In most sports rivalry games don’t happen until late in the season. Not so in the world of football. This season, New Mexico United (1-1-0, 3 pts) and El Paso Locomotive FC (0-0-2, 2 pts) get the first half of the season series out of the way early. If the first two weeks of the season are any indication, the season opener at The Lab will be hot.
El Paso’s season hasn’t started the way they would have liked. Six goals in two matches wouldn’t match that sentiment, but when a club only picks up two points for that effort, they’ll feel like they haven’t done enough. Last week, they surrendered a three-goal lead in what ended up as a 4-4 draw with Phoenix Rising FC. As if dropping points wasn’t enough, they also saw midfielder Frank Daroma pick up a red card in stoppage time of the draw.
One of the brightest spots for El Paso this season has been the play of Amando Moreno. Now in his second season with the club, he has picked up three goals in two matches to open the season, including a bicycle goal against Rising. What the Locomotive are doing well is getting Moreno into space where he can use his footwork to create opportunities. He looks far more confident than last season and is going to be the focus for Talen Maples.
Player to Watch
Eric Calvillo – The veteran midfielder could see a call to action with the suspension of Frank Daroma. Calvillo has been around the league for enough time to be familiar with the rivalry and what it means to these clubs. Calvillo is good going forward and has the ability to pick apart opposing clubs with his passing.
United is certainly looking forward to being in front of their home supporters for the first time this season. After a loss in the opener and a wild win in Las Vegas, the club could use a good dose of home. After this match, United goes back on the road for two more matches, so they’ll look to make the most of the homestand. Historically, United has had El Paso’s number in the rivalry, and on paper, this week should be no different.
It’s a small sample size, but the Dennis Sanchez-led club looks to be more willing than it has in the past to shoot from distance. It’s also been able to be aggressive in areas that the club might have shied away from in the past. Tactically, not much has changed, but it seems to be a mentality change. There has been no shortage of grit shown in the first two matches.
They’ll have to continue this against an El Paso side that has shown the ability to be aggressive in their defense. Fortunatetly, United has continued to add pieces, even after the start of the season. Zico Bailey will be missed this week due to international duty, so to help fill the gaps, United added Ousman Jabang on transfer from CF Montreal. With the addition of Jabang, United’s defensive midfield and central defenders are as deep as they’ve ever been.
That depth will help keep the Locomotive from getting clean looks around the edge and into the area. This is something that United has struggled with in the past, and even last week against Lights, the entries into the final third proved to be incredibly dangerous. By preventing the entries by Calvillo and company, United will keep the visitors at bay and pick up another three early season points at home.
Player to Watch
Greg Hurst – The United forward has played well in the first two weeks of the season. His hold up play has been a big catalyst for allowing United to get players forward and into dangerous areas. His aggression has also given him room to score twice in two matches and get into a rhythm early.
Coverage of Saturday’s match between New Mexico United and El Paso Locomotive FC will start with the pregame show hosted by Adam Diehl and Andy Hageman at 2:00 P.M. (MT). Following the pregame show, the match will kickoff at 3:00 P.M. (MT). Catch every minute of every play all season long on the home for New Mexico United, ESPN Radio 101.7 FM The TEAM, The TEAM apps, and The TEAM website.
