EL PASO, Texas – El Paso Locomotive FC announced on Wednesday that Wilmer Cabrera would return as Head Coach for the 2025 USL Championship season.

“Wilmer came into a very difficult situation and showcased improvements in style of play, ability to compete and get points and a more cohesive team environment conducive to success,” said Locomotive General Manager, Business and Technical Operations Andrew Forrest. “We believe with a full offseason and preseason, we will be ready to compete at the highest level in 2025.”

Appointed in May, Cabrera introduced himself to Locos fans with a statement victory against an undefeated Charleston Battery side, upsetting the Eastern Conference side 2-1 on the road. The 57-year-old would go on to finish the 2024 season with a 7-10-6 record, lead the Locos to 16 points in its final 11 games, doubling its overall points total in the final third of the season while claiming the Copa Tejas for the first time since 2021 with four points from its two meetings with in-state rival San Antonio FC.

“I am accepting the challenge of preparing this team thinking about next season and the fans should know that we are already working to rebuild our roster and planning for 2025,” said Cabrera. “I am disappointed that we weren't able to reach the playoffs this season, but the coaching staff and the players that will remain are committed to building a team that reflects the spirit of El Paso and its people. We will come back stronger and driven to be one of the top teams in the USL Championship.”

The following technical and support staff are also slated to return for 2025: Assistant Coach and Scouting Director Gerson Echeverry, Assistant Coach Gianluca Massuci, Goalkeeper Coach Ivan Meza, Strength and Conditioning Coach Massimo Borlina, Athletic Trainer Ricardo Ruiz, Athletic Trainer Andres Rivera, Player Operations Manager Saul Soto and Equipment Manager Pablo Sanchez.