USL El Paso Locomotive FC

Locomotive FC Update

Published on April 30, 2024 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
El Paso Locomotive FC News Release


BACK TO THE DRAWING BOARD - Last Saturday's 1-0 home defeat to FC Tulsa was obviously not the response Locomotive were looking for after their positive 1-1 showing at Tampa Bay Rowdies. Locomotive struggled to break past the opponent's backline, especially once Tulsa played low in their defensive half upon taking the lead.

In a post-match press conference, Head Coach and Technical Director Brian Clarhaut stated that the quality chances in the match were just not there, despite being able to make some great runs into the box and maintaining greater possession of the ball. It's something he took responsibility for and will look over in training as preparations begin for the next match.

LOCAL PRODUCT MAKES HIS DEBUT - Having made appearances for Locomotive this year in the FC Juarez friendly as well as the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, Locomotive Academy product Emiliano Rodriguez was rewarded with his official USL Championship debut against FC Tulsa. The 20-year-old El Paso native was ever-present in Tulsa's half for the final 15 minutes of the match, fighting to help Locomotive find a much-needed equalizer. He was even able to create one of El Paso's big offensive chances in stoppage time in Tulsa's box, making the most of the time he had on the pitch to try to make a difference.

"He's a quality player, very tidy on the ball," captain midfielder Eric Calvillo said about the youngster after the match. "Emiliano is a very talented young man and I'm very happy to have him [here]. He came in and made a big impact off the bat. It's something very strong and powerful to see a kid like that come in with his confidence and skill level, just taking his opportunity, so [I'm] very proud of him."

NEXT MATCH - El Paso are back on the road for an intense matchup against conference rivals Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC on Saturday, May 4 at 7 p.m. MT on ESPN+.

ABOUT THE OPPONENT - Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC (West, 1-5-1) managed to pick up their first win last Saturday, beating Oakland Roots SC 2-0 on the road. After drawing 1-1 with Indy Eleven the week prior to snap their five-match losing streak, Colorado Springs look to build off the positive momentum they've earned in their last two matches.

SERIES HISTORY - Historically, El Paso has had the upper hand over the Switchbacks. In 15 matches since 2019, El Paso is 7-2-6 against Colorado Springs and they'll arrive at Weidner Field looking to uphold that streak with a much-needed win.

UNDEFEATED AT WEIDNER FIELD - Speaking of Weidner Field, El Paso currently holds an impressive undefeated record against Colorado Springs on the road. In seven matches played in Colorado Springs, El Paso is 2-0-5 at Weidner Field (1-0-3 since 2021 when the Switchbacks moved to their downtown venue under the same name).

LAST MEETING - The sides last met at Weidner Field, with Locomotive coming out on top 3-2 thanks to two early goals from Luis Solignac and Petar Petrovic before Emmanuel Sonupe scored the game-winner in the second half to secure the three points.

Check out the El Paso Locomotive FC Statistics

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United Soccer League Championship Stories from April 30, 2024


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