Features

EL PASO – June 1, 2019 – El Paso Locomotive FC defeat Tacoma Defiance 2-1, increasing their unbeaten streak to seven straight league matches. With this win, El Paso have also launched into sixth place in the Western Division, four points behind leader New Mexico United with a game in hand.

Forward Jerome Kiesewetter notched his seventh goal of the season to give El Paso the lead in the first half. Kiesewetter has appeared in eight matches for El Paso since he signed in early April and has shown his goal scoring pedigree. He is currently tied for fifth in goals scored across the entire USL Championship. Tacoma would convert a late goal to bring things level heading into halftime.

El Paso’s second goal of the night came off a substitution. Within seven minutes of stepping onto the pitch, Midfielder Calvin Rezende grabbed his second goal of the season in the 68th minute after he relieved Yuma. Midfielder Omar Salgado sent a bouncing cross in front of the Tacoma goal and Rezende was on the other end of it, sending it thundering into the back 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 at https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/eplocomotivefc/ticket or by calling 915-235-GOAL!

The first. Number one. Omar Salgado has been stalked by the lowest cardinal number in the infinite sequence of numbers since he was born. The eldest child of the Salgado family was born on September 10, 1993, and kick-started the next generation of his family. As with all eldest and first born, you have placed on you an unspoken responsibility/debt to do great things. In 2011, the 18-year-old was the first pick in the MLS SuperDraft. This sent him up north to Vancouver after a successful youth career in Guadalajara with the highly esteemed Liga MX club, Chivas.  His high school years were cut short, spending merely one month at Cathedral High. Since his birth, he has been the first in many things.

In 2018, El Paso was chosen to be the next round of clubs entering the USL Championship. A few months later, El Paso’s very own Omar Salgado was the team’s first signed player. While we had yet to name a head coach, choose a badge, or hire a large portion of the front office; Omar was first. “The pressure has been there for a while,” the 6-foot four midfielder tells me. “The fans, from day one, expected me to score every game,” he chuckles.

That immense pressure isn’t something that fans or even staff see, let alone feel. From the moment he put his John Hancock on his contract, the glory of his first goal and the expectation was cemented. Predictions across the internet flooded feeds and timelines; “Salgado is scoring the first goal, no doubts about it.” Rehash that with a sprinkling of your own words and speech pattern and you get the message. From that day forward, the first player of a nameless team had the bar set as high as his stature. As every minute in each match passed, there was a palpable sense of “Here it comes. This one. It’s going to happen.” You could feel that Salgado’s first was coming. But, as in every great story, you need a bit of drama.  

Ten matches in and Salgado looked as dangerous as a rattlesnake preparing to unleash its fury, yet, the midfielder hadn’t opened his scoring account. The 11th match would prove different; something poetic about the 1-1 in the number eleven. Portland Timbers 2 took the lead late in the first half after being awarded a penalty that Logan Ketterer initially saved but that rebounded into traffic off the deflection. In the waning moments of the half, it happened in cinematic fashion. 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. His lone goal would keep El Paso’s six-game unbeaten streak alive.

“You know, the first emotion I felt after seeing the ball go into the back of the net was relief. Just a monkey off my back kind of thing,” said Salgado. “I have just been trying to take things one step and day at a time. Like I said, there was always that pressure gnawing at me, but I knew that I just had to keep going and playing Mark’s game plan and that the results would follow.” Trusting in your coach and trusting in the process has carried the young attacker around the world in his pursuit of the next. His next goal, his next achievement, and his next time stepping onto the pitch in a Locomotive kit.

This weekend, El Paso returns to the misty Pacific Northwest to face a Tacoma Defiance squad who have tied their last three matches. The question floating around the Twittersphere is “Will Salgado find the back of the net again in this match?” Tune in at 9 p.m. MT and catch all the action and to get the answer to your question.

EL PASO – May 30, 2019 – El Paso Locomotive FC unveils their summer food and drink promotion, Loco Summer Six-Pack. The promotion kicks off with next week’s first summer match on June 8th and ends on August 17th. The six summer matches will provide fans with select concession items for only $2. The Loco Summer Six-Pack includes: $2 Margaritas, $2 twelve-ounce Estrella Jalisco cans, $2 twenty-four-ounce sodas, and $2 hot dogs.

This special summer offer will be available from the time gates open up until the 30th minute of game time.

Another Locomotive summer special offered to fans is College Night. Anyone with an active college (.edu) email address will save 25 percent on tickets purchased for the June 8th match against LA Galaxy II. This match is also one of the Loco Summer Six-Pack matches.

“With so much soccer happening this summer with the Women’s World Cup in France and the Gold Cup domestically, we didn’t want to miss out on an action-packed summer of soccer and savings! These unbelievable stadium specials rival any professional stadium and along with our vast level of ticket options, gives everyone something to enjoy on a Locomotive game day,” said Andrew Forrest, General Manager, Business Operations.

The six summer matches are: Saturday, June 8th, Saturday, June 22nd, Wednesday, July 17th, Saturday, July 20th, Saturday, August 3rd, and Saturday, August 17th.  

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 at https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/eplocomotivefc/ticket or by calling 915-235-GOAL!

EL PASO – May 29, 2019 – Locomotive FC announces plans for the 2019 – 2020 youth soccer year in their effort to support and enhance the youth soccer community in the region. Bob Bigney, Director of Youth Soccer, is leading the youth development charge for El Paso Locomotive.

Bigney has more than 30 years of coaching experience at the youth, high school, college and professional levels. He oversees all programs as Locomotive continues to offer opportunities for youth soccer players, coaches and families. Bigney holds his US Soccer ‘A’ License, his National Youth License and is an instructor for US Soccer and can be reached at bbigney@https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/eplocomotivefc

“The overall objective of Locomotive FC Youth Soccer is to improve and enhance the youth soccer community,” said Bigney. “Having youth soccer programs under the umbrella of Locomotive FC provides a defined developmental pathway for players, professional growth opportunities for coaches, helpful information to parents and a great platform for sharing best practices with all youth soccer groups in the Borderplex region.”

Locomotive youth soccer includes the following programs:

Locomotive FC Affiliate Club Program

Designed to provide services & support to existing youth soccer clubs in the form of coach clinics, player/team training, Locomotive FC player appearances and more.  Locomotive FC Affiliate Clubs will also work together to receive professional development in club structure, organization and to provide playing opportunities for players and teams.

Locomotive FC Select Program

Locomotive FC will assemble teams to participate in events throughout the year. Selected players may participate on Locomotive FC Select Teams while continuing to play for their local team.  Possible events that Locomotive FC Select Teams may participate in include:

• FC Juarez Tournament
• USL Academy Cup
• Prestigious National Youth Tournaments
• Locomotive hosted events

Locomotive FC Soccer Camps Program

These soccer camps will be offered during the summer and during breaks in the school year.  Locomotive players and coaches will provide skill-building activities in an enjoyable environment.

Information on the 2019 Summer Camps can be found here:  https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/eplocomotivefc/camps

Locomotive FC Futures Program

Designed to provide quality, age-appropriate training sessions and games for youth players (boys & girls), the Locomotive FC Futures Program will utilize the standards set in US Soccer’s Player Development Initiatives for the u12 and younger age groups.  Aspects such as holistic child development activities, parent education sessions and a referee development program will be incorporated in the Locomotive FC Futures Program.

Supplemental Training Programs

Various programs will be offered throughout the year to provide additional training opportunities for players and teams. The Player Development Program (PDP) will be available to boys and girls in several age groups and at different locations around the region. The program has already seen success and will continue to be a pillar in the development of local soccer talent.

Lil’ Locos Program

A big success this past spring, this introduction to soccer for 3-6-year-old children will be offered in several locations around El Paso during the 2019 fall and 2020 spring seasons.

More information on these plans and programs can be found on the Locomotive FC website. (https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/eplocomotivefc/youthsoccer)

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 at https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/eplocomotivefc/ticket or by calling 915-235-GOAL!

EL PASO – May 25, 2019 – El Paso Locomotive FC tied the number four team in the Western Conference after being down one goal. 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.

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.

“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 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 at https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/eplocomotivefc/ticket or by calling 915-235-GOAL!

“Send it in Jerome!” “Kiesewetter gets his second of the night!” “Six goals in three straight matches!” If you have tuned in to a Locomotive broadcast, or been on Twitter these past three weeks, the chance you have heard any of the aforementioned lines is as high as Jerome Kiesewetter’s appearance to goal ratio – hint, it is 6/6. Since his addition to the Locomotive attack, the German-born American has grabbed three braces in consecutive matches, been named to USL Championship Team of the Week three weeks in a row and has accelerated to the top of the leaderboard as the go-to Loco goal scorer. As Coach Mark Lowry puts it, “if you have a happy number nine, then that’s a start.” The striker who wears number 17 has ignited the Locomotive attack and with that, has helped rocket the squad into seventh place; five points behind the leader with two games in hand.

Kiesewetter officially became a part of the crazy train on April 2nd, and when it was announced that the former Bundesliga and USMNT attacker was coming to El Paso, the internet responded accordingly. “One of my favorite signings of the year … What a grab … Thrilled to see what he will do in El Paso.” The expectations set before him were monumental, his reaction and ability to rise and exceed them have solidified the mantra, “nothing stops this train.”

One aspect of Jerome’s game that hasn’t been fully discussed is what it means coming to both a new city, a new country and a new culture. Until now the 26-year-old former VfB Stuttgart and Düsseldorf man had never lived in the United States for an extended period of time. His closest ties to the red white and blue came by way of international duty when he swapped the Düsseldorf patch for the USMNT badge on his chest. With his 31 appearances for the youth and senior USMNT beginning back in 2011, 2019 would be the year the Berliner would move to the US.

“The people here are very friendly, and the food is amazing. If you like food, come out here,” the striker tells me while standing in the shade after an intense training session with the squad.

“El Paso is very nice, I like it. I haven’t been able to explore too much yet because we have been so busy. My wife and I are looking forward to a few days off so we can take our daughter to the zoo and some other places.”

Jerome and his wife Sylwia quickly discovered that they weren’t the only Germans in El Paso and started to understand just how deep the multicultural aspects of the 915 ran. “Getting connected with the German-Americans here has really helped us get our footing. These guys have been here for years and they keep telling us how much they love it here and how nice of a city it is,” said Jerome. Any native El Pasoan will ring this to be true; no matter who you are, you can find community in the Sun City. There is an inclusiveness that transcends language and that creates a unique culture.

With a population nearing 700,000, El Paso is still one of the best-kept secrets in the U.S. When you ask someone about El Paso, you never know what kind of answer you are going to get. “Jerome, before you signed with Locomotive, what did you know about the city?” we asked.  “My wife and I really didn’t know that much about El Paso before coming here. I think we knew a bit about Juarez but that was it,” answered Jerome. “When you get here you realize the misconceptions and that it is super safe, and you understand how great and nice of a city it is.”  

What makes this city great is in part, the people who call it home. “Playing home games is a great experience. You can immediately tell the difference when we travel to play other teams in other cities. You can just see how different our support is at home compared to other teams. Our fans are better than any other team’s,” commented Jerome. “They are also a reason for our success. They don’t stop cheering and supporting us no matter what and it makes a big impact on us as players. When the fans push us, it gives us another one or two percent to push back and help us win games.”

From the food, the community, the weather, and the fans, the Kiesewetter family is happy to call El Paso home and Jerome is ready to continue doing what he does. “I came here to play hard and play well. I am here for my team and the coaching staff. I just want to keep working hard and winning games,” finished Jerome.

EL PASO – May 22, 2019 – 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup. Haiti El Paso Locomotive FC announces that defender Mechack Jérôme has received an international call up to represent Haiti in the kick off their Gold Cup run against Bermuda on June 16th in San José, Costa Rica.

Gold Cup is the main competition of the men’s national football teams governed by CONCACAF, determining the continental champion of North America, Central America, and the Caribbean. The Gold Cup is held every two years.

The Haitian defender has started in nine matches for El Paso Locomotive in their inaugural 2019 USL Championship season. Jérôme has amassed a passing accuracy rate of 85.5 percent, 44 clearances, and four shots on target. He also has the second most passes in the entire league (621).

“It is always a good feeling to represent your country at any stage or competition. I will miss my teammates here, but I will be back after
Gold Cup and ready to go,” said Mechack Jérôme.

Jerome has a decorated international career under his belt at the age of 29. He played for Haiti at the 2007 CONCACAF U17 Tournament and the 2007 FIFA U-17 World Cup. Jerome made his senior career debut in 2008, where he was a member of the squad that competed in the 2008 Caribbean Championship. He was an integral component in helping Haiti qualify for the CONCACAF Gold Cup in 2019. In his time representing Haiti, Jerome has netted three goals and made 62 senior appearances for his country.

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 at https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/eplocomotivefc/ticket or by calling 915-235-GOAL

EL PASO – May 21, 2019 – El Paso Locomotive FC adds defender Drew Beckie to their 2019 roster, pending league and federation approval. Beckie has been with Oklahoma City Energy since June 2018 and has made over 20 appearances for the club. He was drafted by MLS’s Columbus Crew in 2013 and prior to joining Energy FC, spent a season with Coach Mark Lowry at Jacksonville Armada.

“I honestly couldn’t be happier to be adding a player and person of the caliber of Drew Beckie to our squad. Character-wise he is the perfect addition, and he is another tough experienced competitor who knows what it takes to win. He will be a wonderful addition to our defensive unit and gives us fantastic depth,” said Lowry.

Beckie played his collegiate career at the University of Denver where he made 69 appearances and notched 7 goals. Beckie spent 2014 and 2015 with Ottawa Fury (USL Championship) and made 34 appearances. He has represented the Canadian National Team four times at the U23 level and has been called up to the senior team.

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 at https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/eplocomotivefc/ticket or by calling 915-235-GOAL!

EL PASO – May 15, 2019 – El Paso Locomotive FC bowed out in the second round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup after dropping to Forward Madison FC. El Paso fielded a young lineup featuring players who had yet to start or see the pitch in the 2019 campaign.  El Paso returns to league play this Saturday against Sacramento Republic FC.

“I made six or seven changes and we lost some flow. Gave guys the opportunity and saw some interesting things. You have to give guys the chance,” said coach Mark Lowry.  “We had a lot of young guys out there tonight who were able to learn a lesson. The key thing now is the 11 I pick for Saturday and to get back to the way we have been playing … I believe in those young guys that played tonight.”  

El Paso Locomotive FC plays their next match at home on Saturday, May 18th against Sacramento Republic FC. Season Ticket Memberships, Group Tickets, and Individual Match Tickets can be purchased at https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/eplocomotivefc/ticket or by calling 915-235-GOAL!