May 19, 2022 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – El Paso Locomotive FC News Release
EL PASO, Texas – El Paso Locomotive (5-6-1, 16 points, West-6) claimed three points at Southwest University Park following a 1-0 win over Sacramento Republic FC on Wednesday night. Defender Andrew Fox scored the lone goal in the 75th minute while Goalkeeper Evan Newton earned his league-best 53rd clean sheet.
“Super proud of my team tonight,” said John Hutchinson, Locomotive Head Coach and Technical Director. “Great character. Resilience to just hang in there. It is hard because you tell them to be patient and to keep moving the ball, but the other team is just sitting and not moving. It’s a great three points for us.”
The second match of 2022 between these two clubs opened to a very quiet start. Through the opening 30 minutes, both sides had chances to break the stalemate but couldn’t put any threatening shots on frame. While Locomotive dominated possession, the packed in Sacramento defense kept the Locos without a shot. On the other end, Sacramento was able to earn a flurry of corners, but the Locos backline eliminated any threat.
The stalemate broke in the 75th minute as Locomotive found a goal through Fox, who entered the match moments earlier as a substitution. Midfielder Dylan Mares served in a cross far post that connected to Fox’s one touch for the game-winner. Locomotive used the last 15 minutes to press for an insurance goal while Sacramento pushed forward to find the equalizer. The result turned into a chippy game that saw Sacramento Republic fall to 10 men as Douglas Martinez earned a straight red card in the 81st minute. Despite the chances, the goal from Andrew Fox would be the decider as Locomotive earned three points on the 1-0 victory.
UP NEXT: El Paso Locomotive goes back on the road to finish out another three-game week against defending USL Championship title-winners, Orange County SC. Kickoff from Championship Soccer Stadium is scheduled for 8:00…