On a rainy Friday evening at Southwest University Park, the El Paso Locomotive FC (1-1-2) were unable to muster efficient scoring opportunities resulting in a 2-1 loss to New Mexico United (2-1-1). This is the Locomotive first loss of the season in just its fourth game of the season due to a season restart.
Dropping to second place after the loss, the Locomotive now trails New Mexico by two points in the standings.
Neither team was able to get on the scoreboard for the first 30 minutes of the match. Locomotive Coach Mark Lowry felt that an early injury to midfielder Bryam Rebellon had a significant impact on his team’s play from that point on.
“Our system relies on two fullbacks for a lot of our attacking plays, to lose him (Rebellon) really hurt,” said Lowry.
Time of possession ended in the favor of the Locomotive with the team having 57% possession to New Mexico United’s 42%. The team was unable to get on the scoreboard until the 86th minute with a goal by Aaron Gomez. With the loss El Paso Locomotive FC falls to second place in the United Soccer League Group C standings and New Mexico United rises to first.
El Paso earned three shots on goal but was only able to muster one goal for the night. New Mexico United, on the other hand made the most of its opportunities scoring two goals on three shots on target.
The Locomotive overall needs to find its way on offense, only averaging one goal per match.
New Mexico United’s Chris Wehan and Devon Sandoval earned a goal in the 35th and 49th minute, respectively. Both players also scored in the first matchup between teams July 15 that resulted in a 2-2 tie. For Wehen this was his third straight game with a score.
“We dominated them, objectively if you look at the stats,” said Lowry. “ Subjectively, you could see we were the better team. Executing in the final third, it’s as simple as that.”
El Paso Locomotive FC will now shift its focus to its next matchup on its schedule as it takes on Phoenix Rising FC August 1 at Casino Arizona Field in Tempe, Arizona.
The team will be back at home at Southwest University Park against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC August 8.
Isaiah Ramirez may be reached at Prospector @utep.edu
