June 1, 2024 – United Soccer League Championship (USL)
El Paso Locomotive FC News Release
EL PASO, Texas – El Paso Locomotive FC fell 3-1 to Birmingham Legion FC Saturday night at Southwest University Park, finding it difficult to break past the opponent’s defensive block.
“What we did on the field is not even close to what we need to do,” Head Coach Wilmer Cabrera said. “We weren’t giving a good match in terms of fighting, tackling, defending what is ours, which is our field, our home. I was very disappointed about that. [There’s] a lot of work to do and it’s my responsibility now, but that was a tough welcome and wake-up [call]. I know what’s going on and now I need to work on that.”
Birmingham would open the scoring in the 26â² and it seemed they would hold on to that lead heading into halftime, but El Paso’s Justin Dhillon would come to the rescue, slotting in a cross from Miles Lyons to bring the Locos level.
However, Birmingham would find the net minutes later to take the lead heading into the break. They would score a third in the second half and from there, sit back and absorb any and all pressure from the Locomotive offense. The Legion would hold on until the end and walked away with all three points.
El Paso must now shift its focus to Wednesday, June 5, when it makes the trip to bitter in-state rivals San Antonio FC for an intense Copa Tejas matchup on CBS Sports Network.
NOTES
Wilmer Cabrera contested his first home match at Southwest University Park since being appointed El Paso Locomotive FC’s new Head Coach.
Justin Dhillon scored his second goal of the 2024 season.
Miles Lyons registered his first assist this year.
Petar Petrovic made his first appearance of the 2024 season, coming in as a second-half substitute.
Ricardo Zacarias returned to the pitch tonight after being out with injury since mid-April.
El Paso’s unlucky winless streak at home has now extended to seven matches this season.
FORECAST: 96ºF, sunny
ATTENDANCE: 5,707
SCORING SUMMARY
ELP – Justin Dhillon (Miles Lyons) 44â²
BHM – Dawson McCartney (Enzo Martinez) 26â², Prosper Kassim (AJ Paterson) 45+3â², Tyler Pasher (Kobe Hernandez-Foster) 64â²
LINEUPS
ELP – (4-2-3-1) Jahmali Waite, Nick Hinds (Noah Dollenmayer 79â²), Brandan Craig, Tony Alfaro, Lucas Stauffer (Miles Lyons 28â²), Eric Calvillo – C, Liam Rose (Bolu Akinyode 65â²), Joaquin Rivas (Ricardo Zacarias 65â²), Tumi Moshobane, Amando Moreno (Petar Petrovic 65â²), Justin Dhillon
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