El Paso Locomotive FC (8-2-3, 27 pts, Group C – 1) vs Real Monarchs (3-8-1, 10 pts, Group C – 3)
Saturday, September 26 | Southwest University Park; El Paso, Texas
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. MT
El Paso – Las Cruces CW | ESPN+ } Sirius XM FC
@EPLocomotiveFC | #ELPvNM
For the final time of the 2020 USL Championship Regular Season, El Paso Locomotive FC and New Mexico United meet at Southwest University Park. The match marks the sixth in the All-time series history that United leads with a record of 2-2-1. After their last meeting in early September, Locomotive FC dealt their first blow on the United perfect series record behind a 3-2 victory. Eager to keep that momentum going strong, Locomotive is looking to claim Group C for its own with a second win over their regional rivals.
2020 Stats Snapshot (ELP/NM)
Goals For 20 / 22
Goals Against 14 / 17
Min/goal 58.5 / 53.2
Possession 54% / 49%
Passing Acc. 81.9% / 78.1%
Fouls 152 / 174
Yellow Cards 32 / 27
Red Cards 0 / 1
Locomotive Run Down
Behind a narrow 1-0 victory over the current USL Championship title winners Real Monarchs, El Paso Locomotive FC extended its club-historic winning streak to five as well as its undefeated streak to eight (7-0-1). The victory, paired with New Mexico United’s loss to Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC last weekend, puts the Locos Blue in a spot to control its own destiny. A win over their regional rival would give Locomotive claim to Group C and the right to host the USL Championship Western Conference Quarterfinals against either FC Tulsa or Austin Bold FC.
Player to Watch: For El Paso, movement in the middle of the park has been a key to success and Saeed Robinson has shown class with his passing through the final third. Over his last three appearances, Robinson has created two key chances for the Sun City, while completing 85% of his chances in that time. Paired his with the game-winning goal against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, Robinson is a player to watch for Locomotive FC.
New Mexico United Run Down
United have earned the title “The Road Warriors” this season, having only one official “home” game on record (a “home” matched played at Weidner Field in Colorado Springs). Despite traveling away from their Albuquerque home for the 2020 season, United has been able to come away with a record of 7-4-2 (23 points) to clinch a playoff berth. With the fight for first still going strong, United will be looking to bounce back from their 2-1 loss against Switchbacks to keep their dreams of claiming Group C alive.
Player to Watch: Amando Moreno has continued to be critical in the attacking front for New Mexico United throughout the 2020 season. Leading his team alongside Chris Wehan with 6 goals and 4 assists, Moreno has proven to be clinical on the wing. Against Real Monarchs, Moreno found the brace in the 40th and 65th minute, pairing with Wehan, after having provided an assist of his own to David Estrada in the match against Locomotive. With Moreno’s run of form and the support he and Wehan provide each other, Amando Moreno is the player to watch for New Mexico United.