June 14, 2022 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – El Paso Locomotive FC News Release
EL PASO, Texas – Locomotive Goalkeeper Evan Newton earned a spot on the USL Championship’s Team of the Week for Week 14 following his three-save performance against Phoenix Rising FC on Saturday night. This is Newton’s second time on the Team of the Week Starting XI with El Paso Locomotive FC and his eighth overall in his USL Championship career.
On Saturday night, Newton made three incredible saves, including making a clutch save from close range in the 34th minute. As a Phoenix set off on a counterattack, Rising FC’s Joey Calistri took a shot from just over 6-yards out, but Newton came up big to send the ball over the crossbar. Following his shut out against Phoenix Rising FC, the longtime USL Championship goalkeeper extended his league-leading clean sheet record to 55 and his league-leading saves record to 519.
Joining Newton on the shortlist for Team of the Week, Forward Aaron Gomez earned a mention on the bench. Gomez led the attacking front with five shots, one big chance created, and an 86% passing accuracy, threatening the attacking third with penetrating runs. By the end of 90 minutes, it was the penalty converted by Gomez in the 71st minute that provided Locomotive three points.
The two combined provided a big week for El Paso Locomotive FC, as the club earned its first win over Phoenix Rising FC in club history.
For the full USL Championship Team of the Week for Week 14, see below:
USL Championship Team of the Week – Week 14
GK – Evan Newton, El Paso Locomotive FC: Newton posted his 55th regular-season shutout in the Championship with stellar three-save performance that earned El Paso its first victory in club history against Phoenix Rising FC in a 1-0 win at Wild Horse Pass.
D – Jake Rufe, Birmingham Legion FC: Rufe had a strong defensive display as Legion FC ended Memphis 901 FC’s five-game winning streak with a 1-0 win on Wednesday night, recording three interceptions, six clearances and 10 recoveries while winning 7 of 11 duels.
D – Matt Mahoney, Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC: Mahoney notched one assist and three key passes while completing 57 of 63 passes overall and recording three interceptions in the Switchbacks’ 3-1 victory against the LA Galaxy II.
D – Lee Desmond, Sacramento Republic FC: The Irish center back put in a strong shift as Republic FC handed Detroit City FC its first home loss of the season, winning 10 of 16 duels and 8 of 10…