Tag Archives: EP Locomotive FC

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.

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.

Tuesday afternoon, El Paso Locomotive FC officials announced that the club had re-signed Jermaine Fordah for the 2020 season, pending league and federation approval.

“It’s great to have Jermaine back. He was an important part of the team last season. He brings a great work ethic and positive attitude to training every day. Every coach in the world will tell you how important that is and I’m excited to see him develop in year two,” said Head Coach Mark Lowry.

A fan-favorite for his off the field personality, Fordah appeared between the sticks twice during the regular season.

One of those appearances resulting in a clean sheet against eventual 2019 Champions, Real Monarchs.

Fordah is now the 19^th rostered player for El Paso and joins a 15-man returning core (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, and Bryam Rebellon) who made it to the Western Conference final in their inaugural run.

New players to the Locomotive roster include Fabrice Fokobo, Saeed Robinson, Marios Lomis, and Distel Zola.

More roster announcements are slated for the near future before Locomotive kicks off their second season on the road in Orange County on March 6^th and then return home to face Portland Timbers FC 2 on March 14^th.

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

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.

El Paso Locomotive FC has re-signed Louis “Chapa” Herrera for the 2020 season, pending league and federation approval.

Chapa joined Locomotive in early January of 2019 after Head Coach Mark Lowry discovered Chapa and saw his professional promise at the highly regarded Alianza de Futbol tournament.

“To see his growth from pre-season to the end of the season was special for us all. He is someone who wants to learn every day and someone who is always asking questions, which is important because that shows his willingness to learn and that he wants to get better. He helped us a lot through the inaugural season and I’m sure he will become even better this year,” said Locomotive midfielder Richie Ryan.

The midfielder made 28 appearances and found himself in the starting lineup 12 times this season. In the away match vs OKC Energy FC he tied the game with his shot that would ultimately be awarded as an own goal.

“Chapa has proved himself to be a hungry and young rising star and was the second local player to sign a professional contract with El Paso Locomotive FC. He is a testament to the high-level of play and talent pool that exists in the Borderland,” team officials added.

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

TAMPA  – The 2020 national broadcast schedule for the USL Championship across ESPN networks was released today featuring 20-plus games on ESPN2, ESPNews and ESPN Deportes in the league’s 10th anniversary season. 

The first of seven games on ESPNews takes place the opening weekend of the Championship season, pitting San Diego Loyal SC and Head Coach Landon Donovan against Las Vegas Lights FC and Head Coach Eric Wynalda at Torero Stadium in San Diego as the hosts compete in their first competitive game on Saturday, March 7 at 10:30 p.m. ET.

As part of the new rights agreement reached between the USL and ESPN this past August, the Championship will have Spanish-language coverage of 10 games on ESPN Deportes, beginning with the Tampa Bay Rowdies hosting Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC on Friday, March 27 at 7:30 p.m. ET.

The league’s ESPN2 coverage kicks off on Wednesday, April 29 when Memphis 901 FC welcomes the Charleston Battery to AutoZone Park before San Diego Loyal SC returns to host El Paso Locomotive FC on Wednesday, August 12 at 10 p.m. ET.

Overall, more than 590 games from the USL Championship will air on ESPN+, the industry-leading direct-to-consumer sports streaming platform, with coverage beginning on the opening day of the season, Friday, March 6.

In addition, ESPN+ will feature more than 170 games from USL League One when its season kicks off on Friday, March 27.

Coverage runs from March through November and will include 19 regular season games and the 2020 USL Championship Final on ESPN linear television networks.

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

• ESPN Networks to air 20-plus games in total as part of Championship’s 10^th season
• In total, more than 765 USL Championship and League One games on ESPN+

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

On Thursday morning, officials with El Paso Locomotive FC announced that they renewed Andrew Fox’s contract for 2020, pending league and federation approval.

“Andrew grew in stature and confidence as the season went on. He is comfortable anywhere across the backline and he is a very accomplished footballer. He is another integral part of our defensive organization, who has an understanding of how we want to play with and without the ball. His character and personality off the field make him a joy to work with and I am looking forward to building on his success in 2019,” said Head Coach Mark Lowry

Fox appeared in 30 matches for the Locos where he contributed significantly to the esteemed Locomotive defensive effort and was instrumental in El Paso achieving one of the lowest shots faced in the league for the 2019 season.

With El Paso, Fox registered 106 clearances (second-highest on team behind captain Chiro N’toko) and 15 blocked shots (highest on the team). Fox scored two goals as a defender this season, one of them being the sole El Paso goal in the Western Conference Final.

“The Englishman has shown his versatility this season with stints as a left-back, center back and forward,” team officials added.

El Paso Locomotive FC’s Sebastian Contreras, James Kiffe, Daniel Navarro, and Joshua Castellanos are out of contract for the 2020 season.

“We want to extend our best wishes to Sebastian, James, Daniel and Joshua in their future soccer endeavors. All four players were instrumental in our inaugural season and as a club we look forward to seeing what they accomplish next,” said General Manager, Business Operations Andrew Forrest.

El Paso Locomotive FC currently have eight players returning for the 2020 season; Nick Ross, Mechack Jérôme, Richie Ryan, Logan Ketterer, Bryam Rebellon, Omar Salgado, Yuma, and Alexy Bosetti.

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 bowed out of the 2019 season after losing to Real Monarchs 2-1 Saturday afternoon in Utah.

Locomotive played with ten men from the 51^st minute on and held the Monarchs level all the way to the final minute where Salt Lake grabbed the winning goal in the 120^th minute.

Locomotive concluded the 2019 season as the only expansion club and the only club in the state of Texas to make it this deep into the post season.

El Paso was one of the final four remaining clubs in the playoffs out of the entire 36 team USL Championship.

“This was a class performance from the boys, top to bottom.  An unfortunate way to end a magical first season, but the coaching staff and players are relentless.  We will improve, get better and be ready to take it to the league in 2020.  To the fans, get ready for some big announcements soon.  Offseason starts today,” said General Manager, Business Operations Andrew Forrest.

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

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 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 pulled out all stops in their stunning 3-2 victory over the number three seeded Fresno FC which means El Paso will host the next round of the USL Championship Playoffs on Saturday, November 2^nd at 7:30.

Locomotive will face off against Sacramento Republic, a team that they have beaten in both meetings of the regular season.

Head Coach Mark Lowry commented on the massive performance, “That one was for you El Paso. That was all for you. We are so grateful for all of you supporting us every day. This was about coming home next Saturday night and giving this city a home playoff match.”

The Locos took the early lead against Fresno when Josue Aaron Gomez converted on an El Paso corner in the 19^th minute and would hold onto the lead entering halftime.

Fresno came out with 2 back-to-back goals to start the second half and it seemed that El Paso’s season would end at the whistle.

Showing their grit and tenacity, the Locos hunkered down and showed off their attacking prowess. In the 77^th minute, James Kiffe received the ball at the top of the Fresno box, after taking a few touches to the right, he sent it thundering into the back of the net, leaving the keeper helpless. With things tied up at 2-2 extra time was looming.

In the 82^nd minute, Gomez was taken down in the box and El Paso was awarded the penalty.

Who else but Sebastian Velasquez to step up to the spot when El Paso needed him most? The seasoned professional calmly walked up to the ball and when the whistle was blown, he sent it past the keeper and sealed El Paso’s playoff history.

El Paso will host the next playoff match on Saturday, November 2^nd against Sacramento Republic FC as they continue their historic inaugural season and their #Track2TheTrophy.

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

Video courtesy EP Locomotive/Facebook