Game Previews

El Paso Locomotive (15-2-10, 55 pts., MTN-1) hosts Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC for a final regular-season meeting at Southwest University Park on Wednesday, October 13. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. MT, Gates will open at 6:00 p.m. MT and tickets are available for purchase online at https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/eplocomotivefc/tickets, by phone at 915-235-GOAL, or through the official El Paso Locomotive FC app.

Wednesday night is Pups at the Pitch night! Fans can bring their furry friends to Southwest University Park to help cheer on El Paso Locomotive as they fight for a home playoff game in the final stretch of the season. Tickets for fans who want to bring their pup to the pitch are limited, so get yours in advance. Visit https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/eplocomotivefc/pupsatpitch for more information.

For the final time of the 2021 USL Championship regular season, one of the top defenses in the league takes on one of the best offenses in the league. So far through three meetings, the immovable defense of Locomotive has held off the irresistible force that is the Switchbacks offense, playing to three draws, two ending 1-1 and the other ending scoreless. In the regular-season series finale between these two clubs, there is a lot to play for as both sides enter the home stretch before the playoffs.

El Paso Locomotive FC has stagnated in results, though still stands as an immovable object. Locomotive has not lost a game in their last eight matches but has only picked up three wins. Coming off a big 2-1 win against FC Tulsa, El Paso is swinging momentum back into its favor at a crucial moment before the post-season begins. A win or a draw against Switchbacks FC would guarantee a home playoff game and puts Locomotive one step closer to claiming the Mountain Division. Switchbacks fighting San Antonio FC for second place in the division and are aiming to earn a critical win in that fight. In their last seven games, Switchbacks have only won three times, nearly mirroring Locomotive’s current form. Playoff implications are on the line for what should be a tactically tense game between two top clubs.

Follow El Paso Locomotive FC vs Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC – Wed., October 13, 2021

·         Coverage Begins: 7:00 p.m. MT; Gates Open at 6:00 p.m. MT
·         Watch:  ESPN+
·         Social Media: @EPLocomotiveFC & #ELPvCOS on Twitter
·         Additional Content: Official El Paso Locomotive FC App (iOS / Android)

El Paso Locomotive (14-2-10, 52 pts., MTN-1) heads east to the Central Division for an interconference matchup against FC Tulsa on Saturday. Kickoff from ONEOK Field is set for 6:00 p.m. MT and will be broadcast live on ESPN+.

El Paso Locomotive and FC Tulsa haven’t met one another since the 2020 Western Conference Quarterfinal, where the two sides played to a 2-2 in regulation time before Locomotive advanced to the Semifinal following a 4-2 penalty shootout. The tense penalty shootout was put to bed by a final goal from Saeed Robinson and a big save from Goalkeeper Logan Ketterer to stop Ariel Martinez.

Since the Quarterfinal, both sides have made it through the 2021 USL Championship as strong contenders for their groups. Both clubs are fighting to officially claim a spot in the postseason. Locomotive sits at the top of the Mountain Division while FC Tulsa is in third of the Central Division. Tulsa started the season on the wrong, falling to massive scorelines but has since rose through the ranks to become a contender of the Central Division. Locomotive has dominated the 2021 season, riding the season at the top of the Mountain Division, but an intense October schedule has been testing the depth of the squad. Playoff hopes and dreams are riding on this late-season game and both sides will be playing with intensity to make those dreams reality.  

Follow El Paso Locomotive FC at FC Tulsa – Sat., October 9, 2021

·         Coverage Begins: 6:00 p.m. MT;
·         Watch:  ESPN+
·         Social Media: @EPLocomotiveFC & #TULvELP on Twitter
·         Additional Content: Official El Paso Locomotive FC App (iOS / Android)

I’ve been looking forward to this game all week. Not only do we have more Locomotive soccer at home with the best fans in the USL Championship, but there are massive playoff implications, and the Copa Tejas is on the line. There is a lot to be excited about in this midweek matchup, so let’s just get to breaking it down.

MATCH DETAILS: USL Championship Regular Season Game #26; vs San Antonio FC; Kickoff 7:00 p.m. MT, gates open at 6:00 p.m. MT

VENUE/WEATHER: Southwest University Park; El Paso, Texas; 82F degrees and clear skies

TICKETS: Click Here!

WATCH: ESPN+

RECORDS/STANDINGS: Locomotive: 14-2-9 (51 points, MTN-1); San Antonio: 12-7-7 (43 points, MTN-3)

PREVIOUS MEETING: In the last meeting El Paso Locomotive traveled to San Antonio though fell for only the second time this season. Locomotive had dominated possession throughout the game, seeing the El Paso side control the tempo and rhythm of the game, it would be San Antonio that made the most of its chances. In the 32nd minute, Marcus Epps found the opening goal as San Antonio stripped the ball from El Paso, starting a counter that Epps would finish with a curving low ball to the far post. Locomotive chased the game through the second half finding an equalizer from Sebastian Velasquez in the 54th from Nick Ross’ corner kick but San Antonio struck again in the dying seconds of stoppage time. Justin Dhillon broke defenders to open a shot and take home the three points.

So that highlight reel is hard to watch, if only because we aren’t exactly used to losing this season. Well, now a few weeks later Locomotive has an opportunity to set things right with a final rematch against San Antonio FC. Over the course of 2021, Locomotive has decidedly lead the series between the two holding a record of 2-1-0, following the 2-1 and 2-0 wins ahead of their last meeting in August. In the all-time series, Locomotive carries the advantage, taking the win three times, ending in a draw once while only following to San Antonio twice. Needless to say, Locomotive are the favorite going into tonight’s match, especially as the El Paso side has been dominating the Mountain Division. With Copa Tejas on the line, the potential for a playoff spot, and Locomotive eager to end at the top of the Mountain, the match against San Antonio will be a special opportunity for a little taste of vengeance.

At this point, it feels like Copa Tejas has been all but secured for El Paso for a while now. El Paso only needs one more point in the Texas competition to secure the trophy and bragging rights after earning the draw against Austin Bold FC at the end of September. After nine games of the 12 set to be played, Locomotive has earned 19 points, leading the Texas clubs by six. San Antonio and Rio Grande Valley FC have already been mathematically eliminated from the competition but Austin still has a “chance” if they win out in its remaining two Copa Tejas games and Locomotive loses out in its remaining three. With the Copa Tejas going to be at Southwest University Park during the San Antonio matchup, Locomotive will be hoping to put the competition to bed and claim the Lone Star Trophy for El Paso.

Through the 2021 Regular Season, Locomotive has put themselves in charge of their own destiny. With seven games left Los Locos only need two more wins to officially secure a spot in the 2021 USL Championship Post-Season. Even so, Locomotive could potentially clinch their playoff spot against San Antonio with a win and if Austin falls to Tacoma Defiance or New Mexico United fails to get a win against Hartford Athletic on the same night. Essentially, as a Locomotive fan, you might want to turn on those notifications for Austin and New Mexico (or actually, turn them on for Hartford Athletic) and keep an eye on those games. Though even if it doesn’t happen against San Antonio on Wednesday, there is always Saturday against FC Tulsa.

In 2019, El Paso Locomotive and Austin Bold FC joined the USL Championship as expansion clubs, joining San Antonio FC and Rio Grande Valley FC as the Texas clubs in the league. On Wednesday night, El Paso Locomotive has an opportunity to claim the Copa Tejas – a fan-created trophy for Texas bragging rights – by earning either a draw or a win against San Antonio FC at Southwest University Park.  

“We are in the pursuit of as many trophies as we possibly can get,” affirmed Defender Matt Bahner. “We are going to go into the game looking to lock that up.”

When El Paso and Austin came into the league, the supporters of San Antonio FC set out to create the Copa Tejas tournament between the four Texas USL Championship teams to determine the best club in the Lone Star State. In 2019, it was Austin Bold FC that celebrated the trophy with their fans, taking the tournament with an emphatic 3-1-2 record (11 points). 2020 didn’t see the competition as USL Championship split its 32 teams into 8 groups with Locomotive finding itself in Group C while the remaining three Texas clubs were placed into Group D. Now that the four teams are competing in the Mountain Division, the tournament is back in 2021 and El Paso Locomotive is running away on the standings.

In the structure of Copa Tejas, points are recorded in head-to-head matches between Texas teams, with the best record being crowned the champion. In the 2021 format, each club is set to face one another four times – twice at home and twice away for a total of 12 games played by each team. El Paso played its first match against Rio Grande Valley FC on May 22, claiming three points on the table with a 1-0 win, courtesy of a club record setting 18-second goal from Lucho Solignac. Since then, Locomotive has completely dominated the competition, making itself a strong favorite for the trophy.

After just nine matches against Texas teams so far in 2021, Locomotive has earned a record of 6-2-1 for 19 points to lead the Copa Tejas table. San Antonio FC and Rio Grande Valley FC have already been mathematically eliminated from the competition with 10 and 11 matches played respectively, each amassing only 11 points. San Antonio is only able to claim a maximum of six points while RGV is only able to gain three, putting Locomotive out of reach.

Austin Bold FC stands as the lone competition for El Paso to claim Copa Tejas. Austin has played 10 games so far, earning 13 points with a 3-3-4 record. With two games left, Austin has a maximum of six points left to grab, just enough to catch Locomotive and tie on points at 19. Locomotive could easily edge out Austin by earning at least a draw in any of its three remaining Copa Tejas matches.

Locomotive is hoping to Wednesday night against San Antonio will be the night Locomotive finally claims the trophy – its first in its three-year history.

As a fan-created trophy, the Copa Tejas means something extra to the supporter groups of the four clubs. As Los Locos host San Antonio FC on Wednesday, Head Coach Mark Lowry and the Boys in Blue are hoping to be able to claim the Copa Tejas and celebrate the victory at Southwest University Park in front of the Locomotive faithful.

“Any time you can lift a trophy, it’s an accomplishment,” continued Bahner. “To do that our home, in front of our fans, it would give them acknowledgment as well. All the hard work we put on the field would be a lot different if we didn’t have them in the stands supporting us. To be able to do that in front of our home would definitely give us a little bit of extra motivation to hopefully give them a little pride themselves.”

“Copa Tejas at home in front of our fans would be great,” said Lowry. “it could give them something to celebrate after the game. We would enjoy that, and we would like to get that done. It’s going to be difficult, though. San Antonio has a lot of talent. We have to fight for three points, but that would knock off two things: it keeps our gap at the top [of the Mountain Division] and gets that little trophy that we want.”

Locomotive will be out on Wednesday night in full force, ready to take care of business by securing not only the Copa Tejas, but the three points to keep a sizeable lead on top of the Mountain Division.

Kickoff for Wednesday’s night match against San Antonio is set for 7:00 p.m. MT and gates will open at 6:30 p.m. MT. Fans ready to support Los Locos in their quest to lift the Copa Tejas at Southwest University Park can still purchase tickets online at https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/eplocomotivefc/tickets, by calling 915-235-GOAL, or through the official El Paso Locomotive FC App.

Let’s be honest with ourselves for a second, yeah? There are few teams in this league that can compete with the likes of El Paso Locomotive and Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC this season. When these two teams meet, it’s a deadlocked battle of two very different teams that make for an exciting game. So let’s break down round three of the immovable object vs the unstoppable force.

MATCH DETAILS: USL Championship Regular Season Game #25; at Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC; Kickoff 6:00p.m. MT

VENUE/WEATHER: Weidner Field; Colorado Springs, Colorado; 67F degrees and partly cloudy

WATCH PARTY: The Union Drafthouse (7470 Cimarron Plaza)

WATCH: ESPN+

RECORDS/STANDINGS: Locomotive: 14-2-8 (50 points, MTN-1); Switchbacks: 12-7-7 (43 points, MTN-2)

PREVIOUS MEETING: El Paso Locomotive dominated the highlight reel from the meeting of these two sides two weeks ago. Within two minutes, Aaron Gomez had an opportunity on a tight angle that Switchbacks Goalkeeper Sean Melvin was able to put a stop to. Minutes later a clever through ball from Lucho Solignac found Gomez again in the same spot who this time crossed to Luna, though that shot went wide. Meanwhile, Switchbacks were left with few opportunities, the best one Logan Ketterer repositioned perfectly to save. The Locomotive defense closed out spaces to limit the incredible Switchbacks offense and ultimately, the two sides left Weidner Field with a point on a scoreless draw.

It’s round three of this incredible battle of Defense vs Offence. So far, neither has been able to get the better of the other in 2021 and that’s exciting in its own right because you just know one of these teams has to give. El Paso Locomotive – the immovable object – has one of the best defenses in the league. After 24 games, El Paso has conceded only 18 goals this season, the second-lowest in the league. The incredible defensive work from across the field has amassed 11 clean sheets, the second-highest in the league, seven of which belong to Logan Ketterer who has made 42 saves through the season. That defense has been tested time and time again, but rarely isn’t it been broken down effectively.

Switchbacks FC – the unstoppable force – has been deadly in the attack as one of the best offenses in the league. 55 goals after 26 games, and the leading Golden Boot leader Hadji Barry scoring 24 of them. It’s the second-best attack in the league. It’s a fast-paced attack that has a 20% conversion rate on goals. The Switchbacks have only been shut out three times this season, one of which was at the hands of the Locomotive defense. Saturday is set to be a tactical battle of the minds between Coaches Mark Lowry and Brendan Burke.

Courtesy of a second-half own goal from Real Monarchs, Locomotive is another three points closer to clinching its third consecutive playoff spot. The new magic number following Wednesday’s action is eight points. As soon as Locomotive can overcome an eight-point difference, whether that’s by winning against the opposition or other teams dropping points in their games, Locomotive will claim their spot in the postseason. While there are still too many variables for me to break it down to “If this happens and that happens, Locomotive is in,” I will tell you we are obviously hoping Locomotive wins everything and we are specifically hoping that New Mexico United and Austin Bold FC drop points.

There are eight games in the all-time series between El Paso Locomotive and Switchbacks and in those eight games, Colorado Springs has yet to get the better of the El Paso side. The Locos have four wins and four draws to lead the series, though recently the two teams have stood on equal footing on the pitch. In the two games these two have met on the pitch, the clubs have split the points. In June, it was a 1-1 draw at Southwest University Park after an early goal from Macca King was nulled by a second-half penalty conversion for Switchbacks. In September, it was the scoreless draw that made up the last meeting between the two. With round three and game nine in the all-time series coming up this weekend, it really feels like anyone’s game in what is sure to be an exciting match up.

Remember this storyline? Way back when the season was starting and we were contending with Rio Grande Valley FC? Well, RGV has fallen in the ranks, dropping below the playoff line and the next contender is nipping at the heels of Locomotive and that contender is Switchbacks FC. Just like with RGVFC at the start of the season, Los Locos have a distinct advantage of having games in hand while also still having more points than Colorado Springs. Switchbacks have an uphill battle to properly overtake Locomotive at the top of the table, but this won’t stop the two sides from fighting for Mountain Division supremacy, with El Paso holding fast to the top seed and Colorado Springs trying to hold on to the second.

El Paso Locomotive (14-2-8, 50 pts., MTN-1) travels for a road game against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC on Saturday, October 2. Kickoff from Weidner Field is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. MT and will be broadcast live on ESPN+.

A lot was left on the field when the two sides met just two weeks ago at Weidner Field. The September 15th match ended in a scoreless draw after Locomotive’s opportunities either were sent wide or massively saved by the Switchbacks goalkeeper. While on the other side of the field, the ironclad Loco defense held off the impressive Switchbacks offense to only three shots on target while shutting down any other opportunity with early clearances to keep Colorado Springs away from goal.

Without a goal to show from that match and the 1-1 draw earlier in the year, the top two teams in the Mountain Division still have a lot left to prove on the pitch. El Paso Locomotive still boasts one of the stingiest defenses across the league having conceded only 18 goals with 11 clean sheets. The El Paso defense concedes less than a goal a game, a telling stat to why Los Locos are top of the Mountain Division. Meanwhile, second place Switchbacks FC claims one of the best attacks across the league with Golden Boot leader Hadji Barry contributing 24 of the teams 55 goals. Switchbacks have a 2.1 goals a game average over their 26 games played. Once again the two sides will test themselves against one another as the Best Defense takes on the Best Offense at Weidner Field on Saturday.

Follow El Paso Locomotive FC at Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC – Sat., October 2, 2021

·         Coverage Begins: 6:00 p.m. MT;
·         Watch:  ESPN+
·         Social Media: @EPLocomotiveFC & #COSvELP on Twitter
·         Additional Content: Official El Paso Locomotive FC App (iOS / Android)

We’ve been talking about it all season, and it was starting to feel like it would never arrive. Well, now here we are. At the gates of the October Gauntlet of Games. 9 Games. Everyone Wednesday and Saturday (and one Sunday) in 31 days. It’s going to be a long and exhausting month. I’m here for it every step of the way. Vamos Locos!

MATCH DETAILS: USL Championship Regular Season Game #24; vs Real Monarchs; Kickoff 7:00p.m. MT – Gates Open at 6:00 p.m. MT

VENUE/WEATHER: Southwest University Park; El Paso, Texas; 84F degrees and clear skies.

TICKETS: Click Here!

WATCH: ESPN+

RECORDS/STANDINGS: Locomotive: 13-2-8 (47 points, MTN-1); Monarchs: 4-16-5 (17 points, MTN-7)

PREVIOUS MEETING: On July 31, Locomotive and Real Monarchs faced one another for the third time in the 2021 USL Championship season, in a match that saw Locomotive respond in the second half for a 3-1 win. Monarchs man Charlie Wehan found the opening goal in the 17th minute, nearly doing it again just minutes later though failed to get his foot on the end of the cross. The 24th minute saw the equalizer through a goal by Aaron Gomez, deflecting off a Monarchs defender into the roof of the goal. The second half was all Lucho Solignac, taking a shot towards goal that bounced back to him where he headed into the back of the net. Lucho secured the win in the 81st taking his run 1-on-1 against the Monarchs goalkeeper, rounding him to create an unmissable wide-open net, and passed the ball in for the 3-1 win.

We are finally here! My favorite part of the season: The final stretch of games. As everyone has 10 or fewer games to play in the season it’s starting to become a scramble to see what the playoff picture looks like, and everyone plays each game with that much more heart. Thankfully, it’s less of a scramble for Locomotive. Head Coach Mark Lowry and his squad have put themselves in control of their own destiny with games in hand at the end of the season. While I will be obviously watching Locomotive for when our side clinches their playoff spot, I’ll be eagerly and excitedly watching around the league for who else earns their right into the postseason. So far, two teams have been eliminated from playoff contention in the East as Loudoun United and New York Red Bulls II fall out of the running. Meanwhile, in the West, Phoenix Rising FC has already clinched their berth and a win for Locomotive over Real Monarchs tomorrow will eliminate the Utah team from contention. It’s an exciting time for the season!

Speaking of playoffs and what Locomotive needs to do – our magic number is 12. As of right now, 12 points makes the difference between now and the Locos Blue clinching a spot in the postseason. All Locomotive has to do is beat out the 5th lowest max point total to make it mathematically impossible to finish in 5th. As of right now, that baseline is set by none other than our rivals to the north, New Mexico United. El Paso currently sits at the top of the Mountain Division with 47 points and the max number of points New Mexico United can claim is 58 in the season. Of course, should United drop points on the road to 59 points for El Paso, it makes the journey a little easier and Locomotive could claim a playoff berth sooner rather than later.

After 9 Regular Season games since 2019, Real Monarchs have yet to come out on top against El Paso Locomotive. The two sides split the points across two games in 2019 while so far in seven across 2020 and 2021, Locomotive has swept the Monarchy, claiming the full three points in every matchup. Most recently through the 2021 season, El Paso traveled twice to Utah, taking down the Monarchs in June with a 2-1 record before doing it again at the start of July 3-1. Finally, as we looked at above, El Paso welcomed Real Monarchs picking up the win on a 3-1 scoreline. Right now, Los Locos are on a seven-game win streak against the Monarchs and will be looking to sweep the 2021 series with another win against an eighth straight win against the Utah club on Wednesday.

Locomotive Midfielder Diego Luna earned USL Championship Team of the Week honors for Week 23 after El Paso’s 2-2 draw against Austin Bold on Wednesday. This is Luna’s third time being featured on the Team of the Week shortlist, having been previously to the XI in Week 8 and to the bench in Week 15.

In Wednesday night’s contest against Copa Tejas rival, Austin Bold, Luna helped lead an attacking front that tallied his sixth goal of the season after some creative back-and-forth passing with Sebastian Velasquez. Luna’s goal was rifled from the top of the penalty area, across the goalkeeper, and into the back of the net in the 70th minute. The goal was one of two shots on target for the 18-year-old midfielder, who also had a hand in playmaking by creating three chances while completing 36 of his 41 passes. Coupled with his help in controlling the midfield through 9 out of 15 duels, Luna deservedly earned his nod to the Team of the Week.

See below for the full USL Championship Week 23 Team of the Week:

USL Championship Team of the Week – Week 23

GK – Justin vom Steeg, LA Galaxy II: Justin vom Steeg recorded a four-save shutout, making key stops before and after Los Dos took a second-half lead on the way to a 2-0 victory against Sacramento Republic FC at Heart Health Park.

D – Jonathan Gomez, Louisville City FC: The 18-year-old notched an assist and three key passes while completing 42 of 51 passes overall and defensively made 13 recoveries in LouCity’s 1-1 draw at Memphis 901 FC.

D – Jalen Neal, LA Galaxy II: Jalen Neal recorded the game-winning goal for the Galaxy II in their 2-0 win at Sacramento Republic FC and defensively recorded five clearances, three interceptions, and won 2 of 2 tackles to help the visitors earn a shutout.

D – Leland Archer, Charleston Battery: The Trinidad and Tobago international scored the first two goals of his Championship career in games against the New York Red Bulls II and Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC while winning 16 of 20 duels and 7 of 10 aerial duels across the two contests.

M – Sebastian Anderson, Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC: The 19-year-old recorded a pair of assists and had nine key passes overall while also winning 10 of 16 duels and making five recoveries in the Switchbacks’ 3-1 victory against Austin Bold FC.

M – Leo Fernandes, Tampa Bay Rowdies: Leo Fernandes provided the assists on both of the Rowdies’ goals in a 2-1 victory against Hartford Athletic and ended the night with two shots and four key passes overall while winning 15 of 21 duels and 10 of 13 aerial duels defensively.

M – Diego Luna, El Paso Locomotive FC: The 18-year-old continued his stellar season with one goal on two shots and three key passes in El Paso’s 2-2 draw with Austin Bold FC while completing 36 of 41 passes overall and winning 9 of 15 duels.

M – Billy Forbes, Miami FC: The Turks and Caicos international recorded one goal, two assists, and four key passes while completing 13 of 17 passes overall and winning 2 of 2 tackles in Miami’s 6-1 victory against Loudoun United FC at FIU Stadium.

F – Neco Brett, Birmingham Legion FC: The Jamaican forward recorded three goals and one assist across a pair of Legion FC victories against Atlanta United 2 and the Charlotte Independence while recording eight shots overall and completing 22 of 30 passes.

F – Ariel Martinez, Miami FC: The Cuban forward had one goal and two assists while recording five key passes and completing 3 of 4 dribbles and 23 of 27 passes overall in Miami’s 6-1 victory against Loudoun United FC.

F – Villyan Bijev, OKC Energy FC: Villyan Bijev notched a pair of assists and had six key passes and two shots overall while completing 27 of 37 passes as Energy FC took a crucial 2-0 victory against Indy Eleven on Sunday evening to boost their postseason prospects.

Bench: Jimmy Slayton (SLC), Mandela Egbo (NY), Adrian Diz Pe (RGV), Prosper Kasim (BHM), Dillon Powers (OC), Tumi Moshobane (SD), Sebastian Guenzatti (TBR)

El Paso Locomotive (13-2-8, 47 pts., MTN-1) hosts Real Monarchs at Southwest University Park for the second time this season on Wednesday, September 29, with kickoff set for 7:00 p.m. MT. Tickets are available for purchase online at https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/eplocomotivefc/tickets, by phone at 915-235-GOAL, and through the official El Paso Locomotive FC app.

El Paso Locomotive celebrates Noche de Locos on Wednesday night. To help celebrate the festive evening, the first 2,500 fans in attendance will receive a new Noche de Locos Sugar Skull bandana before capping off the night with a fireworks show for fans to enjoy. Gates open at 6:00 p.m. MT, so arrive early to get your bandana and help cheer on Locomotive as they start their push to the playoffs.

Coming off a 2-2 and a 0-0 draw respectively, El Paso Locomotive and Real Monarchs are set to face each other one final time in the 2021 USL Championship season. Locomotive currently sits at the top of the Mountain Division, while the Monarchs sit at the bottom in the seventh. The two last met at the end of July, where an early 1-0 lead from Real Monarchs was undone in the second half with three unanswered goals by Aaron Gomez and Lucho Solignac for the El Paso 3-1 win.

As both teams enter the final stretch of the regular season, they have set their sights on what they need to make an appearance in the post-season. For Locomotive, it will aim to keep distance at the top of the table with games in hand, hoping to reach its magic number sooner rather than later. Real Monarchs could have their playoffs hoped dashed however with a loss against Locomotive, as dropping three points would mathematically eliminate the Utah side from contention.

Follow El Paso Locomotive FC vs Real Monarchs SLC – Wed., September 29, 2021

·         Coverage Begins: 7:00 p.m. MT; Gates Open at 6:00 p.m. MT
·         Watch:  ESPN+ 
·         Social Media: @EPLocomotiveFC & #ELPvSLC on Twitter
·         Additional Content: Official El Paso Locomotive FC App (iOS / Android)

El Paso Locomotive FC announced today it has signed Philadelphia Union homegrown Cole Turner on loan for the remainder of the 2021 USL Championship season. The transaction was completed prior to the USL Championship’s official roster freeze this past Friday.  

“Cole is a player with USL and MLS experience and is coming on loan from a very good MLS Club,” said Head Coach and Technical Director Mark Lowry. “He is strong and a very good ballplayer from the central area of the field. He plays in a key position where we feel like we are going to need some extra support during this stretch of games in October. We are excited to have him with us.”

Turner, 20, came through Major League Soccer side Philadelphia Union’s Academy program, where he signed in 2015. In 2019, Turner was a USL Academy signing with the USL Championship’s Philadelphia Union II, making a total of 29 appearances during his time with the club. In January 2020, the Maryland native signed an MLS Homegrown Player contract with Philadelphia Union, making his MLS debut against Club de Foot Montreal on September 20 as he provided depth for the club to help the Union win the Supporters’ Shield in 2020. In addition to his experience in the Championship and MLS, Turner was called to a USMNT U-14 team camp in 2014.

Cole Turner joins El Paso Locomotive ahead of its contest on Wednesday night against Real Monarchs SLC. In honor of Noche de Locos, the first 2,500 fans in attendance will receive a Noche de Locos Sugar Skull bandana. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. MT and gates open at 6:00 p.m. MT on September 29. Tickets are available at https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/eplocomotivefc/tickets or by calling 915-235-GOAL.

Transaction: Locomotive acquires Midfielder Cole Turner on loan from Philadelphia Union for the remainder of the 2021 USL Championship season.

Name: Cole Turner
Position: Midfielder
Number: 22
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 182 lbs.
Hometown: Churchville, Maryland
Birthdate: July 7, 2001 (20)