Locomotive FC Season Needs Jumpstart Against Phoenix Rising
The United Soccer League Championship season is a marathon and not a sprint. That being said, the 2022 El Paso Locomotive FC campaign would be like a runner struggling with dehydration at the 18-mile mark.
Last Saturday, the club lost for the fifth time in the last six matches. San Diego Loyal SC defeated El Paso by a score of 3-1 at Southwest University Park. The last time the Locos were victorious was back on July 9th, when they slipped past Colorado Springs by a score of 1-0.
Since that match, El Paso has been outscored by a total of 14 goals to five. It is safe to say that the Crazy Train has derailed and now the only question is whether head coach John Hutchinson will be able to get his season back on track before its too late.
Looking at the current USL standings, Locomotive FC have the seventh and final playoff spot in the Western Conference. They have a one-point edge over LA Galaxy II and a four-point cushion over ninth place Oakland.
The good news is that Locomotive FC still has seven regular season matches left on their schedule, including four at home. All three road games will be played in September including a huge contest with LA Galaxy II on Sunday, September 18th.
If Coach Hutch can get his offense jump started beginning tomorrow night against Phoenix Rising FC, then the Locos could easily surge back to the upper portion of the USL Table. Phoenix is currently 10th in the Western Conference Standings, and they have won just once in their last five matches, with three draws. Kickoff for Locomotive FC and Phoenix is 7:30 pm at Southwest University Park.