Tag Archives: el paso soccer

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

Thursday afternoon, officials with El Paso Locomotive FC released the team’s 2020 season schedule.

The season kicks off with an away match against Orange County SC on March 6 and the 2020 home opener will be on March 14 against Portland Timbers 2 (a team El Paso drew against on the road and defeated at home 4-1).

The USL Championship season will run 33 weeks starting March 6 and will conclude on October 18. Times for home and away matches will be announced in the coming weeks.

 “As we start our second season, we are once again pleased to share our Western Conference schedule with our fans.  We developed rivalries with other teams that we will look to continue to grow, had successes both at home and on the road, and look forward to a newcomer to the league in San Diego Loyal led by US soccer legend Landon Donovan,” said General Manager, Business Operations Andrew Forrest

“With twelve Saturday night matches that include Phoenix Rising, San Antonio FC, and New Mexico United; a game versus fellow Texas team Rio Grande Valley on ESPN Deportes and to build on our incredible inaugural season postseason run; 2020 is going to be a season you will not want to miss,” Forrest added.

The 34-game schedule will see Locomotive FC playing a home-and-away match against each team within the Western Conference of the USL Championship, with regional and state rivalries that formed in the inaugural season returning.

A heated matchup between El Paso Locomotive FC and New Mexico United (Albuquerque) has been scheduled for Saturday, March 21 in Albuquerque and On Saturday, September 12, at Southwest University Park.

Texas has four USL Championship teams; El Paso Locomotive FC, Rio Grande Valley FC, Austin Bold FC, and San Antonio FC.

All teams will play each other in a home-and-away series for the bragging rights of the best team in the state of Texas at stake and a chance to claim the Copa Tejas as their own.

El Paso Locomotive FC will also be playing matches against Four MLS II squads (Portland Timbers, Seattle Sounders, LA Galaxy, and Real Salt Lake) this season, starting with the 2020 Home Opener against Portland Timbers 2 on March 14.

El Paso Locomotive FC Full 2019 Inaugural Season Schedule

March 06         Orange County SC
March 14         Portland Timbers 2
March 21         New Mexico United
March 29         Tacoma Defiance
April 04            La Galaxy II
April 18            FC Tulsa
May 02            Reno 1868 FC
May 06            OKC Energy FC
May 14            San Diego Loyal
May 23            Real Monarchs
May 30            Sacramento Republic
June 06            Phoenix Rising FC
June 10            Colorado Springs FC
June 13            San Antonio FC
June 20            Austin Bold FC
June 27            Tacoma Defiance
July 03             OKC Energy FC
July 15             Rio Grande Valley FC Toros
July 18             Las Vegas Lights FC
July 25             Sacramento Republic FC
Aug. 01            LA Galaxy II
Aug. 08            Phoenix Rising FC
Aug. 12            San Diego Loyal
Aug. 15            Real Monarchs
Aug. 22            Orange County SC
Aug. 29            San Antonio FC
Sept. 05           FC Tulsa
Sept. 12           New Mexico United
Sept. 16           Reno 1868 FC
Sept. 20           Portland Timbers 2
Sept. 27           Rio Grande Valley FC Toros
Oct. 03            Las Vegas Lights FC
Oct. 10            Colorado Springs FC
Oct. 17            Austin Bold FC

El Paso Locomotive FC 2019 Home Schedule

2019 Home Schedule Breakdown
By Month

March 1
April 1
May 3
June 3
July 2
August 2
September 4
October 2

By Day of the Week

Saturday 12
Wednesday 3
Thursday 1
Sunday 1

Season Ticket Memberships, Group Tickets, and Individual Match Tickets can be purchased online or by calling or texting 915-235-GOAL.  Individual match tickets will be on sale at a later date.

El Paso Locomotive FC is offering Season Ticket opportunities, Groups, Hospitality, and Premium Seating Options for the 2020 season.

For more information please visit our website at eplocomotivefc.com, call 915-235-GOAL, or email tickets@eplocomotivefc.com

Tuesday morning, El Paso Locomotive FC officials announced the signing of Cameroonian midfielder, Fabrice Fokobo pending league and federation approval.

“Fabrice is a very versatile player, playing in the 8, 6 or CB position to a very high level. His experience in Europe the past 6 years, at a club of the caliber of Sporting Lisbon, shows the type of professionals we want to bring to El Paso,” said Head Coach Mark Lowry. “His ability and athleticism will strengthen the depth of our midfield and backline. I believe games are won and lost in the midfield, particularly in the USL where most teams are physical and very transitional.”

“We are a team that likes to possess the ball, so having a strong midfield with strength in depth will allow us to control opposition counter-attacks, which historically has been an area where most teams try and capitalize against us. Fabrice will be a key part of this, along with Distel and the returning midfielders to enable us to control each element of the game,” Lowry added.

Fokobo played his youth career with NQSA (Njala Quan Sports Academy) in his home country of Cameroon. His senior career sent him to Portugal where he has spent the past seven years with Sporting Lisbon who compete in the top-flight of the Portuguese league.

He spent stints with various clubs in the Portuguese football system whilst on loan, most recently playing with Real Sport Clube. The 25-year-old midfielder has also represented Cameroon at the U17 level.

For fans, 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 signed Canadian defender Drew Beckie for the 2020 season.

“It’s an honor to be able to work with Drew for another year. Everyone who knows Drew will tell you what an incredible human being he is, but he is also a fierce competitor with a willingness to listen, learn and improve his game every single day. He is exactly the type of player and person we want here in El Paso and he is a major part of our culture and growth as a team,” said Head Coach Mark Lowry.

Beckie was added to the Locomotive roster midseason by way of trade with OKC Energy FC.  The defender immediately found his stride in the El Paso system and appeared for the Locos 19 times and started in 17 of those contests.

Beckie joins nine returning players from the inaugural campaign and one new player (Distel Zola).

El Paso’s technical staff are currently building the 2020 roster and are building towards a successful second season.  Team officials add that there will be more player announcements in the future.

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 has signed their first new player for the 2020 season as Distel Zola will join the Locos from Tours FC in France where he spent the 2018-2019 season.

“To be able to add a player of Distel’s quality and experience to our group is something I am extremely excited about. His mentality as a top pro in the French leagues and his international experience with France and Congo make him an experienced high level professional. He will add leadership in the locker room and allow us to continue to raise our standards within the group. On the field, his physical presence, power and running ability combined with his quality on the ball will give us another dimension to our game. I am looking forward to Distel integrating with the group and getting on the field in 2020,” said Head Coach Mark Lowry

Zola began his professional club career with Monaco in the highly esteemed Ligue 1 and has spent the majority of his career in the French football system.

The former French youth national team player has made appearances at the U16, U17, U18, and U19 level before switching his International allegiance to the Democratic Republic of Congo where he has appeared for the national team 21 times.

Zola will join nine returners from year one on the Locomotive roster.

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 has renewed Haitian defender Mechack Jérôme’s contract for the 2020 season.

“Prior to Mechack’s injury, the Locomotive faithful were presented with glimpses of the quality that Mechack possesses. His passing range and composure on the ball allows us to dictate possession out of the back, his 1v1 defending and athleticism allows us to play higher up the field and take more risks when attacking. I cannot wait to see him back on the field in 2020, he is a very exciting player and someone I just love working with,” stated Head Coach Mark Lowry.

The powerhouse defender made ten appearances for El Paso before being called up to represent Haiti in the 2019 Gold Cup. While on international duty, Jérôme suffered a season-ending injury and spent the remainder of the 2019 season recovering.

He is expected to be fully and readily available for the 2020 season.

In his limited appearances with El Paso this season, Jérôme recorded 45 clearances, four blocks and nine interceptions. He is a vital asset in the Mark Lowry possession model and will be a key defensive element in the 2020 campaign.

Jérôme is the seventh returning player for next season; joining Richie Ryan, Logan Ketterer, Bryam Rebellon, Omar Salgado, Yuma, and Alexy Bosetti.

All aboard, 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.

El Paso Locomotive FC forward Jerome Kiesewetter has signed with Inter Miami FC. Kiesewetter will join the David Beckham-owned Major League Soccer club, which is set to play its first season in 2020.

“Jerome made a huge impact on and off the field while in El Paso. We thank him for his commitment here and we wish him all the best with Inter Miami. At El Paso Locomotive we pride ourselves on player development and offering a platform through our style of play for players like Jerome to grow and establish themselves as top players within the USL, while also showcasing the ability and potential to move to MLS or beyond,” commented Head Coach Mark Lowry.

“This is another example of how El Paso Locomotive has truly arrived within the global soccer landscape and Jerome’s success, and the success we had on the field in 2019, only motivates us to strive for more in 2020.”

Kiesewetter joined El Paso in early April from Bundesliga club Fortuna Düsseldorf and brought with him an attacking prowess and finishing ability.

The German-born American striker appeared in 28 matches and led the team in goals scored (12); he sparked the flame that would lead El Paso to find its rhythm in the attacking half.

El Paso Locomotive FC put on a performance for the ages in front of 7,500 plus screaming Loco fans. Locomotive flattened Sacramento Republic 3-0 to punch their ticket to the Western Conference Final.

El Paso came out of the gate proving that they are a force to be reckoned with. The first goal of the match came off a free kick taken by James Kiffe. The curling ball found Josue Aaron Gomez in the box and Gomez finished it with class off a glancing header.

Locomotive kept the pace high and came out in the second half with a fire. Locos were awarded a penalty late in the second half and Sebastian Contreras stepped up to the spot. The Argentine took the kick and sent the keeper the wrong way.

When the ball hit the back of the net, Southwest University Park went into a state of euphoria.

Locomotive weren’t done there. The nail in the coffin goal came in the 88^th minute when Sebastian Velasquez continued to impress with his agility. Velasquez took on the Sacramento defense and came out on top.

Putting the ball to his favorite left foot, the seasoned professional sent a missile of a ball into the back of the net. The energy was contagious and at the final whistle, El Paso’s season would continue.

The Locos will travel to Salt Lake City to face Real Monarchs on Saturday, November 9^th at 1 p.m. In both of the regular-season meetings between the clubs, neither side has found a goal.

Locomotive continues their #Track2TheTrophy and an official watch party location will be announced shortly.

The single elimination tournament concludes on Sunday, November 17^th, at a time to be determined, where the last remaining team in the West and East play for the Championship Trophy.

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

El Paso Locomotive FC will kick off their inaugural postseason campaign by taking to the road and facing Fresno FC on Saturday, October 26^th at 8:30 p.m. MT.

“The entire team, coaching staff and front office are thrilled to be the highest-seeded expansion team in the 2019 Championship Playoffs as well as the highest-seeded Texas team. The team has been playing extraordinary football the last six weeks which we hope will culminate in a road win at Fresno this weekend. We aren’t just happy we got in, we are here to win games and that will be the mentality when we travel to Fresno,” stated Andrew Forrest, General Manager, Business Operations.

The USL Championship Playoffs begin this Wednesday with a play-in round between the lowest four seeds in the Western Conference.

Locomotive will be hosting five watch parties across the city so fans can come together and cheer on the Locos in every corner of El Paso.

The locations are Union Drafthouse East, Union Drafthouse West, Cabo Joes, The Palomino Tavern, and Brass Monkey. Fans will have access to accompanying drink specials with prizes and Locomotive gear to be raffled off at each location.

El Paso holds the opportunity to host a home playoff match on Saturday, November 2^nd if they win in Fresno this weekend, and if Reno loses their match; making Locomotive the highest seed in their section of the bracket.

Fans are encouraged to purchase their home playoff tickets by visiting  the Locomotive website or calling 915-235-GOAL.

The single-elimination tournament concludes on Sunday, November 17^th where the last remaining team in the West and East play for the Championship Trophy.

El Paso Locomotive FC will kick off their inaugural postseason campaign by taking to the road and facing Fresno FC on Saturday, October 26^th.

Locomotive closed their regular season campaign on the road against LA Galaxy II Saturday night and finished in 6^th place in the Western Conference, the highest seed of any expansion club in the West.

El Paso was the first expansion team to clinch a playoff berth in the West and looks to face off against the Foxes in one week.

The regular-season meetings between the clubs left both sides with a win across the two matches.

El Paso’s standing also gives them the luxury of a bye week, avoiding the play-in round.

Locomotive closed the regular season with the highest passing accuracy of any club in the entire league and the least amount of goals conceded in the West.

For up to date information on the #Track2TheTrophy for the Locomotive, visit their website.

El Paso Locomotive FC move one point closer to clinching a position in the post-season after drawing Austin Bold FC 1-1 at home in front of 6,355 fans.

Andrew Forrest, General Manager, Business Operations, commented on the draw, “Great effort tonight by the players and the team for getting a point and inching closer to a playoff spot.  Our gameday atmosphere was incredible tonight and the fans brought the energy to Southwest University Park as usual.  We will be prepared for Portland and are ready to clinch at home next Tuesday.  We can’t wait to have our fans be there for this historic moment in our club’s history.”

El Paso sits in 8^th place in the West and have two matches left in the regular season to better their standing heading into post-season play.

Home playoff tickets are available now for Season Ticket Members by calling 915-235-GOAL from 8:30-5:30 M-F, or by accessing their MyTixx account.

Season Ticket Members will have the exclusive opportunity through Wednesday, October 16 at 11:59 PM to purchase their Season Seats for home playoff matches before those tickets are made available to the general public.

All other tickets will be on sale and available to the general public beginning October 10 at 9 p.m.

The potential El Paso Locomotive FC 2019 home Playoff schedule is as follows:

Play-in Round, if necessary: Wednesday, October 23 @ 7 pm

Western Conference Quarter-Final: Saturday, October 26 @ 7:30 pm

Western Conference Semi-Final: Saturday, November 2 @ 7:30 pm

Western Conference Final: Saturday, November 9 @ 7:30 pm

USL Championship Final: Date and Time to be determined by USL

The USL Championship Playoffs is a single-elimination format featuring the top 10 teams from both conferences. El Paso Locomotive FC is currently in 8th place in the Western Conference.

El Paso Locomotive FC play their final regular-season home match on Tuesday, October 15^th at 7:00 PM against Portland Timbers 2. Season Ticket Memberships, Group Tickets, and Individual Match Tickets are available and may be purchased online or by calling 915-235-GOAL

El Paso Locomotive FC took to the road and picked up one point against the number three team in the West, Reno 1868 FC.

For the first time this season, all four local players were on the pitch at the same time; Omar Salgado, Louis “Chapa” Herrera, Guillermo Diaz, and Josue Aaron Gomez who all made their impact felt in this dominating performance.

El Paso has defeated two top-four teams in the past week and have picked up a total of seven points across their last three matches, furthering their commitment to the postseason.

Locomotive barreled down the tracks and dominated the home team, recording 23 shots, 15 of those coming in the first half. El Paso showed grit and tenacity and proved that they are a top contender in the Western Conference.

Locomotive sit two points outside of fourth place and have at least a game in hand over the majority of the field.

The Locos have three matches remaining, with a possibility of grabbing nine points and exploding into the top four, opening the possibility of hosting a home playoff match in their 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

El Paso Locomotive FC defeated Sacramento Republic FC 2-1 on the road to gain a thundering three points and move deeper into securing a play-off position.

The match began with two weather delays that shifted the momentum and saw the Locos go down a goal early in the match. The rain wasn’t enough to stop this train.

El Paso’s first goal of the night came from defender Bryam Rebellon who finished a deflected ball off a Sacramento defender.

Rebellon hit a bouncing volley on his first touch and sent the ball booming into the back of the net, notching his second goal of the season.

El Paso’s winning goal came in the waning moments of the match when it seemed that things would end in a draw. The go-ahead goal was awarded to Aaron Gomez, his third in the last four matches.

After the four minutes of stoppage time were added, the elusive and calm attacker pounced on a poorly deflected clearance and gave his team and city the winning goal.

With this win, El Paso sits in ninth place, with three points separating them from fifth place. El Paso Locomotive FC plays their next match at home on Wednesday, October 2^nd against Fresno.

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

With a playoff slot on the line, El Paso Locomotive had their route set Saturday night: defeat Colorado Springs Switchbacks.

And the Locomotive crew did not disappoint, winning 2-0, gaining three points and moving into play-off position.

“If we can get it right and replicate our first half from tonight across 90 minutes, then I don’t see a team that can beat us. Every game we are going for three points, at this stage we want to go all out for the win,” said Head Coach Mark Lowry.

The Locomotive possessed the ball 61 percent and completing 91 percent of their passes.

The first goal of the night came from defender Bryam Rebellon who finished a precision pass from James Kiffe (his third assist of the season). Rebellon trapped a cross, took a touch outside his body and then sent his left boot through the ball and into the back of the net.

El Paso’s final goal came in the waning moments of the match and from a newcomer to the squad. Alexy Bosetti joined El Paso just over a month ago and tonight was his first goal in Loco colors.

Omar Salgado went down the left flank untouched and found his teammate inside the Colorado box. Bosetti finished a bouncing volley on his first touch and sent Southwest University Park into a state of elation.

El Paso Locomotive FC plays their next match at home on Wednesday, October 2^nd against Fresno. Season Ticket Memberships, Group Tickets, and Individual Match Tickets can be purchased at online or by calling 915-235-GOAL.