With a rough start to their fifth season, the El Paso Locomotive have encountered many obstacles since their first match on March 11, 2023. 

The Locomotive kicked off their season at Southwest University Park, falling short to Sacramento Republic by a score of 0-1. 

Later in March, the Locomotive lost defender Ander Egiluz to a season-ending ACL injury. 

Despite the adversity they have faced this year, there are promising signs that the Locomotive will have a successful season. 

March 2023

After losing their first three matches of the regular season, the Locomotive won their first match of the season 3-0 against Louisville City FC on March 25 at Lynn Family Stadium in Louisville, KY.

On March 31, the Locomotive drew 2-2 against FC Tulsa at ONEOK Field in Tulsa, OK.

The Locomotive lost 2-0 to Union Omaha at Morrison Stadium in Omaha, NE, on April 5, ending their two-match unbeaten streak. 

The match against Omaha was part of the second round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, a knockout-style tournament featuring teams from both professional and amateur leagues.

Unfortunately, with their loss against Omaha, the Locomotive were eliminated from the tournament. 

April 2023

Returning home to El Paso on April 8, the Locomotive won their first home match of the season 1-0 against Orange County SC. 

Since the Locomotive’s establishment in 2019, this is their second win against Orange County.

Returning from a short break from matches, the Locomotive defeated the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC 2-0 on April 22 at Southwest University Park. 

This was only the second match that the Locomotive have played against the Riverhounds, the first resulting in a 1-0 loss for the Locomotive on May 14, 2022. 

With a goal against the Riverhounds, forward Lucho Solignac became the all-time leading goal scorer for the Locomotive across all competitions with a total of 30 goals.

The Locomotive faced off against San Diego Loyal on April 29, a team co-founded by former U.S. soccer player Landon Donovan. 

Prior to this match, the Locomotive had never defeated San Diego.

However, the Locomotive secured their first victory over San Diego by a score of 2-1 at Torero Stadium in San Diego, CA. 

May 2023

On May 5, the Locomotive defeated the Colorado Springs Switchbacks 3-2 at Weidner Field in Colorado Springs, CO.

Locomotive fans recognized a familiar face in Macauley King, a former Locomotive defender who left to play with Colorado Springs after the 2021 season. 

On May 13, the Locomotive returned home to Southwest University Park to play Loudoun United. 

The Locomotive won 1-0 with a goal in the 89th minute from Christopher Garcia.

The Locomotive had only played Loudoun United once previously, resulting in a 3-1 win for the Locomotive on April 30, 2022.

On May 20, the Locomotive will face off against Birmingham Legion FC at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, AL. 

The Locomotive have never played Birmingham. 

Showing support

The Locomotive can still clinch a playoff spot, as it is still early in the season. 

As the Locomotive continue to work hard to get back on track this season, fans are encouraged to support the team through their ups and downs. 

For upcoming home matches, Southwest University Park is a great place to become immersed in El Paso’s soccer culture while supporting a local team. 

Join the Prax Staff in cheering on the Locomotive as the season progresses!