Tag Archives: el paso locomotive

Even though the USL Championship is temporarily suspended, the competitive spirit of the league and Locomotive FC Goalkeeper Logan Ketterer lives on as the Locomotive man-between-the-pipes enters the inaugural USL eCup Rocket League Edition on behalf of the El Paso Food and Beverage Workers Fund.

“I’m a super competitive person, so being able to still compete and do something is awesome,” Ketterer said about joining the tournament. “I guess we can see if my goalie skills will translate to Rocket League.”

Kicking off Tuesday, March 31, 32 teams from USL Championship and USL League One will compete against one another in the virtual arena of Rocket League. The World Cup style tournament is divided into a best-of-three group stage contests and best-of-five knockout rounds. The tournament will come to a head in late April with a best-of-seven Final to determine a clear winner of the USL Rocket League.

Teams were drawn in their respective groups on Wednesday, seeing Locomotive FC draw into Group 4 alongside Championship sides San Antonio FC, Rio Grande Valley FC and Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC.

“I think it’s great that the league is looking to create a tournament and try new things,” Ketterer exclaimed. “This is a difficult situation for everyone and it’s fantastic that they are willing and able to go above and beyond to try to make things happen and keep the buzz of the USL season going.”

Each team will be playing for a charity of their choosing, with Ketterer representing the El Paso Food and Beverage Workers Fund. Part of the Paso del Norte Community Foundation, the EPFB Workers Fund supports those in the community who work in the service industry directly.

Throughout the tournament, links will be provided on each team’s Twitch stream, providing fans and spectators an opportunity to support the charities and the players.

“I’m extremely excited to be representing El Paso Locomotive FC in this tournament,” the young goalkeeper concluded. “Hopefully we can support some charities along the way and have a great time, while we still all practice safe and responsible health habits by staying at home.”

Each of Logan Ketterer’s matches will be streamed live on Twitch. Follow @eplocomotivefc on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for more information.

For more information about the El Paso Food and Beverage Workers Fund or to donate, visit their website here.

Orange County, CA – El Paso Locomotive FC kicked off its sophomore season in USL Championship, playing to a scoreless draw against Orange County SC on the road.

“I thought we could’ve been better on the ball particularly in their half of the field,” said Head Coach Mark Lowry. “We turned it over a little bit too much but I think that’s part of the first game of the season, there’s a little bit of nerves there’s rustyness, you know these are things that will easily kind of work themselves out after 4 or 5 games, but I thought all in all we deserve the point. We created good chances they had a couple of good chances, so I thought it was a good game of football”.

The pendulum swung through the first half with Locomotive FC and OCSC trading possession and chances for shots towards goal.

El Paso was able to find the back of the net in the 21st minute through midfielder Nick Ross, but the goal was called back as the assistant ref raised his flag for offsides.

The Locos turned up the heat in the second half, applying consistent pressure in the final third that led to a strong chance from forward Marios Lomis through a pivoting shot in close range that squared the OC goalkeeper.

Locomotive FC held the attacking pressure through the final moments, however Orange County had the answers to keep the scoreline level, leaving the two sides to split the points in the 2020 Regular-Season Opener.

El Paso Locomotive FC returns to action at Southwest University Park against Portland Timbers 2 on Saturday, March 14th. Kick off is set for 7:30 p.m. MST. Tickets are available for purchase now onlne  or by calling 915-235-GOAL.

Tuesday morning, officials with El Paso Locomotive announced the addition of another offensive threat to the roster in attacking midfielder Dylan Mares, pending league and federation approval. 

Dylan comes to El Paso after spending three years with perennial NPSL powerhouse Miami FC where he played three seasons.  Before that, he spent four seasons with Indy Eleven in both the NASL and the USL where he was a constant member of the starting squad.

Dylan played collegiate ball at Louisville for three seasons before transferring to one of the most decorated men’s programs in the country, Indiana University.

“Dylan has developed a reputation as being one of the most creative players outside of MLS. At Indy Eleven and Miami FC, his goal record and chance creation was high for a midfielder and he has been a player I have admired for a long time. We are grateful and excited to have the opportunity to bring him to El Paso and I know he will be another great addition to the team,” said Mark Lowry about the latest signing.

Dylan joins Marios Lomis, Distel Zola, Fabrice Fokobo, and Saeed Robinson as new additions to Mark Lowry’s squad.  He joins 17 returning players from the 2019 campaign as Locomotive looks to repeat their success in reaching the Western Conference Finals before losing to Real Monarchs 2-1 in extra time.

Only 12 days until the Locomotive first home match, so Season Ticket Memberships, Group Tickets, and Individual Match Tickets can be purchased online or by calling or texting 915-235-GOAL.

Wednesday afteroon, El Paso Locomotive won another preseason match in convincing fashion versus USL Championship side OKC Energy in Tucson.

The afternoon match was the second to last warmup match before the season starts on Friday, March 6^th in Orange County.  Despite the offensive outburst, Head Coach Mark Lowry was most impressed with his team’s defense and their shape.

“This game showcased more of our defensive identity that our fans are accustomed to.  We were strong in the back and all over the field.  Logan Ketterer did not face a single shot on target the entire first 90 minutes and that is how we like to play”.

Forward Marios Lomis of the Netherlands opened the game’s scoring after the first 20 minutes of buzzing pressure from Locomotive.  He got his foot on the end of a ball in the box that was not cleared and put it away to have Locomotive go up 1-0.

In the second half, Frenchman Alexy Bosetti took in a cross from Omar Salgado to finish with his head and put the El Paso crew up 2-0 and comfortably in control at the end of the 90 minute session.

The teams played an extra 30 minutes and local product Omar Salgado made it 3-0 after using his superior speed and strength to blow past the center back and fire the ball into the back of the net.  The match finished 3-0 for El Paso after 120 minutes of action in the Arizona sun.

Locomotive FC take on Phoenix Rising in their final preseason tuneup on Saturday, February 29^th in Tucson in a closed door friendly.

Their next home game is the USL Championship home opener on March 14^th at 7:30 p.m. vs Portland Timbers 2.   Tickets to the first home match can be purchased at online or by calling or texting 915-235-GOAL.

El Paso Locomotive and KVIA/CW have renewed their successful partnership to broadcast locally all 12 of Locomotive’s Saturday home matches throughout the 2020 season in a joint announcement on February 13, 2020. 

The CW will also broadcast three road matches including the Locomotive at New Mexico United on Saturday, March 21^st at 7:30 p.m.

“We are excited to once again partner with the Locomotive to provide viewers with a quality broadcast of all 12 Saturdays and one Sunday home game this season,” said KVIA-TV General Manager Kevin Lovell. “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.”

Locomotive General Manager of Business Operations Andrew Forrest stated, “The power of having a local partner who is invested in local soccer cannot be understated. This offers all our fans in the region the opportunity to enjoy games when they are unable to make it to Southwest University Park. To be able to partner again for year two is important to our growth as a club.”

This successful joint effort saw 12 games broadcast locally in 2019’s wildly successful first season as well as the 2019 Western Conference Finals in Salt Lake City.

The broadcast team will once again be comprised of Duke Keith and Michael Balogun. “The complementary wealth of soccer knowledge and expertise they bring to the table is unparalleled,” team officials added.

Keith has been an esteemed member of the El Paso media scene for more than 30 years having joined the El Paso Sports Hall of Fame this past May. 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 spent time with the United States Youth National Team and had stints with various professional clubs. He currently coaches the UTEP Women’s Soccer Team and runs the Olympic Development Program sessions for U.S. Soccer in El Paso.

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.

2020 TELEVISED MATCHES

March 14 vs Portland Timbers 2- 7:30 p.m.

March 21 at New Mexico United – 7:30 p.m.

April 4 vs LA Galaxy II- 7:30 p.m.

May 23 vs Real Monarchs- 7:30 p.m.

June 13 vs San Antonio FC- 7:30 p.m.

June 27 vs Tacoma Defiance- 7:30 p.m.

July 18 vs Las Vegas Lights FC- 7:30 p.m.

July 25 vs Sacramento Republic- 7:30 p.m.

August 8 vs Phoenix Rising- 7:30 p.m.

August 22 vs Orange County SC- 7:30 p.m.

September 5 vs FC Tulsa- 7:30 p.m.

September 12 vs New Mexico United- 7:30 p.m.

October 17 vs Austin Bold- 7:30 p.m.

The Locomotive’s first home match is 30 days away on March 14 and fans interested in attending the 17 home matches can purchase tickets online or at the box offices at Southwest University Park.

Season Ticket Memberships and Group Tickets are still available and can be purchased via this link or by calling or texting 915-235-GOAL.

Friday afternoon, El Paso Locomotive FC hosted another preseason match at their training facility in Northwest El Paso, this time against San Antonio FC.

The Locomotive crew had their engines at full steam ahead, taking out the visitors from the Alamo City 6 to 2.

Our very own Johnny Ytrales was there and we bring you his view of the action via this gallery.

El Paso Locomotive FC announced the club will face Detroit City FC as their first opponent in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on Wednesday, April 8^th at 5:30pm MT.

Locomotive FC will travel to Keyworth Stadium to face the National Independent Soccer Association (NISA) club in the second-round of the historic tournament.

“Detroit are an exciting opponent; they have created a good atmosphere up there and will be looking for an upset.  However, this season we have a very different squad of players.  It’s a squad with the depth in quality that can lend itself to doing well in the Open Cup.  We will go there with the desire and hope of winning”, remarked Head Coach and Technical Director Mark Lowry.

The Open Cup has crowned a champion annually since 1914. The history-filled tournament is conducted on a single-game, knockout basis and open to all professional and amateur teams affiliated with U.S. Soccer.

The 2020 U.S. Open Cup winner will earn prize money, a berth in the 2021 Concacaf Champions League and have its name engraved on the Dewar Challenge Trophy – one of the oldest nationally-contested trophies in American team sports.

With a win, Locomotive FC will advance to potentially face one of the eleven MLS based clubs entering the tournament on April 21-23.

Fans can watch all the action of the 107-year-old tournament on ESPN+.

With year two almost here, fans can get ‘All Aboard’ via Season Ticket Memberships, Group Tickets, and Individual Match Tickets can be purchased online or by calling or texting 915-235-GOAL.

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