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Monday afternoon, El Paso Locomotive FC officials announced that their first two matches at home would be played without any fans in attendance.

“Due to the ongoing developments revolving around COVID-19 locally and statewide, El Paso Locomotive FC has made the decision to play without fans in attendance for the Saturday, July 11 Return to Play Home Opener vs Rio Grande Valley FC and the Wednesday, July 15 match against New Mexico United,” Locomotive officials shared.

This Saturday’s match will be broadcast on El Paso-Las Cruces CW and nationally on ESPN+ at 7:30 p.m. and Wednesday’s match will only be on ESPN+ starting at 8:00 p.m. MT.

“Locomotive FC will continue to diligently monitor the situation and remain in constant communication with health officials as the club moves forward with future home matches and the 2020 season,” club officials added.

Fans may still support El Paso Locomotive FC from home via the Cutout Conductor program, while watching the games on El Paso-Las Cruces CW and ESPN+.

To purchase or to get more information on the Cutout Conductors, click here.

Account Executives for Season Ticket Memberships and Group and Premium Sales are contacting Season Ticket Members regarding the status of their current packages.

For information regarding single-game ticket purchases please email info@eplocomotivefc.com or text (915)-235-GOAL.

El Paso Locomotive FC returns to play in July after being placed in Group C of the USL Championship for the remainder of the 2020 Regular Season.

Locomotive will be joined by Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, New Mexico United, and 2019 Western Conference Final foe Real Monarchs.

Locomotive FC resumes play with 15 games remaining on its schedule after having opened the 2020 season in March, securing an important point on the road against Orange County SC.

The Texas club will play each member in its group four times, with the remaining three matches being played against teams from nearby groups.

2019 saw Locomotive sweep Colorado Springs in two separate 2-0 victories, earn a point against New Mexico United and pick up two scoreless draws against Real Monarchs through the Regular Season.

The season culminated in a Western Conference Final showdown between Locomotive FC and Real Monarchs that resulted in a heartbreaking loss for El Paso after 120 minutes of play.

Filled with three 2019 post-season teams – including the 2019 USL Championship Title Winners and their Western Conference Finalist rival – Group C offers some of the most competitive matches in the West. Every point will matter to secure a top-two finish to book a ticket to the 2020 USL Championship Post-Season.

For the latest information on the 2020 USL Championship Season, follow El Paso Locomotive FC on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

For information on Season Ticket Memberships, Group Tickets, and Individual Match Tickets and to be first on the ticket waiting list for 2020, signup online or call or text 915-235-GOAL.

With less than a month to go before a return to the pitch, El Paso Locomotive team members and staff continue their workouts in earnest.

According to a release from the team, starting Wednesday, June 24, the USL Training Moratorium will be lifted.

Permitting approval from local and state health officials as well as USL HQ, teams will be allowed to return to full-sided contact training.

Just last week, both the USL and USL Players Association announced an agreement to return to play.

The USL Championship and the USL Players Association announced today that they have reached a formal agreement on a return to play for the 2020 season.

The two sides are now actively preparing for a July 11 restart to the 2020 Championship season and will resume negotiations on a historic first Collective Bargaining Agreement in the coming weeks.

Club officials also shared that the USL announced Tuesday, that the league will be adopting the 5 substitution rule.

Teams are still only allowed three in-game opportunities to make five substitutions, Subs made during half-time do not count towards the three in-game opportunities.

For up to date information on the team and the upcoming season, click here.

Staff and players from El Paso Locomotive FC held a press conference Friday afternoon, just one day removed from the USL announcing a return to playing on July 11th.

While no exact dates or matchups have been set, Locomotive staff and players are thankful to be again preparing to return to the pitch.

We’re excited to have games on the horizon,” Locomotive Head Coach Mark Lowry shared. “we’ve been training for a few weeks now, in small groups, and we’ve been working hard…so to have the excitement, the potential of games coming up soon, it’s very exciting.”

General Manager Andrew Forrest, agreed adding that everyone was glad to be getting back to work.

“We’re ready to go, five weeks from tomorrow (June 6)…we’re looking forward whether it’s here or there, we’re looking forward to putting on a proper game day and having the best experience possible,” Forrest added.

Enjoy the interview below, shot by our Chief Photographer Andres ‘Ace’ Acosta, and the gallery and footage of practice, courtesy EP Locomotive.

El Paso Locomotive FC is set to return to training through small group sessions of no more than four players the club announced on Monday.

The announcement comes following the modifications of the USL Training Moratorium, however, in accordance with local and state health guidelines, as well as the guidelines outlined by the United Soccer League, no one other than the players and staff will be allowed be in attendance during the work outs.

As no date has been yet set for the return of soccer to the pitch, Locomotive team officials have announced several fan participation contests, to keep the faithful engaged during the sport’s hiatus.

Locos fans can upload match day videos and photos to their Fan’s Eye View presented by Estrella Jalisco for a chance to be the virtual Estrella of the Match. The person chosen as our virtual Estrella of the Match will win a exclusive Estrella Jalisco cooler

Each fan-submitted videos and photos will be put together in a video that shows the match day experience from the fans’ eyes.

As for team members, during the pandemic’s delay, they’ve kept their spirits up in unique ways.  In early May, squad members took part in a birthday parade for team member ‘Chapa’ Herrera.

“I was like, what’s happening out there?” Herrera laughed. “When [my wife] started recording me so I figured it was something. I thought it was just going to be my family, I didn’t think it would be the whole team.”

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.

On Friday, El Paso Locomotive officials announced the return of the Pub Club program for the 2020 season. 

“We are thrilled to return to four of the original locations and add in Union Drafthouse West to the mix.  All locations are family friendly and will have dedicated TV’s with sound as well as food and drink specials.  We will also be giving away exclusive Locomotive swag unavailable in stores as well as premium tickets to select games,” commented General Manager, Business Operations Andrew Forrest.

The Pub Club features five bar restaurants across the city that will showcase all 17 of the Locomotive USL regular season away games.

In addition to the locations from the inaugural season, Union Drafthouse East, The Palomino, Brass Monkey, and Cabo Joe’s, Locomotive has added Union Drafthouse West to provide each region of the city a neighborhood viewing option.

“Start planning now to come and support the team with us at the Locomotive Pub Club. All locations are family friendly and will have food and drink specials for every game,” Locomotive officials add. “Make sure to bring your family and friends to enjoy a fun filled atmosphere and cheer the boys onto another successful season.”

A full list of all 2020 Locomotive Away Games can be found below with their corresponding Pub Club location.

Palomino Tavern  |  205 Cincinnati Ave  |  (915) 929-0193

Sunday, March 29th | 2:30 PM

Wednesday, July 15th | 6:30 PM

Wednesday, August 12th | 8:00 PM

Saturday, October 10th | 6:00 PM

Brass Monkey   |  3233 N Mesa St #103  |  (915) 544-2424

Saturday, May 2nd | 8:00 PM

Saturday, May 30th | 8:30 PM

Friday, July 3rd | 6:30 PM

Saturday, August 1st | 8:00 PM

The Union Drafthouses East  |  12040A Tierra Este Rd  |   (915) 228-9245

Saturday, March 21st | 7:30 PM

Saturday, June, 6th | 6:30 PM

Saturday, August 15th | 1:00 PM

Cabo Joe’s  |  7942 Gateway Blvd E  |  (915) 519-0264

Saturday, April 18th | 6:00 PM

Saturday, August 29th | 6:30 PM

Sunday, September 20th | 1:00 PM

The Union Drafthouse West  |   7470 Cimarron Square, Building 18  |   (915) 228-9245

Friday, March 6th | 8:00 PM

Saturday, June 20th | 6:30 PM

Saturday, October 3rd | 8:30 PM

*All time Mountain. Match dates and times subject to change

The Locomotive first home match is 15 days away, set for on March 14^th  Season Ticket Memberships, Group Tickets, and Individual Match Tickets can be purchased online or by calling or texting 915-235-GOAL.

Tuesday morning, El Paso Locomotive FC officials announced that the club extended the loan for Josué Aarón Gómez into the 2020 season, pending league and federation approval.

Gomez has been on loan from FC Juarez since the beginning of May 2019. He was a crucial part of the attack and notched 8 goals, all of which came in the second half of the season.

“We are very happy to have Aarón back with us for a second a year. We want to thank our friends at FC Juarez for helping make this happen and look forward to seeing Aaron score more goals for us in 2020.” said Mark Lowry.

The El Paso native became an instant contributor the second half of the 2019 campaign to help the Locomotive on their historic run to the Western Conference Finals.  He scored the game winner in a 3-0 rout of Sacramento Republic in Locomotive’s only home playoff game in 2019.

Gómez joins fellow local product Omar Salgado, as well as newcomers Saeed Robinson and Marios Lomis in the attack.

He joins a potent corps of 16 returning players including Logan Ketterer, Drew Beckie, Chiro N’toko, Mechack Jérôme, Richie Ryan, Nick Ross, Omar Salgado, Alexy Bosetti, Andrew Fox, Louis “Chapa” Herrera, Moses Makinde, Guillermo Diaz, Yuma, Bryam Rebellon and Jermaine Fordah who made it to the Western Conference final in their inaugural run.

With the first home match on March 14^th only 18 days away, 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 crossed into Juarez to face sister club and Borderland rival, FC Juarez.  The preseason friendly saw Locomotive getting a 2-0 win against the Liga MX team’s U-20 squad, joined by first team center back Jose Rodriguez and goalkeeper Marco Canales. 

Head Coach Mark Lowry’s commented on the match that ended 2-0, “It was good coming over here and playing. It was a competitive game with a lot energy, it was intense and that is what we ask for in preseason.”

The match opened with a goal in the 10^th minute netted by second year Locomotive midfielder, Nick Ross. Locomotive FC saw few shots on goal in the first half leaving Logan Ketterer with little to do and no difficult saves.

Later in the half saw Alexy Bosetti barely missing a shot following a cross from Omar Salgado.

In the 32^nd minute, Saeed Robinson saw an opportunity to crash the box and notched his first goal for the team, bringing the score to 2-0. At the end of the half, Robinson was brought down at the top of the box resulting in a free kick taken by Richie Ryan.

Locomotive could not convert, and the half ended in positive fashion for the visitors, 2-0.

The second half looked a lot like the first with Locomotive holding the majority of possession and even with major roster changes in the 60^th minute, the game continued at the same pace.

Combination play within the midfield, led by Chapa, kept the defense connected to the offense and allowed for continued possession for Locomotive.

With the Locomotive home match on March 14^th only 24 days away 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 welcomed USL Championship rival New Mexico United to an uncharacteristically warm and sunny February afternoon at the Locomotive Training Complex. 

Both teams were very much in preseason mode and the starting lineup for Locomotive was vastly different than when they played SAFC last week.

New Mexico United took the early lead on the first opportunity of the match when they scored in the 5^th minute on an uncharacteristic giveaway in the back by neatly slotting the ball into the net.  United was not content with their lead and late in the first half extended the score to 0-2 with a free kick into the box.

The ball squirted through the mass of players and took an unlucky deflection off Moses Makinde, whose momentum led to an own goal.

After almost a complete lineup change from both clubs, the second half saw the Locos take control of possession and begin to settle into their trademark possession style.

In the fiftieth minute, Omar put a terrific cross into Alexy Bosetti who could not find the back of the net.

Locomotive was not done competing, despite being down 0-3.  Midfielder Omar Salgado got the ball on the left-hand side, beat his man and calmly passed the ball on the turf into the penalty spot and newcomer Distel Zola neatly put the ball away to cut the deficit to 1-3.

Locomotive continued to work with close chances from Alexy Bosetti nearly chipping United’s keeper from 40 yards out and Salgado missing the upper corner by inches.

Head Coach Mark Lowry on the performance commented, “The weather was beautiful and it was a good game of football. We saw some good things from both teams. I thought that both teams played very well and it was a pretty even game with three silly giveaway goals.”

The match ended 1-4 with the team’s focus shifting to their upcoming preseason match against Borderland rival and sister club, FC Juarez, on Wednesday, February 19^th.

The Locomotive first home match on March 14^th – only 28 days away – Season Ticket Memberships, Group Tickets, and Individual Match Tickets can be purchased 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.

Tuesday morning officials with El Paso Locomotive announced that Louis “Chapa” Herrera had returned from a trial with MLS side Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC).

Last year, LAFC finished in first place in the Western Conference.

“I am very proud that Chapa had the opportunity to spend a week with LAFC, who on last season’s form were the best team in MLS. It’s a credit to the work and application that Chapa displayed last season, his growth in his first year as a pro was tremendous. For that to be recognized is fully deserved and a is testament to Chapa and the culture we have created here in El Paso,” said head coach Mark Lowry.

The 23-year-old midfielder appeared for El Paso in 28 matches and netted one goal in his first professional season.

The homegrown talent returned to the Locomotive squad ahead of their preseason match against USL Western Conference club and Copa Tejas rival, San Antonio FC.

Chapa has two goals in two preseason friendlies in 2020.

With the 2020 first home match on March 14^th  only 32 days away, Season Ticket Memberships, Group Tickets, and Individual Match Tickets can be purchased online or by calling or texting 915-235-GOAL

On Tuesday afternoon, El Paso Locomotive FC unveiled their app, available for download in the Apple and Google Play store, and a new documentary on the team.

“The El Paso Locomotive App gives fans access to exclusive team content, a platform to purchase tickets, and all things Loco in the palm of their hands; from rosters to starting lineups and more,” team officials announced Tuesday.

One of the first exclusives to hit the app is the full release of the ‘El Paso United’ documentary by Reel Life and USL Championship which highlights the healing and comradery of the El Paso community after the August 3^rd attack.

A one-minute teaser is currently on all Locomotive social media channels. The full documentary can only be viewed on the app at this time. With the app, fans can also receive special offers and participate in exclusive contests to win prizes.

Download the app here:  Android   |  iOS

With year two is almost here, Season Ticket Memberships, Group Tickets, and Individual Match Tickets can be purchased online or by calling or texting 915-235-GOAL

On Wednesday afternoon, El Paso Locomotive FC continued to add depth by signing pacey Jamaican midfielder Saeed Robinson, pending league and federation approval.

“By signing a player like Saeed, we are continuing our mission of bringing top-notch talent to El Paso. Saeed is an out and out offensive threat that can dribble or shoot and he gives us more depth on our roster. Saeed has proven that he can compete at this level and is a player with loads of pace. I am thrilled to have him in the team,” said Head Coach Mark Lowry.

Robinson spent the past two seasons with USL Championship side Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC where he featured 59 times and scored eight goals. Prior to his professional debut, Robinson played his collegiate career with West Texas College and Grand Canyon University.

Robinson is now the 18^th rostered player for the 2020 campaign, joining newcomers Distel Zola, Fabrice Fokobo and Marios Lomis.

Fourteen members of the inaugural team have re-signed for the second season, keeping the core of the successful first-year team intact.

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 continues fortifying and building on the success of the inaugural season by bringing back two additional members of the pilot squad that made it to the 2019 Western Conference Final.

Memo Diaz and Moses Makinde have re-signed for the 2020 season.

Local Gadsen product and fan favorite, Diaz featured for the Locos five times in the inaugural campaign and started in the away match versus a Reno 1868 FC side who were sitting in the top three of the Western Conference.

Diaz was instrumental in keeping things scoreless and helped the Locos come away with a hard-fought draw on the road.

“Memo worked extremely hard last season to be an important part of the group. His effort and desire to improve made it an easy decision for me to bring him back. He is a popular member of the squad and deserves a second year. I’m excited to see him grow again,” said Head Coach Mark Lowry.

Makinde joined El Paso Locomotive in early July by way of trade with Tulsa Roughnecks (FC Tulsa) and was called on countless times to step into the Locomotive backline who dealt with injury throughout the season.

Makinde was relied on when El Paso’s James Kiffe received a red card 51 minutes into the Western Conference Final and had to play 70 minutes down to the wire.

“Moses is a player who is very interesting. He possesses so many good attributes, but I don’t think he has ever been in an environment that can push him, take him past his comfort zone and really challenge him to see how good he can really be. We are going to do that and I’m excited to see how that journey develops,” said Lowry.

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