October 9, 2022 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – El Paso Locomotive FC News Release
El Paso Locomotive FC (13-13-7, 46 points, West-7) pulled off an important 2-1 win against Orange County SC in their final home match of the 2022 season. In control for most of the match, this is Locomotive’s first win against the defending USL Champions since 2019 and it’s a crucial victory that keeps El Paso in playoff contention.
Locomotive opened up scoring in the 37th minute with a tap-in goal from Forward Lucho Solignac just outside the six-yard box (his 16th of the season), with an assist from Midfielder Eric Calvillo. In the second half, El Paso would double their lead with the eventual game winner in the 54th minute. A beautiful free kick cross from Midfielder Richie Ryan would find Defender Andrew Fox in the box, who redirected the ball with a magnificent header down to the ground and into the net past the keeper’s reach.
Though Orange County’s Bryce Jamison would score in the 83rd, Locomotive would manage to thwart off additional attacks from the traveling team to hold the lead and end their final match at home with a win.
“We did what we had to do,” Solignac said. “It was a must-win, we won, we did the job, and we go to Tampa to see what happens there… full focus on Wednesday.”
In addition to being the final home match of the season and a celebration of fans for Supporter’s Night, the match was of great significance for additional reasons. Defender Matt Bahner, who announced he’d be retiring at the end of the 2022 season, played his final home game in front of the loyal Locomotive fan base and thanked them for supporting him since joining the squad in 2020.
Diego Abarca (Locomotive Youth Academy) and Chris Garcia (on loan from Real Salt Lake) capped their first starts with Locomotive, taking advantage of their time on the field to help the Locos create serious chances up top.
UP NEXT: El Paso Locomotive hit the road to face the Tampa Bay Rowdies on Wednesday, October 12 in the final match of the 2022 regular season.
Match: El Paso Locomotive v Orange County SC
Date and Time: October 08, 2022 @ 7:30 p.m. MT
Venue: Southwest University Park, El Paso, TX
Scoring Summary 1 2 F
El Paso Locomotive 1 1 2
Orange County SC 0 1 1
ELP – Lucho Solignac (Eric Calvillo) 37′; Andrew Fox (Richie Ryan) 54′
OC – Bryce Jamison 83′
Lineup:
El Paso Locomotive FC (4-3-3): Evan Newton; Eder Borelli (Hinds 74′), Andrew Fox, Matt Bahner, Liam Rose; Richie Ryan, Diego Abarca (Ander…