El Paso Locomotive Earns Three Points with 1-0 Victory over Phoenix Rising FC

June 11, 2022 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
El Paso Locomotive FC News Release

EL PASO, Texas - El Paso Locomotive (7-6-3, 24 points, West-4) claimed its first win over Phoenix Rising FC with a 1-0 score on Saturday night. Forward Aaron Gomez scored the lone Locos goal, converting a penalty kick in the 71st minute.

The first contest between El Paso Locomotive FC and Phoenix Rising FC since 2020 featured an intense battle in the midfield. Both teams employed an aggressive high press, trying to catch one another on the transition. Locomotive's press in the first half opened Gomez for a few chances. In the 11th minute his shot found the back of the net but was flagged offside before again he nearly opened the scoring with a tight shot going wide in the 28th minute. Midfielder Dylan Mares found an opportunity just past the half hour mark, striking the post. On the other end, Phoenix Rising chances sailed wide with the exception of an incredible save made by Goalkeeper Evan Newton, deflecting a close range shot by Joseph Farrell.

Phoenix Rising sped out of the halftime break, quickly testing the Locomotive backline. Ultimately, the center back pairing of Yuma and Andrew Fox had the answers to stop Rising from testing Newton further. The match took a turn as the stalemate broke just shy of the 70th minute. Gomez was brought down in the box, resulting in Rising's Manuel Madrid earning a red card. Gomez coolly converted the resulting penalty kick in the 71st minute, providing Locomotive the lead. Locos stood firm defensively for the remaining 20 minutes, securing three points at Phoenix Rising Soccer Stadium.

UP NEXT: El Paso Locomotive goes east for its first trip to Keyworth Stadium to play USL Championship newcomers, Detroit City FC. Kickoff is set for Saturday, June 18 at 10:00 a.m. MT and will be broadcast nationally on ESPN as the first USL Championship regular season game to show on ESPN.

GOAL SCORING RUNDOWN

ELP: Aaron Gomez (Penalty Kick), 71st minute: After being brought down just on the otherside of the 18-yard line, Aaron Gomez stepped up to the penalty spot. Taking it slow deep into the bottom left corner just under Phoenix Rising goalkeeper Ben Lundt.

NOTES:

- Locomotive Academy Forward Noe Coutino earned his first professional start against Phoenix Rising FC, playing 84 minutes before subbing out for Academy Midfielder Diego Garcia.

- Midfielder Sebastian Velasquez made his third appearance of the season, returning from injury for his first appearance since April 23rd

- El Paso Locomotive FC earned its first win over Phoenix Rising FC, taking three points against Rising at its home field.

Match: El Paso Locomotive at Phoenix Rising FC

Date: June 11, 2022

Venue: Phoenix Rising Soccer Stadium; Chandler, Arizona

Weather: 104F with clear skies and wind

Scoring Summary 1 2 F

El Paso Locomotive 0 1 1

Phoenix Rising FC 0 0 0

ELP - Aaron Gomez (PK), 71'

Lineups:

El Paso Locomotive FC (4-3-3): Evan Newton; Nick Hinds, Andrew Fox, Yuma, Matt Bahner, Nick Hinds, Richie Ryan, Sebastian Velasquez (Ander Egiluz, 45'), Dylan Mares (Martin Payares, 92'), Aaron Gomez, Ricardo Zacarias (Diego Abarca, 84'), Noe Coutino (Diego Garcia, 84')

Subs not used: Philipp Beigl, Venancio Calderon

Phoenix Rising FC (4-2-3-1): Ben Lundt; Baboucarr Njie (Ryan Flood, 74'), James Musa (Manuel Madrid, 64'), Joseph Farrell, Darnell King, Luis Seijas (Claudio Repetto, 80'), Aodhan Quinn, Irakoze Donasiyano (Sivert Haugli, 80'), Joey Calistri (Marcus Epps, 64'), Greg Hurst, Santi Moar

Subs not used: Edward Delgado, Jacob Harris

Stats Summary: ELP | PHX

Shots: 10 | 14

Shots on Goal: 2 | 3

Saves: 3 | 1

Corner Kicks: 3 | 7

Fouls: 15 | 14

Offside: 3 | 3

MISCONDUCT SUMMARY:

PHX - Greg Hurst (Caution), 4'

ELP - Ricardo Zacarias (Caution), 35'

ELP - Andrew Fox (Caution), 43'

PHX - Luis Seijas (Caution), 45'

PHX - Joseph Farrell (Caution), 62'

PHX - Darnell King (Caution), 66'

PHX - Manuel Madrid (Ejection), 69'

ELP - Aaron Gomez (Caution), 85'

ELP - Diego Garcia (Caution), 88'

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