Editor’s Note: This is not the most recent El Paso Locomotive FC match.
Coming off a last-minute draw in their first match and home opener against the Colorado Switchbacks, El Paso Locomotive FC continued its optimistic 2025 season in its second game against Phoenix Rising FC.
Locomotive FC had a quick start to the game with El Paso forward Beto Avila scoring in the first six minutes of the game. The Locos’ momentum continued with a solid defense and a second goal made by forward Amando Moreno at the 33-minute mark.
Though Locomotive was close to keeping Phoenix Rising from having a score-less first half, additional time allowed midfielder Noble Okello to strike in the 47th minute, raising the score 2-1.
Straight into the second half, El Paso midfielder Gabriel Torres, scored in the 47th minute, followed by Moreno’s second goal of the night in the 53rd minute to make the score 4-1.
Tensions rose as a yellow card was issued to Locomotive defender Guillermo “Memo” Diaz in the 58th minute. A mix of roars and boos were heard from the crowd after a goal made by Locomotive defender Arturo “Palermo” Ortiz was denied, being called offside after further review.
Phoenix Rising took advantage of the break of momentum, with three consecutive goals in the 68th minute by forward Remi Cabral, followed by a goal from midfielder Ihsan Sacko in the 80th and a goal from defender Mohamed Traore in the 86th minute, evening the score out 4-4.
With two ties now on the books for Locomotive FC, the team looks to their next home match on March 19, at Southwest University Park, the Locos’ first match in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.
Joseph Montero is a staff reporter for The Prospector and may be reached at [email protected].
