skip navigation

Locomotive FC Rallies Past New Mexico in Preseason Matchup

By USLChampionship.com Staff, 03/21/21, 10:19AM EDT

Share

Carrijo scores winner in second half for 2-1 victory after Sandoval opened scoring for hosts


Photo courtesy El Paso Locomotive FC

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – El Paso Locomotive FC rallied for a 2-1 victory against New Mexico United as both clubs kicked off their 2021 preseason slate on Saturday afternoon,

On of Locomotive FC’s trialists found the first goal just before the halftime break after Devon Sandovan had given New Mexico the lead, while El Paso forward Leandro Carrijo recorded the game-winner in the second half.

“I really liked the energy and the commitment of the group,” said Head Coach and Technical Director Mark Lowry. “There were tough conditions with the wind which played a factor. Sand blew across the field at times and the field was difficult to play on – it was sticky, bumpy and dry. It made the game a little slow when we wanted to play a high tempo game.

The contest started on the right foot for Locomotive, who showed their pedigree in the attack with new signings, trialists, and players from the Locomotive Youth Academy making their mark throughout the 90 minutes. Early on, Locomotive earned a penalty kick that New Mexico United goalkeeper Philip Beigl denied. Then in the 37th minute, United earned a penalty kick of its own which Sandoval converted for an lead.

“The guys showed resiliency to get through the opening 15-20 minutes to figure out the conditions,” said Lowry. “We were honest to who we are and to true to the values we have as a team. It turned into playing some really good football. We go down a goal and to come back, that character is always good to see and I think we were worthy of the win.”

It was lead that wouldn’t last however, when a Locomotive Trialist beautifully curled a shot to the top corner of the goal just before the halftime break to even the game. With a fresh lineup in the second half, El Paso forward Aidan Apodaca showed his versatility on the attack working in tandem with midfielders Dylan Mares, Nick Ross, and Carrijo with quick passing to pressure the United defense. In the end, the quick passing sent United on their heels to allow Carrijo to clean up a spill and convert the game-winner for the 2-1 victory.

Follow the USL Championship

Most Recent News

Most Read News

Latest Videos