Orange County SC Hosts El Paso Locomotive in Key October Matchup
USL Orange County SC

Orange County SC Hosts El Paso Locomotive in Key October Matchup

Published on October 3, 2025 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Orange County SC News Release


Kickoff: Wednesday, October 4, 2025 (7:00 PM PDT)

Where: How to Watch: ESPN+, KCAL+, FanDuel Sports Network

Available in the U.K.: USL on YouTube

Orange County SC enters Saturday night's clash with El Paso Locomotive knowing the stakes couldn't be higher. Recent results have left the Orange & Black searching for rhythm, and the need to reclaim momentum is urgent. Fortunately, there may be no better setting than Championship Soccer Stadium, where OCSC has already delivered some of its most convincing performances of the season. That includes a statement 3-0 victory over El Paso earlier in the year; proof that when this team plays with energy, attacking ambition, and defensive discipline, they can beat anyone in the league.

El Paso, however, won't arrive quietly. Under the steady hand of head coach Wilmer Cabrera, the Locomotive arrive tactically organized, dangerous on set pieces, and anchored by veterans who know how to grind out results. They may not always dictate possession, but when they switch on, they are ruthless and efficient.

For OCSC, the pressure is real, but so is the opportunity. A big win at home could reestablish momentum at the perfect time, reinforcing the squad's belief and sending a message to the rest of the Western Conference. The key will be striking the right balance: high energy in attack, composure in midfield, and clinical finishing in the final third. OC must seize control of set-piece opportunities, both defensively and offensively, and, most importantly, limit errors and costly turnovers.

With the playoff race tightening and the home crowd behind them, expect a lively atmosphere in Irvine. The opening whistle should bring intensity, but it's the second half that could truly ignite into fireworks. For Orange County, this is a must-win, and with the right mix of composure and creativity, all signs suggest Saturday could be the night the Orange & Black rise to the moment.

OCSC returns to The Champ on October 15th for the California Classic Night match against San Antonio FC. For tickets, click HERE.

EL TREN FALLÓ

El Paso arrives in Irvine on the back of a confident midweek win, striking twice inside the opening seven minutes to claim a 3-1 victory over Oakland Roots SC. That fast start is a warning sign for Orange County: the Locomotive won't hesitate to test the back line early. Expect El Paso to stay compact through the middle, funnel OCSC wide, and look to break quickly through attacking threats like Gabriel Torres and the ever-dangerous Wilmer Cabrera.

In midfield, former OCSC playmaker Eric Calvillo remains a key orchestrator; everything positive El Paso creates tends to flow through him. Defensively, the Locomotive boasts an experienced unit that has frustrated opponents throughout the season, though they are not impenetrable.

Keeper Jahmali Waite has posted four clean sheets this season, but OCSC has beaten him before, and if they can apply sustained pressure, they'll do it again.

El Paso Locomotive FC 2024 USL Championship Regular Season Record: 8-8-18 (12th Place in the West)

Goals Scored: 27 | Goals Allowed: 46 | Clean Sheets: 8

Players to Watch:

F Wilmer Cabrera

GK Jahmali Waite

OCSC UNCORKED

Orange County SC enters Saturday night still searching for a breakthrough, winless in their last seven matches, and desperate to turn the tide. Striker Ethan Zubak has carried much of the scoring load in recent weeks, and once again, his finishing touch will be critical if OC hopes to claim all three points against El Paso.

Cameron Dunbar and Tristan Trager are also beginning to find their rhythm, and their contributions in the final third could prove decisive. The midfield battle will be pivotal, with Chris Hegardt and Stephen Kelly tasked with dictating tempo and disrupting El Paso's flow.

Defensively, OC has struggled in chaotic sequences around goal, and the backline must tighten up and defend with conviction. Between the posts, Colin Shutler will be called upon to command his box, whether on crosses, one-on-one chances, or set-piece scrambles.

The urgency is undeniable. If Orange County is to end its skid, it will take sharpness, resilience, and a full-team effort from the opening whistle.

OCSC 2024 USL Championship Regular Season Record: 13-11-10

Goals Scored: 44 I Goals Allowed: 51 I Clean Sheets: 15

Players to Watch:

F Ethan Zubak

GK Colin Shutler

Orange County SC is 3-3-4 all-time against El Paso Locomotive FC (Last 5 against ELP - 3-1-1)

Previous Matchup: 2025 USL Championship

Orange County SC 3-0 El Paso Locomotive FC (June 14, 2025, El Paso)

Scoring Summary: 39' Ethan Zubak (OC), 41' Cameron Dunbar (OC), 45+3' Ethan Zubak (OC)

Check out the Orange County SC Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



United Soccer League Championship Stories from October 3, 2025


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central