Tag Archives: EP Locomotive FC

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

For the second consecutive year, El Paso Locomotive FC will be hosting an open tryout event, scheduled for November 23rd and 24th.

Registration will open October 24th on the EP Locomotive FC website and will close on November 20th, or when all spaces are filled.

The fee to tryout is $95 per player and will include the opportunity to be evaluated by Locomotive staff in at least three matches, two Locomotive shirts, and a ticket voucher for the 2020 season. All participants must be 18 years or older.

“Our open tryout a year ago proved to be very worthwhile. It’s a fantastic weekend for everyone and a wonderful opportunity for me and the staff to get our eyes on the local talent. We have seen the likes of Chapa and Memo Diaz this season develop to become integral parts of the team,” Head Coach Mark Lowry said.

“It’s important to understand that the level of the USL is some of the best soccer in the country, and the league is growing in quality every year, but we know that somewhere in El Paso and the surrounding areas we have another Chapa or Memo waiting to be discovered.”

Participants must register online to attend the tryouts and are responsible for all travel, food and lodging.

Officials add, “This is a chance for local El Pasoans and aspiring professional soccer players to gain visibility and showcase their skills and talents for a chance to play professional soccer. There is great talent in the Borderland and this tryout event allows for players to be seen by Locomotive coaching staff and players.”

Tryouts will be held at the Locomotive Training Facility at the Westside Soccer Complex.

For more information on tryouts, please visit the Locomotive website.

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 put on a clinical performance to earn their spot in the postseason with the 4-1 win over Portland Timbers 2

The Locos defeated Timbers 2, in what was their largest margin of victory, most goals scored, and fastest goal in club history.

Locomotive have made history in their inaugural season as the first expansion club to earn their place in the 2019 postseason.

The action kicked off in the 4^th minute when Sebastian Velasquez dribbled past three Portland defenders, showcasing his agility and creativity on the ball, and then hammered the ball into the back of the net.

The four-minute goal has earned the honor of fastest goal in club history. The records weren’t finished yet. El Paso’s 4-1 win also grabbed them their largest margin of victory and the most goals scored in a single match, and the first expansion side to clinch a playoff berth.

El Paso’s second goal of the match came from Nick Ross who received a precision throw-in from James Kiffe. Ross took a few touches and finished the goal with clean professionalism.

The Loco’s third and fourth goal both came from Josue Aaron Gomez (his second brace of the year). When the final whistle blew, Southwest University Park was sent into a state of mania that carried into the El Paso night.

Locomotive have one regular-season match remaining and take to the road on Saturday to face off against LA Galaxy II to better their standing in the postseason.

El Paso have the possibility of finishing between fourth and eighth place, with the chance of hosting a home playoff match in their inaugural season.

El Paso now sits in 6th in the West and have one match left in the regular season. Home playoff tickets are available now for Season Ticket Members by calling 915-235-GOAL from 8:30-5:30 M-F and go on sale to the general public on Wednesday, October 16th.

Playoff tickets can be purchased at the Locomotive Box Office or by visiting the Locomotive website.

El Paso Locomotive FC 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

Wednesday night, El Paso Locomotive toppled the number two team in the West, Fresno FC and continue their #Push4Playoff campaign in heroic fashion.

“We are keeping this momentum going as long as our players are healthy. We are going to continue playing well and getting points. Right now, it’s a good moment and we want to continue with this. You have to do a great job of being in that moment, the ecstasy and the lows. Tomorrow we focus on Reno,” commented Coach Mark Lowry

Additionally, Locomotive extend their winning streak to three consecutive matches and have defeated two top four teams in the past five days.

The first goal of the night came from defender Chiro N’toko (his first of the season) who pounced on a loose ball at the top of Fresno’s box after a failed corner clearance.

N’toko stepped to the ball and sent his right foot through it with pace, delivering it into the back of the Fresno net. The Foxes would answer with one of their own in the 66^th minute but it wouldn’t be enough to stop the thundering Locomotive.

El Paso’s final goal came in the waning moments of the match when it appeared that things would end in a draw. Omar Salgado linked up with James Kiffe, finding him in the Fresno box.

Kiffe hit a rocket of a volley at the keeper who was forced to make a save that sent the ball into traffic. Jerome Kiesewetter was on top of the ball in fractions of a second and only had to tap it into the net. The moment the ball crossed the line, all of Southwest University Park went into a state of mania.

This was the third match in a row where Locomotive have scored in the 90^th minute or later.

Locomotive are sitting in 8^th place and are only one point outside of fourth place with a game in hand as they continue their #Push4Playoff campaign in the inaugural season.

El Paso Locomotive FC plays their next match at home on Thursday, October 10^th against Austin. Season Ticket Memberships, Group Tickets, and Individual Match Tickets can be purchased online or by calling 915-235-GOAL.

Photo gallery by Johnny Yturales, El Paso Herald Post | Videos courtesy EP Locomotive

IRVINE, CA – On a road trip with playoff implications, El Paso Locomotive FC fell to number four Orange County 2-0 Saturday night.

Even with the setback, Locomotive remain one point outside a playoff bid in their inaugural season and will play at home in one week to continue their #Push4Playoff campaign.

This closes out the regular-season meetings between the two clubs, where El Paso won the first contest at Southwest University Park in late March.

Newcomer, Alexy Bosetti made his first appearance for Locomotive since joining the team a few weeks ago.

El Paso Locomotive FC plays their next match at home on Saturday, September 21^st against Colorado Springs Switchbacks.

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

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 21^st and close at 5 p.m. on Monday, September 23^rd.

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 21^st 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 21^st against Colorado Springs Switchbacks.

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