paso region.”

Texas Tech Physicians of El Paso (TTP El Paso), the medical practice of TTUHSC El Paso, was named the official team health care provider for El Paso Locomotive FC this past spring.

TTP El Paso’s sports medicine and orthopaedic physicians provide triage and preliminary evaluation of medical or orthopaedic injuries at Locomotive home games. TTP El Paso also provides physicals and outpatient/inpatient medical services for Locomotive athletes.

TTUHSC El Paso’s “Red Tie Affair For A White Coat Occasion” event will be held on Friday, Feb. 28, 2020, in celebration of the Foster School of Medicine’s 10-year anniversary. The school opened its doors to an inaugural class of 40 students in 2009. Since then, more than 400 students have graduated and continued their medical careers locally and across the nation.

All event proceeds will go toward medical student scholarships.

The Foster School of Medicine recruits students from El Paso and across West Texas, with a mission of improving access to quality health care in the Borderland. The scholarships will assist students from El Paso and students who have returned to the Sun City to attend the Foster School of Medicine after completing their undergraduate studies elsewhere.

For information on the “Red Tie Affair For A White Coat Occasion” celebration, visit the 10-year anniversary website. Also on the site is an opportunity for alumni of the Foster School of Medicine to share memories and experiences during their time as medical students.

Wednesday night, El Paso Locomotive toppled the number two team in the West, Fresno FC and continue their #Push4Playoff campaign in heroic fashion.

“We are keeping this momentum going as long as our players are healthy. We are going to continue playing well and getting points. Right now, it’s a good moment and we want to continue with this. You have to do a great job of being in that moment, the ecstasy and the lows. Tomorrow we focus on Reno,” commented Coach Mark Lowry

Additionally, Locomotive extend their winning streak to three consecutive matches and have defeated two top four teams in the past five days.

The first goal of the night came from defender Chiro N’toko (his first of the season) who pounced on a loose ball at the top of Fresno’s box after a failed corner clearance.

N’toko stepped to the ball and sent his right foot through it with pace, delivering it into the back of the Fresno net. The Foxes would answer with one of their own in the 66^th minute but it wouldn’t be enough to stop the thundering Locomotive.

El Paso’s final goal came in the waning moments of the match when it appeared that things would end in a draw. Omar Salgado linked up with James Kiffe, finding him in the Fresno box.

Kiffe hit a rocket of a volley at the keeper who was forced to make a save that sent the ball into traffic. Jerome Kiesewetter was on top of the ball in fractions of a second and only had to tap it into the net. The moment the ball crossed the line, all of Southwest University Park went into a state of mania.

This was the third match in a row where Locomotive have scored in the 90^th minute or later.

Locomotive are sitting in 8^th place and are only one point outside of fourth place with a game in hand as they continue their #Push4Playoff campaign in the inaugural season.

El Paso Locomotive FC plays their next match at home on Thursday, October 10^th against Austin. Season Ticket Memberships, Group Tickets, and Individual Match Tickets can be purchased online or by calling 915-235-GOAL.

Photo gallery by Johnny Yturales, El Paso Herald Post | Videos courtesy EP Locomotive

IRVINE, CA – On a road trip with playoff implications, El Paso Locomotive FC fell to number four Orange County 2-0 Saturday night.

Even with the setback, Locomotive remain one point outside a playoff bid in their inaugural season and will play at home in one week to continue their #Push4Playoff campaign.

This closes out the regular-season meetings between the two clubs, where El Paso won the first contest at Southwest University Park in late March.

Newcomer, Alexy Bosetti made his first appearance for Locomotive since joining the team a few weeks ago.

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

On Friday, officials with El Paso Locomotive FC announced details surrounding the auction of Noche de Locos jerseys.

The auction will begin at 10 a.m. on the morning of Saturday, September 21^st and close at 5 p.m. on Monday, September 23^rd.

The highly sought after jersey flew off the shelves and sold out within 24 hours of being released.

This auction will give fans another chance to get their hands on a jersey, with proceeds benefiting the Locomotive Foundation and a portion of the proceeds going toward medical student scholarships in support of the Texas Tech University Health Science Center Foster School of Medicine 10-year anniversary celebration.

“This unique ability for our incredibly passionate fans to get their hands on a one of a kind, once in a lifetime player worn jersey allows for an unparalleled fan experience within the Locomotive community.  Coupled with the selfless giving this community is known for, in that, their bid is going to help local philanthropic initiatives through the El Paso Locomotive Foundation and the Texas Tech University Health Science Center Foster School of Medicine 10-year anniversary celebration. This is a special way for fans to connect to their favorite players,” said Andrew Forrest General Manager, Business Operations.

The jerseys that fans will bid on will be the actual team kits worn on September 21^st when Locomotive takes on Colorado Springs Switchbacks at home, allowing fans the opportunity to own their favorite Locomotive player’s game shirt adorned with their name and number.

The auction will be done solely online, and participants can bid directly from their phone by texting “BID” to 844-311-5007.

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’s race to the playoffs is still alive in the club’s first season. Only four points separate the field from 11^th to fourth place in the Western Conference, with fourth place hosting that elusive final home playoff game.

“The playoffs are why sports teams compete. Our team is finally healthy and poised to make a run deep into the playoffs. Working hard to get the maximum amount of points these last eight games is paramount to our playoff push,” commented Andrew Forrest General Manager, Business Operations.

Eight regular-season matches are left to play for the Locos, leaving 24 possible points on the table, making the contest in the West one to keep your eyes on. Locomotive also has two games in hand on a large portion of clubs in the West.

The regular season for the Locos concludes on Saturday, October 19 in Los Angeles, as El Paso faces LA Galaxy II, but the team has four home matches remaining which will play a massive role in which place Locomotive will finish.

The lowest four seeds in each conference will enter into a play-in round on October 23. The winners from that round will then enter into a single-elimination bracket, with the highest seed hosting each playoff match, opening the possibilities to a playoff match being held in El Paso.

The USL Cup will be held anywhere from November 14-18^th.

El Paso’s four remaining home matches will be played on Saturday, September 21^st, Wednesday, October 2^nd, Thursday, October 10^th, and Tuesday, October 15^th.

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 overcame a two-goal deficit to draw against Tulsa Roughnecks 2-2 in dramatic fashion.

Tulsa took the lead in the first half and then came out in the second and put another away to extend their lead.

El Paso showed their grit and tenacity and in the 79^th minute, Aaron Gomez scored his first goal of the season off a booming header that left the keeper helpless.

James Kiffe came up with the assist after sending a pinpoint cross into the box that Gomez finished with class. Seventy-one seconds later Locomotive answered with the equalizer that sent the stadium into mania.

El Paso’s Omar Salgado was untouchable down the left line, juking a defender and finding Jerome Kiesewetter inside the box.

The German-American striker put his left foot through the ball from Salgado and notched his 11^th goal of the season.

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 at online or by calling 915-235-GOAL

Wednesday morning, officials with El Paso Locomotive FC announced plans for the August 17^th match that will honor the first responders and remember the victims of the tragedy that occurred on August 3^rd.

The theme of the night will be “El Paso Strong,” which the Borderland has united behind. Below are details surrounding the related events:

• El Paso Strong flags will be distributed to the first 1,500 fans through the door
• Locomotive players will wear specially designed El Paso Strong patches on their jerseys beginning on the 17^th and through the remainder of the 2019 season
• American, German, and Mexican flags to be flown, honoring the victims
• El Paso Strong t-shirts to be worn by the team during warmups
• EP Fusion youth soccer team will be in attendance and participate in gameday activities. These young players and their coaches were directly impacted by the event on August 3^rd
• Proceeds from the game’s 50/50 raffle to be donated to Paso Del Notre Community Foundation’s El Paso Victims Fund
• 22 second moment of silence honoring the victims
• Color Guard comprised of first responders
• USL President Jake Edwards will be in attendance to pay his respects to the Borderland region

In addition to the $150,000 donation to the two Victims’ Relief Funds from the MountainStar Sports Group Foundation, a portion of each ticket sold through this fundraising promotion will benefit the El Paso Victims Relief Fund

El Paso Locomotive FC plays their next match at home on Saturday, August 17^th against Tacoma Defiance at 7:30 and gates open at 6:30. Season Ticket Memberships, Group Tickets, and Individual Match Tickets can be purchased online or by calling 915-235-GOAL

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.

Saturday night, El Paso Locomotive FC lost their first road match in the club’s history.

An injury riddled roster and road fatigue played heavily into the Locomotive performance Saturday evening, coming off Wednesday’s battle in San Antonio and the 0-0 tie.

The Borderland’s own Memo Diaz saw his first professional appearance in tonight’s match resulting in all four local players (Omar Salgado, Louis ‘Chapa Herrera, Aaron Gomez, and Diaz) sharing the pitch for the first time this season.

Daniel Navarro also returned from his short-term loan to Chattanooga.

El Paso wraps up their third consecutive road match next Saturday when they travel to Oklahoma City.

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