EL PASO, Texas – El Paso Locomotive FC announced on Monday it had appointed Junior Gonzalez as the club’s new Head Coach for the 2026 USL Championship season.

Gonzalez joins Locomotive having spent the past two seasons as the Head Coach of Los Angeles FC 2 of MLS NEXT Pro, where he led the side to a 21-25-10 record over the past two regular seasons, including a trip to the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro Playoffs.

“We’re very excited to welcome Junior and his family to El Paso,” said MountainStar Sports Group President Alan Ledford. “He brings the experience, competitiveness and leadership we believe are required to succeed in USL Championship. He has a strong track record of success and a clear vision for building a winning culture. We’re confident he will establish a genuine connection to the El Paso community.”

Gonzalez has built a 25-year coaching career domestically that includes stints in Major League Soccer, the USL Championship and MLS NEXT Pro. Prior to his time with LAFC 2, the 48-year-old served as Head Coach for both Rio Grande Valley FC during its affiliation with Houston Dynamo FC and the LA Galaxy II, posting a 20-30-14 record across the two clubs.

Following his tenure at the Galaxy II, Gonzalez joined the staff of Chicago Fire FC as an assistant coach for two years before being appointed Head Coach of LAFC 2.

“It is a privilege to be trusted by ownership and leadership to lead this talented team towards continued success,” said Gonzalez. “It is my vision to foster an environment that challenges, inspires and prepares our team to demonstrate an attractive, organized and attacking style of play that our fans and community will be proud to support."

“I am thrilled to have Junior join Locomotive,” incoming President and General Manager Mike DiGiulio said. “Junior embodies all the traits we look for in both a head coach and leader. His commitment to community and desire to immerse himself in the culture of our club and city is apparent and important.

“Junior’s drive for success has been on display in every stop in his soccer journey and his experience at the highest levels of US Soccer is exceptional. The opportunity to work with Junior is a very special one, and I have no doubt he will elevate our club on and off the pitch.”