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 21st against Colorado Springs Switchbacks.
Season Ticket Memberships, Group Tickets, and Individual Match Tickets can be purchased online or by calling 915-235-GOAL
On Friday, officials with El Paso Locomotive FC announced details surrounding the auction of Noche de Locos jerseys.
The auction will begin at 10 a.m. on the morning of Saturday, September 21st and close at 5 p.m. on Monday, September 23rd.
The highly sought after jersey flew off the shelves and sold out within 24 hours of being released.
This auction will give fans another chance to get their hands on a jersey, with proceeds benefiting the Locomotive Foundation and a portion of the proceeds going toward medical student scholarships in support of the Texas Tech University Health Science Center Foster School of Medicine 10-year anniversary celebration.
“This unique ability for our incredibly passionate fans to get their hands on a one of a kind, once in a lifetime player worn jersey allows for an unparalleled fan experience within the Locomotive community. Coupled with the selfless giving this community is known for, in that, their bid is going to help local philanthropic initiatives through the El Paso Locomotive Foundation and the Texas Tech University Health Science Center Foster School of Medicine 10-year anniversary celebration. This is a special way for fans to connect to their favorite players,” said Andrew Forrest General Manager, Business Operations.
The jerseys that fans will bid on will be the actual team kits worn on September 21st when Locomotive takes on Colorado Springs Switchbacks at home, allowing fans the opportunity to own their favorite Locomotive player’s game shirt adorned with their name and number.
The auction will be done solely online, and participants can bid directly from their phone by texting “BID” to 844-311-5007.
El Paso Locomotive FC plays their next match at home on Saturday, September 21st against Colorado Springs Switchbacks.
Season Ticket Memberships, Group Tickets, and Individual Match Tickets can be purchased online or by calling 915-235-GOAL!
El Paso Locomotive FC’s race to the playoffs is still alive in the club’s first season. Only four points separate the field from 11th to fourth place in the Western Conference, with fourth place hosting that elusive final home playoff game.
“The playoffs are why sports teams compete. Our team is finally healthy and poised to make a run deep into the playoffs. Working hard to get the maximum amount of points these last eight games is paramount to our playoff push,” commented Andrew Forrest General Manager, Business Operations.
Eight regular-season matches are left to play for the Locos, leaving 24 possible points on the table, making the contest in the West one to keep your eyes on. Locomotive also has two games in hand on a large portion of clubs in the West.
The regular season for the Locos concludes on Saturday, October 19 in Los Angeles, as El Paso faces LA Galaxy II, but the team has four home matches remaining which will play a massive role in which place Locomotive will finish.
The lowest four seeds in each conference will enter into a play-in round on October 23. The winners from that round will then enter into a single-elimination bracket, with the highest seed hosting each playoff match, opening the possibilities to a playoff match being held in El Paso.
The USL Cup will be held anywhere from November 14-18th.
El Paso’s four remaining home matches will be played on Saturday, September 21st, Wednesday, October 2nd, Thursday, October 10th, and Tuesday, October 15th.
El Paso Locomotive FC plays their next match at home on Saturday, September 21st against Colorado Springs Switchbacks. Season Ticket Memberships, Group Tickets, and Individual Match Tickets can be purchased online or by calling 915-235-GOAL!
El Paso Locomotive FC dominate the Lights on the road, shutting out Las Vegas and scoring three goals in an electrifying performance. Locomotive got things started when James Kiffe was taken down in the Las Vegas box.
Sebastian Velasquez stepped up to the spot and converted a clinical penalty kick to grab his first goal of the season.
“It feels like a weight has been lifted off me. I have been waiting for that first goal to get things going. I just wanted to say thank you to all the fans who have been with us since day one,” commented Velasquez.
As soon as he stepped onto the pitch, El Paso’s Aaron Gomez made his impact felt.
Within 60 seconds of subbing in, Gomez scored his first goal of the night. After finding teammate Omar Salgado inside the Vegas box, Gomez was primed to scoop up the deflected shot from Salgado, putting his foot through the ball and sending it thundering into the back of the net.
Ten minutes later, Gomez added to his sheet. Nick Ross received a booming pass from the Locomotive backline and took it towards the Vegas goal. Ross ripped a shot, but the Lights keeper was able to get a foot to it and send it back into traffic, where the un-checked Gomez cleaned up and scored his second of the night.
With this win, El Paso moves into playoff position.
El Paso Locomotive FC plays their next match at home on Saturday, September 21st against Colorado Springs Switchbacks.
Season Ticket Memberships, Group Tickets, and Individual Match Tickets can be purchased online or by calling 915-235-GOAL.
El Paso Locomotive FC overcame a two-goal deficit to draw against Tulsa Roughnecks 2-2 in dramatic fashion.
Tulsa took the lead in the first half and then came out in the second and put another away to extend their lead.
El Paso showed their grit and tenacity and in the 79th minute, Aaron Gomez scored his first goal of the season off a booming header that left the keeper helpless.
James Kiffe came up with the assist after sending a pinpoint cross into the box that Gomez finished with class. Seventy-one seconds later Locomotive answered with the equalizer that sent the stadium into mania.
El Paso’s Omar Salgado was untouchable down the left line, juking a defender and finding Jerome Kiesewetter inside the box.
The German-American striker put his left foot through the ball from Salgado and notched his 11th goal of the season.
El Paso Locomotive FC plays their next match at home on Saturday, September 21st against Colorado Springs Switchbacks.
Season Ticket Memberships, Group Tickets, and Individual Match Tickets can be purchased at online or by calling 915-235-GOAL
El Paso Locomotive FC lost a hard-fought battle in South Texas to Rio Grande Valley Toros 1-0 Saturday night.
After 90 minutes, Locomotive would end the night a man and a goal down.
El Paso’s Richie Ryan was shown two yellow cards and had to leave the match. Locomotive FC forward Jerome Kiesewetter was back in the starting 11 after being out from injury since the middle of July.
In a showing of unity, the Toros players wore black armbands to honor the victims of the August 3rd shootings in El Paso.
Locomotive FC are going into a bye week and will have 11 days before their next match at home.
El Paso Locomotive FC plays their next match at home on Wednesday, September 4th against Tulsa Roughnecks.
Season Ticket Memberships, Group Tickets, and Individual Match Tickets can be purchased online or by calling 915-235-GOAL.
On a night exactly two weeks removed from the tragic shooting that took 22 lives and injured nearly two dozen more, the El Paso Locomotive took to the pitch Saturday night, determined to show everyone exactly what the phrase El Paso Strong meant.
Cheered on by nearly 6ooo fans at Southwest University Park, the Locomotive played host not only to the visiting Tacoma Defiance, but countless first responders, law enforcement and others who helped so many on August 3rd.
In addition to the fans and specials guests, one group was there to share in the healing power of the beautiful game: the El Paso Fusion girl’s soccer team.
The Fusion were at the Cielo Vista Walmart, fundraising for their season when the gunman opened fire, injuring their coaches. After hearing of the news of the Fusion, Locomotive player Sebastian Velasquez rallied to their aid, helping them fundraise in the aftermath of the shooting.
On top of all the visitors, the 22 second moment of silence for the victims, and the El Paso Strong flags handed out to fans, there was still a game to be played.
And what a game it turned out to be.
While Tacoma came out quick in the first quarter hour, it was the Locomotive who then took control – seemingly inspired by the ‘lights and flag’ memorial at the 22nd minute of the match when fans waived their flags and lit up their cell phones – as 10 minutes later Edson Partida drove home a nearly impossible shot to give the Locos and their crew something to celebrate.
The second half began much as the first, although Tacoma seemed more determined than ever to take the game to the Locomotive.
The Defiance gradually became more and more aggressive, eventually ending in a donnybrook that sent Chiro N’toko to the clubhouse with a red card, leaving the Locos to make the rest of the journey with only 10 crew members.
That entire sequence seemingly stoked the boiler of the Locomotive, who then began picking up the pace.
When El Pasoan Omar Salgado entered the game with roughly 30 minutes left on the clock, there was a feeling that something great could be just around the bend. And so it was.
At the 70th minute, Salgado charging in from the left, was fed a perfect header from Drew Beckie and sent in on through, putting the Locos up 2-0.
El Paso Locomotive FC have acquired FIFA U-20 France World Cup champion Alexy Bosetti by way of trade with OKC Energy FC, pending league and federation approval.
To fulfill the trade, OKC will acquire El Paso’s Derek Gebhard. Gebhard appeared for El Paso 18 times this season and notched the first goal in Locomotive franchise history.
“It is with sadness that we say goodbye to Derek, I have worked with him for over three years now and he is someone I genuinely care about. He has had a couple of little injuries this season that have prevented him from getting any type of rhythm, so he has been out of the team for long spells. For Derek’s long-term future, we felt this move would be a good fit for him and nothing would make me happier than seeing him go to OKC, score some goals and show everyone how good of a player he can be,” commented Coach Mark Lowry.
Bosetti was born in Nice, France, and played his youth career with Cavigal Nice Sports and Nice. From 2012-2017 he rostered for Nice in Ligue 1 (first division French football) and made 75 appearances, scoring ten goals.
Along with his esteemed club career, Bosetti won the 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup with France and has represented his country 20 times with the U-19 and U-20 sides.
With OKC he saw the pitch 19 times and scored once, grabbing four assists. The French attacker will give El Paso a variety of options in the attacking third and prove to be a thrilling addition to the roster.
“As for Bosetti, his resume and pedigree speak for itself. He has played at the highest level in France, won a U20 World Cup, and is still young and hungry to prove that he can be a success in the US. His character off the field comes with a good reputation and the type of player he is fits perfectly with our style of play on the field. His addition makes us a stronger more experienced team,” said Lowry.
El Paso Locomotive FC plays their next match at home on Saturday, August 17th against Tacoma Defiance. Season Ticket Memberships, Group Tickets, and Individual Match Tickets can be purchased online or by calling 915-235-GOAL
Wednesday morning, officials with El Paso Locomotive FC announced plans for the August 17th match that will honor the first responders and remember the victims of the tragedy that occurred on August 3rd.
The theme of the night will be “El Paso Strong,” which the Borderland has united behind. Below are details surrounding the related events:
El Paso Strong flags will be distributed to the first 1,500 fans through the door
Locomotive players will wear specially designed El Paso Strong patches on their jerseys beginning on the 17th and through the remainder of the 2019 season
American, German, and Mexican flags to be flown, honoring the victims
El Paso Strong t-shirts to be worn by the team during warmups
EP Fusion youth soccer team will be in attendance and participate in gameday activities. These young players and their coaches were directly impacted by the event on August 3rd
Proceeds from the game’s 50/50 raffle to be donated to Paso Del Notre Community Foundation’s El Paso Victims Fund
22 second moment of silence honoring the victims
Color Guard comprised of first responders
USL President Jake Edwards will be in attendance to pay his respects to the Borderland region
In addition to the $150,000 donation to the two Victims’ Relief Funds from the MountainStar Sports Group Foundation, a portion of each ticket sold through this fundraising promotion will benefit the El Paso Victims Relief Fund
El Paso Locomotive FC plays their next match at home on Saturday, August 17th against Tacoma Defiance at 7:30 and gates open at 6:30. Season Ticket Memberships, Group Tickets, and Individual Match Tickets can be purchased online or by calling 915-235-GOAL
El Paso Locomotive FC displayed a dominating performance against Real Monarchs whose five-game winning streak was snapped Saturday night.
The night would end in a nil-nil draw in front if 6,000 flag-waving fans. Locomotive out-possessed Monarchs 66 to 34 percent and completed 91 percent of their 575 passes.
The El Paso backline also held the Monarchs to a single shot on target that was easily controlled by backup goalkeeper Jermaine Fordah.
“That was a phenomenal effort from the guys. You don’t see USL games like that. We owned the possession. We value the process and when you play like that you can’t be disappointed,” said Coach Mark Lowry after tonight’s draw.
Newcomer Sebastian Velasquez saw his Locomotive debut this evening and played the full 90 minutes. The elusive midfielder would finish the night with three shots (two being blocked) and completed 92 percent of his passes.
“He’s class man. He unlocks defenses, he has that different level and we have been lacking that. We saw tonight the quality that he is going to bring to the table,” said Lowry
El Paso takes to the road to face rival New Mexico United on Wednesday, July 31st. Fans can catch the action at the Official Pub Club Watch Party at The Palomino Tavern.
El Paso Locomotive FC plays their next match at home on Saturday, August 3rd against Portland Timbers 2. Season Ticket Memberships, Group Tickets, and Individual Match Tickets can be purchased online or by calling 915-235-GOAL.
El Paso Locomotive FC and the City of El Paso have announced a joint project: Streetcar Soccer Series.
The series will be a live Q&A session featuring Locomotive players as they ride the Streetcar and interact with other riders and moderator Duke Keith.
Fans are encouraged to ride along and will have the opportunity to ask their questions.
The four-part series kicks off Monday, July 22nd and will continue every Monday until August 12th. The series will feature Logan Ketterer, Andrew Fox, El Pasoan Omar Salgado, and the final player who will be decided by a fan vote on the Locomotive website.
The ride is free for everyone and will begin at 6 p.m. at Franklin and El Paso across the street from Cleveland Square Park and will go for two loops. Guests will also have the chance to win Locomotive prizes and exclusive team merchandise.
“The Locos have been an exciting addition to the Downtown Arts District, and we are excited to provide this opportunity for the community to get to know the players,” said Tracey Jerome, Managing Director, Museums and Cultural Affairs, Libraries and Tourism.
“The El Paso Streetcar is a great way to get to a game at Southwest University Park. The interview series is just one of the ways riders can enjoy the El Paso Streetcar,” said Jay Banasiak, Director of Sun Metro.
Everyone is encouraged to download the new El Paso Streetcar app to stay current of events happening in conjunction with the streetcar. It is free and available from Google Play and the Apple App store.
El Paso Locomotive FC plays their next match at home on Wednesday, July 17th against San Antonio FC. Season Ticket Memberships, Group Tickets, and Individual Match Tickets can be purchased online or by calling 915-235-GOAL.
Saturday night, El Paso Locomotive FC lost their first road match in the club’s history.
An injury riddled roster and road fatigue played heavily into the Locomotive performance Saturday evening, coming off Wednesday’s battle in San Antonio and the 0-0 tie.
The Borderland’s own Memo Diaz saw his first professional appearance in tonight’s match resulting in all four local players (Omar Salgado, Louis ‘Chapa Herrera, Aaron Gomez, and Diaz) sharing the pitch for the first time this season.
Daniel Navarro also returned from his short-term loan to Chattanooga.
El Paso wraps up their third consecutive road match next Saturday when they travel to Oklahoma City.
El Paso Locomotive FC plays their next match at home on Saturday, July 17th against San Antonio FC. Season Ticket Memberships, Group Tickets, and Individual Match Tickets can be purchased online or by calling 915-235-GOAL.
Thanks to great in-goal play, El Paso Locomotive FC remain unbeaten on the road with a nil-nil draw in San Antonio.
Goalkeeper Logan Ketterer came up with a massive save in the opening minutes of the match to keep things scoreless. San Antonio FC was awarded a penalty in the 17th minute and sent a booming shot into the right corner of the goal.
Ketterer showed his professionalism under pressure and got explosive, getting both hands on the shot to deny San Antonio the lead.
Drew Beckie had to exit the match in the 43rd minute seeing midfielder Omar Salgado drop to left back. Locomotive came out with a gutsy draw and a road point in front of 75 plus traveling supporters from El Paso.
El Paso sit in third place in the Western Conference with 27 points and have conceded the least amount of goals (13) in the West this season.
Ketterer is in second place across the league for most clean sheets (eight).
This is the first of their three straight road games over the next 10 days, as El Paso’s next stop has them in Fresno to face the Foxes this Saturday.
El Paso Locomotive FC play their next home match on Saturday, July 17th against San Antonio FC. Season Ticket Memberships, Group Tickets, and Individual Match Tickets can be purchased online or by calling 915-235-GOAL.
El Paso Locomotive FC announced the signing of a top-recruit ahead of Saturday’s match against the Las Vegas Lights.
In partnership with The Hospitals of Providence (THOP), 11-year-old Amber Berry signed with the team at 11 a.m. on Friday at Southwest University Park as the Locomotive Player for a Day. Berry has been battling leukemia since November 16, 2016.
“We are so excited to sign Amber Berry to a one-day contract with the team,” Andrew Forrest, El Paso Locomotive FC General Manager, Business Operations, said. “She has shown incredible resiliency and courage in her battle with leukemia and has been under the highest standard of care from the great team at The Hospitals of Providence. Because of their hard work and Amber’s fighting spirit, we know Amber will be able to enjoy being a kid again when she completes her treatments.”
The festivities began when Berry arrived at Southwest University Park at 10:30 a.m. to be greeted by both Locomotive and Chihuahuas staff. She then made her way to the field to watch the Locomotive finish training.
She signed at 11 a.m. accompanied by her family, Forrest, THOP Market CEO Monica Vargas Mahar and Locomotive coaching staff and players.
During her three-year cancer journey at Providence Children’s Hospital, Amber has undergone more than 54 treatments in an effort to get her well. Her final treatment is expected to be in July.
“It’s important to always stay positive, think of happy thoughts and in the end, you’ll see how much you’ve accomplished,” said Amber Berry. “My team has been my mom, my family and all the nurses and doctors who have helped get me better. I can’t wait to take on this next challenge as a Locomotive for a day.”
With aspirations to be an artist, Amber will unveil a one-of-a-kind masterpiece made especially for the Locomotive gameday poster.
On Saturday, the Locomotive Player for the Day has an evening filled with soccer fun, team warm-up, autograph signing, game broadcast announcing and spending time with players. Her family will join in the festivities and cheer Amber on as player number 4.
“Amber is one of our warrior patients, she is truly an incredible child who at a very young age has already had to take on cancer and said it’s not going to beat me,” said Nicholas Tejeda, Group Chief Executive Officer for The Hospitals of Providence. “When you meet her you can’t help but feel inspired by her. She not only brightens the days of many of our pediatric patients, but she brings smiles to all our nurses and staff. These kids are our future, Amber is our future and it’s about getting them back on the field to do great things.”
El Paso Locomotive FC tied the number four team in the Western Conference after being down one goal, and hometown footballer Omar Salgado provided the boot.
It was a physical contest that saw seven yellow cards and one penalty. With this draw, El Paso continue their unbeaten streak and extend it to six matches.
“I am so happy for Omar, he deserved it. His work-rate for the team is superb and I know this will build up his confidence and keep things going,” said Coach Mark Lowry. “I’m very proud of how the guys all played tonight. It was a fantastic performance and to have not lost in four road matches is brilliant.”
El Paso’s own Louis “Chapa” Herrera got his first start of the season alongside newcomer Drew Beckie, who recently signed from OKC Energy FC.
In the 41’ a game-changing penalty was awarded to Timbers 2 which saw Dairon Asprilla step up. Goalkeeper Logan Ketterer came up with a massive save to deny to the penalty, but Timbers 2 were able to scoop up the rebound and score.
Four minutes later Omar Salgado, who was the first player signed to Locomotive, netted his first goal of the season.
After receiving a pass at the top of the box, the left-footed attacker cut to the right to create space off the defender and let a shot rip with his right foot into the bottom corner of the net.
El Paso Locomotive FC plays their next match at home on Saturday, June 8th against LA Galaxy II. Season Ticket Memberships, Group Tickets, and Individual Match Tickets can be purchased online or by calling 915-235-GOAL.
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