EL PASO, Texas – El Paso Locomotive FC announced on Friday the club had acquired defender Noah Dollenmayer via transfer from MLS NEXT Pro side Los Angeles FC 2. The transaction is pending league and federation approval.

Dollenmayer returns to El Paso after a successful loan stint that began this past August with Locomotive FC. The 24-year-old center back made 11 appearances for the side down the final stretch of the season and scored his first professional goal in its 2-1 victory against Oakland Roots SC on the final day of the regular season that earned El Paso a berth in the 2023 USL Championship Playoffs.

“We saw how important he was this past year stepping in immediately on loan to help secure our defensive game when we were struck with injuries and he was a key reason we were able to secure a playoff position in 2023,” said El Paso Head Coach and Technical Director Brian Clarhaut. “We look forward to being able to work with Noah and to continue to develop his game. He is a top professional who wants to continue to get better each day and we are happy to have him with us for 2024.”

“I loved my time with El Paso last season and I’m excited to be back for 2024,” added Dollenmayer. “My teammates, the staff and the fans made it feel like home from the moment I arrived. Everything about my experience was enjoyable, from the team’s competitiveness and clinching playoffs to scoring my first goal. We have so much to look forward to with this new group being built and I can’t wait to get back to work.”

Analysis

Noah Dollenmayer had ups and downs for Locomotive FC during his loan stint during the past season. While 6-foot-6, the California native won only 19 of 35 aerial duels, which played a part in Dollenmayer’s 48 percent duel success rate overall in his 11 appearances for the club, and those numbers will need to be much improved to provide what Locomotive FC needs in the center of defense.

There were positives to take away, though, including Dollenmayer winning 8 of 12 tackles and recording 43 clearances, and the hope will be the 24-year-old can find another level with consistent playing time in the Locomotive back line next season.