The second season is done and dusted, and Locomotive put to rest any doubts that it is one of the premier clubs in the USL Championship. Locos fought through an unprecedented year to a 13-game unbeaten streak, ending with an incredible second appearance in the Western Conference Final to make a lasting impression on the league.
Since the return to play, the Locos have broken through opposition and downed rivals with stellar saves, breathtaking goals, and a level of world-class professional soccer that only Locomotive can bring to the table. We have put together a shortlist of the best Goals, Saves, Locomotive Players, and Goal Celebrations; now it’s time for you, the fans, to cast your vote and decide who and what will claim the 2020 Fan Awards.
Through the 2020 season, 10 Locomotive players scored to contribute to 28 goals up through the club’s second consecutive Western Conference Finals. We have narrowed it down to the five best goals for you, the fans, to vote on which one was the best of 2020. Relive the goals and vote for your favorite!
Bryam Rebellon breathed life into the Locomotive Championship dreams with his goal just inside the hour mark of the Western Conference Final against Phoenix Rising FC. While Locomotive pinged the crossbar multiple times throughout the night, Rebellon converted the equalizer with a rocket of goal into the top corner of his far post. The goal ultimately sent the two teams into extra time and penalty shootout, keeping Locomotive in the fight up to the bitter end.
Dylan Mares has time and time again shown his absolute class on the ball throughout the season, culminating in a wonder of a strike for the opening goal against regional rival New Mexico United in the Western Conference Semifinals. After claiming the ball, Mares cut towards the center before cleanly curving a shot to start the scoring. The breathtaking goal helped put momentum squarely in the Locomotive corner, giving way to extra time and penalty shootout that would book the Locomotive ticket to a second consecutive Western Conference Final appearance.
You never forget your first goal. Moments earlier in the 65th minute, Chapa found his first professional goal, tapping in the goal with absolute ease. It would have been easy to pick out the hometown hero’s first professional goal for the shortlist, but Chapa’s second professional goal just two minutes later sent a wave of energy. Chapa broke away from the pack to make himself wide open for Omar Salgado to send him the pass. With one-touch, Chapa powered his shot against an open net to record a second goal in rapid succession for the 4-2 win over Switchbacks FC.
It was a rare moment of the full-back connection when Defender Eder Borelli recorded his first goal for Locomotive. From the right-back position, Memo Diaz beautifully crossed the ball to the far side of the field at the back post. Borelli, never stopped his run of play as left-back, putting himself behind the Monarchs defense, staying unmarked to perfectly head the ball past the young Monarchs ‘keeper. The buildup to the play and the perfect finish earned Borelli’s goal a spot on the Locomotive Goal of the Year shortlist.
Patience is the name of the game, and it was a quality that Saeed Robinson displayed exceptionally when El Paso visited the Monarchs to close the season. Where many would try to rifle a shot, Robinson kept his cool to dribble the ball in towards the middle of the penalty area, creating a gap between the two defenders trying to shut him down. Once he had his opening, Robinson calmly placed his shot straight ahead, marking his first of two goals against the Monarchs on the day.