El Paso Locomotive FC: A Rising Force in USL Soccer

**El Paso Locomotive FC: A Rising Force in USL Soccer**

El Paso Locomotive FC, a dynamic and rising soccer team based in El Paso, Texas, has quickly made its mark in the United Soccer League (USL). Known for its passionate fan base, dedicated club culture, and high-energy matches, the team has become one of the standout franchises in the league. In this article, we take a closer look at the history, team culture, achievements, and future of El Paso Locomotive FC.

### **A Brief History**

El Paso Locomotive FC was founded in 2018 as part of the USL Championship, the second tier of professional soccer in the United States. The team’s establishment came at a time when the soccer landscape in the U.S. was rapidly evolving, with more cities investing in soccer culture and professional teams. El Paso, with its rich cultural heritage and strong community identity, was seen as a perfect location for a new team.

The club is owned by MountainStar Sports Group, the same ownership group behind the El Paso Chihuahuas, the city’s Minor League Baseball team. This connection to the region’s sports scene helped the Locomotive FC gain early traction, both in terms of fan support and media coverage.

### **Team Name and Identity**

The name “Locomotive” pays homage to the city’s deep ties to the railroad industry, a key part of El Paso’s history as a transportation hub. The “Locomotive” is a powerful symbol of movement and progress, echoing the team’s relentless pursuit of success on the field.

The team’s branding is bold and distinctive, with their colors—blue, yellow, and black—standing out in the USL. The train-themed crest and logo also reflect the spirit of the region, which has a strong cross-border culture due to its location on the U.S.-Mexico border.

### **Stadium: Southwest University Park**

El Paso Locomotive FC plays its home games at **Southwest University Park**, a multi-purpose stadium located in downtown El Paso. Opened in 2014, the stadium was originally designed for the city’s Minor League Baseball team but has become a beloved home for the Locomotive FC since its arrival in 2019.

The 9,500-seat venue provides a vibrant and intimate setting for fans, where the passion of the supporters can be fully felt. The stadium is known for its fantastic atmosphere, especially during key home games, where the crowd, known as the “Locomotive supporters,” fills the stands with chants, flags, and a palpable energy that has made it one of the best soccer environments in the league.

### **A Culture Built on Passion**

What sets El Paso Locomotive FC apart is its community-centered approach and the undying passion of its fans. The club’s supporters, led by groups such as the “Train Yard” and “Locomotive Ultras,” are known for their unwavering loyalty and vocal support. The atmosphere at matches in El Paso is electric, with fans creating an intimidating environment for visiting teams.

The club has embraced the cross-border identity of the city, with many fans from both sides of the border—El Paso and Ciudad Juárez, Mexico—attending games. The team’s fanbase represents a fusion of cultures, and the club has leaned into this rich diversity in creating its identity both on and off the field. This connection with the community has been key to the team’s growth in popularity.

### **On the Field Success**

From its very first season, El Paso Locomotive FC has been competitive in the USL Championship. The team quickly established itself as a force to be reckoned with, making the playoffs in its inaugural season (2019) and finishing in second place in the Western Conference during the regular season. That success carried over into the 2020 and 2021 seasons, with the team consistently performing well and earning playoff berths.

One of the most remarkable achievements in the club’s short history came in 2020, when the team reached the USL Championship Final, making a deep run in the playoffs before falling to the expansion team, the Louisville City FC. The club’s early success was built on a solid defense, high-pressing style of play, and a commitment to developing young talent.

In addition to their playoff appearances, the team has also made waves in U.S. Open Cup competition, showing that they can compete with teams from higher levels in American soccer. Their consistently high level of play has cemented El Paso Locomotive FC as one of the premier teams in the USL Championship.

### **Key Players and Coaches**

The success of any team is deeply tied to the players and coaching staff that make up the squad, and El Paso Locomotive FC has been no exception. Under the guidance of head coach **Mark Lowry**, the club has developed a reputation for attractive, fast-paced soccer. Lowry, a former player and experienced coach, has played a major role in shaping the team’s identity and tactical approach. His work has brought stability and growth to the team.

Some of the standout players in the team’s history include midfielders such as **Sebastian Velasquez** and **Omar Salgado**, who have made significant contributions to the team’s success both domestically and internationally. Additionally, **Louis “Louie” Zuniga**, a local product, has become a fan favorite with his hard work and grit on the field, becoming a key figure in the team’s midfield.

El Paso has also benefited from strong performances from defenders and goalkeepers. The team’s defense has been one of its strongest attributes, often relying on well-organized backlines and standout goalkeeping performances to secure wins in tight matches.

### **Looking Ahead: The Future of El Paso Locomotive FC**

As the team continues to develop and expand, the future looks bright for El Paso Locomotive FC. The organization has invested heavily in youth development, creating a pathway for young players from the region to join the first team and contribute to the growing success of the club. This focus on developing talent from within is helping to create a sustainable future for the team and for soccer in the region.

Moreover, the club has continued to build relationships with local businesses, sponsors, and community organizations, further embedding itself into the fabric of El Paso’s sports culture. With increased focus on international and cross-border cooperation, the club’s regional ties are likely to continue to strengthen as it grows.

The Locomotive FC’s ambitious goals include not only continuing to challenge for the USL Championship title but also potentially rising to greater prominence in U.S. soccer. As Major League Soccer (MLS) continues to expand, there is potential for cities like El Paso to one day see a team in the top tier of American soccer. While the focus is currently on the USL Championship, the long-term ambition of the club and its supporters is clear: to elevate El Paso Locomotive FC to new heights.

### **Conclusion**

El Paso Locomotive FC has become a beloved and successful soccer club in a short amount of time. With a passionate fan base, a strong sense of community, and a competitive roster, the team continues to exceed expectations in the USL Championship. As the club looks ahead to the future, it will no doubt continue to make strides both on and off the field, ensuring that El Paso remains a key player in the U.S. soccer landscape for years to come.

For soccer fans in the region and beyond, the story of El Paso Locomotive FC is one of growth, determination, and, most importantly, pride. The team is not just building a successful soccer franchise—it is helping to build a legacy for soccer in the city and the wider border region.