Tag Archives: el paso locomotive

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.

Thanks to great in-goal play, El Paso Locomotive FC remain unbeaten on the road with a nil-nil draw in San Antonio.

Goalkeeper Logan Ketterer came up with a massive save in the opening minutes of the match to keep things scoreless. San Antonio FC was awarded a penalty in the 17^th minute and sent a booming shot into the right corner of the goal.

Ketterer showed his professionalism under pressure and got explosive, getting both hands on the shot to deny San Antonio the lead.

Drew Beckie had to exit the match in the 43^rd minute seeing midfielder Omar Salgado drop to left back. Locomotive came out with a gutsy draw and a road point in front of 75 plus traveling supporters from El Paso.

El Paso sit in third place in the Western Conference with 27 points and have conceded the least amount of goals (13) in the West this season.

Ketterer is in second place across the league for most clean sheets (eight).

This is the first of their three straight road games over the next 10 days, as El Paso’s next stop has them in Fresno to face the Foxes this Saturday.

El Paso Locomotive FC play their next home match 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.

El Paso Locomotive FC announced the signing of a top-recruit ahead of Saturday’s match against the Las Vegas Lights.

In partnership with The Hospitals of Providence (THOP), 11-year-old Amber Berry signed with the team at 11 a.m. on Friday at Southwest University Park as the Locomotive Player for a Day. Berry has been battling leukemia since November 16, 2016.

“We are so excited to sign Amber Berry to a one-day contract with the team,” Andrew Forrest, El Paso Locomotive FC General Manager, Business Operations, said. “She has shown incredible resiliency and courage in her battle with leukemia and has been under the highest standard of care from the great team at The Hospitals of Providence. Because of their hard work and Amber’s fighting spirit, we know Amber will be able to enjoy being a kid again when she completes her treatments.”

The festivities began when Berry arrived at Southwest University Park at 10:30 a.m. to be greeted by both Locomotive and Chihuahuas staff. She then made her way to the field to watch the Locomotive finish training.

She signed at 11 a.m. accompanied by her family, Forrest, THOP Market CEO Monica Vargas Mahar and Locomotive coaching staff and players.

During her three-year cancer journey at Providence Children’s Hospital, Amber has undergone more than 54 treatments in an effort to get her well.  Her final treatment is expected to be in July.

“It’s important to always stay positive, think of happy thoughts and in the end, you’ll see how much you’ve accomplished,” said Amber Berry.  “My team has been my mom, my family and all the nurses and doctors who have helped get me better.  I can’t wait to take on this next challenge as a Locomotive for a day.”

With aspirations to be an artist, Amber will unveil a one-of-a-kind masterpiece made especially for the Locomotive gameday poster.

On Saturday, the Locomotive Player for the Day has an evening filled with soccer fun, team warm-up, autograph signing, game broadcast announcing and spending time with players. Her family will join in the festivities and cheer Amber on as player number 4.

“Amber is one of our warrior patients, she is truly an incredible child who at a very young age has already had to take on cancer and said it’s not going to beat me,” said Nicholas Tejeda, Group Chief Executive Officer for The Hospitals of Providence. “When you meet her you can’t help but feel inspired by her.  She not only brightens the days of many of our pediatric patients, but she brings smiles to all our nurses and staff.  These kids are our future, Amber is our future and it’s about getting them back on the field to do great things.”

For more information about El Paso Locomotive FC, click here.

Saturday night, El Paso Locomotive FC steamrolled LA Galaxy II, extending unbeaten streak to eight and moving into a four-way tie for second place in the West.

Jerome Kiesewetter grabbed his fourth brace of the season and his ninth goal, leading El Paso to a dominating 3-0 victory.

Hometown hero Omar Salgado grabbed his second goal of the season and his first in front of the home crowd to seal the three points at home.

“I want the guys to enjoy the victory. You always have to enjoy winning. We work so hard, when you win, you ought to be able to enjoy it but also not get carried away. We have standards set that we try to achieve every game. Eight games unbeaten is great, but we want more. That’s the culture we have created here. There is a group of guys there that want to be the best, that want to put something beautiful on the field every time they step out there,” said Coach Mark Lowry.

Kiesewetter opened things up at Southwest University Park with a one-touch shot that beat the keeper near post.

The former USMNT striker scored his eighth and ninth goal in the last six matches and got the home crowd electric, both goals coming with the assist from James Kiffe.

Kiesewetter is one goal shy of the top scorer in the league, whilst playing four games fewer than the leader. Kiesewetter continues to impress in Locomotive colors.

Salgado got his second goal of the season in the waning minutes of the match after receiving the ball in open space near the top of LA’s box.

With a single touch towards goal, he sent a booming ground shot into the back of the net, simultaneously causing the crowd to celebrate in unison and fervor.

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

El Paso Locomotive FC defeat Tacoma Defiance 2-1, increasing their unbeaten streak to seven straight league matches.

With this win, El Paso have also launched into sixth place in the Western Division, four points behind leader New Mexico United with a game in hand.

Forward Jerome Kiesewetter notched his seventh goal of the season to give El Paso the lead in the first half.

Kiesewetter has appeared in eight matches for El Paso since he signed in early April and has shown his goal scoring pedigree. He is currently tied for fifth in goals scored across the entire USL Championship.

Tacoma would convert a late goal to bring things level heading into halftime.

El Paso’s second goal of the night came off a substitution. Within seven minutes of stepping onto the pitch, Midfielder Calvin Rezende grabbed his second goal of the season in the 68^th minute after he relieved Yuma.

Midfielder Omar Salgado sent a bouncing cross in front of the Tacoma goal and Rezende was on the other end of it, sending it thundering into the back of the net.

El Paso Locomotive FC plays their next match at home on Saturday, June 8^th against LA Galaxy II. Season Ticket Memberships, Group Tickets, and Individual Match Tickets can be purchased online or by calling 915-235-GOAL!

El Paso Locomotive FC tied the number four team in the Western Conference after being down one goal, and hometown footballer Omar Salgado provided the boot.

It was a physical contest that saw seven yellow cards and one penalty. With this draw, El Paso continue their unbeaten streak and extend it to six matches.

“I am so happy for Omar, he deserved it. His work-rate for the team is superb and I know this will build up his confidence and keep things going,” said Coach Mark Lowry. “I’m very proud of how the guys all played tonight. It was a fantastic performance and to have not lost in four road matches is brilliant.”

El Paso’s own Louis “Chapa” Herrera got his first start of the season alongside newcomer Drew Beckie, who recently signed from OKC Energy FC.

In the 41’ a game-changing penalty was awarded to Timbers 2 which saw Dairon Asprilla step up. Goalkeeper Logan Ketterer came up with a massive save to deny to the penalty, but Timbers 2 were able to scoop up the rebound and score.

Four minutes later Omar Salgado, who was the first player signed to Locomotive, netted his first goal of the season.

After receiving a pass at the top of the box, the left-footed attacker cut to the right to create space off the defender and let a shot rip with his right foot into the bottom corner of the net.

El Paso Locomotive FC plays their next match at home on Saturday, June 8^th against LA Galaxy II. Season Ticket Memberships, Group Tickets, and Individual Match Tickets can be purchased online or by calling 915-235-GOAL.

Tuesday morning, officials with El Paso Locomotive FC announced the addition of defender Drew Beckie to their 2019 roster, pending league and federation approval.

“I honestly couldn’t be happier to be adding a player and person of the caliber of Drew Beckie to our squad. Character-wise he is the perfect addition, and he is another tough experienced competitor who knows what it takes to win. He will be a wonderful addition to our defensive unit and gives us fantastic depth,” said Coach Mark Lowry.

Beckie has been with Oklahoma City Energy since June 2018 and has made over 20 appearances for the club. He was drafted by MLS’s Columbus Crew in 2013 and prior to joining Energy FC, spent a season with Lowry at Jacksonville Armada.

He  played his collegiate career at the University of Denver where he made 69 appearances and notched 7 goals. Beckie spent 2014 and 2015 with Ottawa Fury (USL Championship) and made 34 appearances.

Beckie has represented the Canadian National Team four times at the U23 level and has been called up to the senior team.

El Paso Locomotive FC plays their next match at home on Saturday, June 8^th against LA Galaxy II. Season Ticket Memberships, Group Tickets, and Individual Match Tickets can be purchased online or by calling 915-235-GOAL.

El Paso Locomotive FC defeats Sacramento Republic 3-1 to launch six places into seventh place in the Western Conference.

“Jerome got another two tonight. That’s six in three matches for him. There aren’t really forwards at any level that can go on that type of run. Credit to Jerome coming here with the right mentality. If you have a happy number nine, that is a start,” said Coach Mark Lowry after tonight’s victory.

Calvin Rezende notched his first professional goal of his career and Jerome Kiesewetter grabbed his third brace in three consecutive games.

Calvin Rezende opened up his professional scoring account after a beautiful play that started in the Locomotive back third. Mechack Jérôme sent a thundering pass to Omar Salgado who took it towards the Sacramento goal.

Out of options, Salgado found Rezende at the top of the box and he let it rip into the bottom right of the Sacramento goal. Sacramento would end up scoring to bring things level at halftime.

El Paso came out in the second half with grit and tenacity, giving the Sacramento defense issues. The second goal of the night came off a Locomotive corner that, after some work, was put into the back by Kiesewetter. If history tells anything, he wouldn’t be finished there. In every match he has scored in, Kiesewetter has always scored two goals.

Tonight, was no different. Another booming pass from Jérôme found its way up into the attack and Edson Partida was there to receive it. After a few touches, Partida curled a ball into the box to find Kiesewetter, who went into the air to finish it with the outside of his right boot.

El Paso Locomotive FC plays their next match at home on June 8th against LA Galaxy II. Season Ticket Memberships, Group Tickets, and Individual Match Tickets can be purchased online or by calling 915-235-GOAL!

Gallery by Steve Zimmerman – El Paso Herald Post

Thursday morning, officials with El Paso Locomotive FC announced that the team had received FC Juárez midfielder Josué Aarón Gómez on loan, pending league and federation approval.

“We are very pleased with this signing as it signifies two major areas for us as a developing club.  One, we now have another quality, local talent who has played at an extremely high level in Mexico and can help us continue to win games in El Paso.  The second and equally important part of this signing is the continued unique relationship with our sister club, FC Juarez,” said Locomotive General Manager, Business Operations Andrew Forrest.

“Growing the game and showcasing the high-level talent we have in our collective region is imperative. This is a perfect example of how we can benefit one another as we both strive to be the best teams in our respective leagues.”

Gómez has appeared in 38 matches in the Ascenso MX and has acquired five goals. He also appeared in 15 Copa MX matches and netted two goals for the Bravos. “I am very happy to be with this club. I think it is going to be a challenge, but I can demonstrate my value as a player,” said Gómez.

This agreement strengthens and highlights the cross-border relationship between El Paso Locomotive and FC Juárez.

El Paso Locomotive FC plays their next match at home on Sunday, May 12^th against rival New Mexico United. Season Ticket Memberships, Group Tickets, and Individual Match Tickets can be purchased online or by calling 915-235-GOAL!

Southwest University Park, home of the El Paso Chihuahuas and the El Paso Locomotive FC, has partnered with KultureCity to be a certified sensory inclusive venue during all baseball, soccer and special events beginning with the Chihuahuas eight-game homestand on Friday, May 3^rd.

This new initiative will assist in accommodating all patrons who visit the ballpark that have sensory challenges.

All Chihuahuas and Locomotive full-time staff members, as well as gameday staff, are now certified and trained to recognize guests and fans with sensory needs and are prepared to accommodate those who require assistance in an overload situation.

“We are proud to make Southwest University Park even more welcoming for everyone in our community by making it the region’s first certified sensory inclusive sports and entertainment venue,” said MountainStar Sports Group Senior Vice President and General Manager Brad Taylor.

As part of the certification process, sensory bags, equipped with noise canceling headphones, fidget tools, verbal cue cards and weighted lap pads will be available to all guests at Southwest University Park who may feel overwhelmed by the environment. These bags can be checked-out at Guest Services located at Section 112.

Patrons who require a quiet and secure environment are asked to visit Guest Services for the designated location.

According to KultureCity, sensitivities or challenges with sensory regulation are often experienced by individuals with autism, dementia, PTSD and other similar conditions. One of the major barriers for these individuals is sensitivity to over stimulation and noise, which is an enormous part of the environment in large venues.

With its new certification, Southwest University Park is now better prepared to assist guests with sensory sensitivities in having the most comfortable and accommodating experience possible when attending any event at the ballpark.

“To know that you soon will be able to see families attend a baseball game or a soccer game, a true community binding experience, with their loved ones who have a sensory challenge and who were not able to previously attend, is truly a heartwarming moment,” said Dr. Julian Maha, Co-Founder, KultureCity.

“Our communities are what shapes our lives and to know that MountainStar Sports Group and Southwest University Park is willing to go the extra mile to ensure that everyone, no matter their ability, is included in their community is amazing.”

KultureCity is a leading non-profit recognized nationwide for using their resources to revolutionize and effect change in the community for those with sensory needs; not just those with Autism.

Since the program’s inception, KultureCity has created over 200 sensory inclusive venues in three countries; this includes special events such as: NFL Pro-Bowl, NFL Super Bowl, and MLB All-Star Weekend.

For more information on KultureCity and sensory inclusion, visit their website.

The Chihuahuas return to the ballpark to face Salt Lake and Albuquerque in an eight-game homestand starting on Friday, May 3^rd. The homestand features a fireworks spectacular on Saturday, May 4^th and the first El Paso Margaritas game on Sunday, May 5^th!

Tickets are available starting at $5.  Purchasers who buy in advance will enjoy savings ranging from $2.00 – $3.00 per ticket on reserved seating versus purchasing on the day of the game.

Tickets can be purchased at the Southwest University Park box offices, online or by calling (915) 533-BASE. The Durango & Santa Fe Box Offices will be open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and 30 minutes postgame on gamedays.

El Paso Locomotive FC traveled to the capital and came away with one point after a 0-0 draw against Austin Bold FC.

Jerome Kiesewetter made his second career start with Locomotive. The German-born American came into the El Paso camp four weeks ago.

El Paso native Louis “Chapa” Herrera saw his second appearance in a Locomotive uniform when he stepped on the pitch in the 75^th minute, relieving midfielder Sebastian Contreras.

This match represented the second game for El Paso Locomotive in the Copa Tejas, the supporter’s driven cup amongst the four USL Championship Clubs; Austin Bold, El Paso Locomotive FC, Rio Grande Valley FC, and San Antonio FC. El Paso has tied with both of the Texas teams they have faced thus far in their 2019 campaign.

“We had some great cances that we didn’t capitalize on in both halves and those two offsides goals were very close … Austin are a very good team and it was a very good point here for us on the road,” said Head Coach Mark Lowry.

El Paso has yet to concede a goal when they play away from home.

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 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 draws against Rio Grande Valley FC in the two clubs first meeting of the 2019 USL Championship season.

The Locomotive came out knocking, having good looks on goal early on in the match. They kept up the pressure and maintained 62.1 percent of the possession in the first half. El Paso took the first lead of the match in the 45th minute.

In the waning seconds of the half, Nick Ross sent a screamer through a defender’s legs and curled the ball into the bottom left corner of the goal. The 1-0 lead would send things into halftime.

Locomotive kept the energy high in the second half. Nick Ross wasn’t done adding his name to the stat sheet. In the 77th minute, he glanced a ball across the goal, and it found the foot of Derek Gebhard who put it into the empty net. This is now Gebhard’s second goal of the season and his second time being named Estrella of the Match.

Shortly after the Gebhard goal to put Locomotive up two, Rio Grande Valley answered with one of their own. A rocket of a shot by Romilio Hernandez went into the back of the goal in the 78th minute to cut the lead in half. Rio Grande Valley ended up grabbing one more goal in the final minutes of the match to bring score level.

This match kicked off COPA Tejas, the supporter crafted Texas Derby between the four Texas USL Championship clubs; Austin Bold FC, El Paso Locomotive FC, Rio Grande Valley FC, and San Antonio FC.

After getting one point at home forward Derek Gebhard said, “It is all 11 of us out there, we defend as a team. We will go back to look at the video and see what mistakes we made and go from there.”

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