El Paso residents celebrated a hard‑fought 2‑1 victory Friday night as El Paso Locomotive FC advanced to the Western Conference semifinals of the USL Championship. According to KVIA, the win came at Southwest University Park before a crowd of 4,078 fans under cloudy, 74‑degree skies.
Rubio Rubín opened the scoring in the 14th minute, finishing a cross from Beto Avila that slipped through the San Antonio defense. Rubín also helped preserve the lead by clearing a dangerous San Antonio attempt just inches from the goal line before halftime. The Locos extended the margin early in the second half when Tony Alfaro headed home a lofted cross from Robert Coronado in the 54th minute.
San Antonio FC pulled one back late, with Diogo Pacheco converting a pass from Luis Paredes in the 84th minute, but El Paso held firm, securing the 2‑1 result and a place in the next round.
The match marked several firsts for the club. It was Locomotive’s first playoff win since the October 17, 2020 overtime triumph over New Mexico United, and the first postseason meeting between the two Texas clubs. KVIA noted that the Locos will await the winner of the Sacramento Republic FC versus FC Tulsa game to learn their semifinal opponent.
If Sacramento advances, the Locomotives will travel to Sacramento next weekend; a Tulsa victory would bring the semifinal back to Southwest University Park for a home‑field showdown. The club’s next decision point arrives on Sunday when the other quarterfinal concludes.
Statistically, El Paso held 41 % of possession, recorded 10 shots (three on goal) and made six saves, while San Antonio enjoyed 59 % possession, 14 shots (seven on goal) and one save. Both sides were penalized equally with 16 fouls each, and the match featured a total of seven yellow‑card offenses.
What’s next: The Locomotive will learn its semifinal opponent on Sunday after the Sacramento‑Tulsa match. Fans can look forward to a decisive weekend that could see the team travel to California or host another crucial playoff game at home, keeping the excitement alive for El Paso’s soccer community.
