El Paso Locomotive FC (8-2-4, 28 pts, Group C – 1) at Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC (2-6-6, 12 pts, Group C – 3)
Wednesday, September 30 | Weidner Field; Colorado Springs, Colorado
Kickoff: 7:00 p.m. MT
ESPN+
@EPLocomotiveFC | #COSvELP
El Paso Locomotive FC and Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC meet for the final time in the 2020 regular season for a midweek matchup on Wednesday night. While Switchbacks have been mathematically eliminated from playoff contention and will only be playing for pride of the badge, Locomotive FC can claim a home playoff game with a win or a draw in Colorado Springs.
2020 Stats Snapshot (ELP/COS)
Goals For 20 / 19
Goals Against 14 / 26
Min/goal 63 / 66.3
Possession 54% / 52%
Passing Acc. 81.7% / 82.2%
Fouls 165 / 173
Yellow Cards 36 / 22
Red Cards 0 / 1
Locomotive Run Down
The Locos Blue extended their undefeated streak to nine (7-0-2) on Saturday with a scoreless draw against New Mexico United, furthering the incredible run of form Mark Lowry’s side has been on. Heading to Colorado Springs, Locomotive has an opportunity to extend that undefeated streak to set a new club-record, remain undefeated through the month of September, while earning a second home playoff game in the club’s young existence.
Player to Watch: For a side that has run into a string of unfortunate injuries, look for the full team to step up and showcase the depth of the Locomotive roster. On the defensive side look towards Eder Borelli to continue to make waves in the left back position. Since coming on as a sub for Andrew Fox, Borelli has been box-to-box, fitting in perfectly with Lowry’s system to shut down the opposing attack, while providing additional width on the Locomotive offense to stretch out defenders. Borelli is a shining example of how deep this roster goes and will be one to watch on Wednesday night.
Switchbacks FC Run Down
Switchbacks have not had the best return to play, picking up only one win since the 2020 regular season restarted. The lone win was a late 2-1 upset victory over New Mexico United just a week ago that provided Locomotive FC with the four point lead it currently holds. The lackluster performances have mathematically removed Switchbacks from playoff contention, leaving the Colorado Springs side to play only for pride and the badge on the front of the jersey.
Player to Watch: Christian Volesky continues to be a saving grace for the Switchbacks side, acting as the teams leading goal scorer. A threat in the final third, Volesky has put away two goals in the last two games to equalize against Real Monarchs and earn the full three points over New Mexico United. With five goals in 15 appearances, look for Volesky to highlight the attack for Switchbacks FC and test the ironclad defense of Locomotive FC.