El Paso, Texas – In front of a crowd of 5,099 at Southwest University Park, El Paso Locomotive FC earned a hard‑fought 2‑1 victory over the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC on Wednesday night. The win not only added three points to the club’s tally but also lifted the Locomotives into second place in the USL Championship Western Conference.
Match Overview
The first half remained scoreless as both sides generated several chances but failed to convert. El Paso’s best opportunity came when forward Amando Moreno unleashed a close‑range shot that forced a quick save from the Riverhounds’ goalkeeper.
The deadlock was broken in the 53rd minute when Pittsburgh’s Robbie Mertz slipped a precise finish into the far corner, giving the Riverhounds a 1‑0 lead.
Four minutes later, Locomotive responded. Palermo Ortiz unleashed a long‑range effort that deflected off defender Eric Calvillo before finding the net, leveling the match at 1‑1.
After the equalizer, the game settled into a tactical battle, with both teams probing for the decisive goal. Possession favored El Paso, who held 64% of the ball and recorded 15 shots, four of them on target, compared with Pittsburgh’s four shots, three on goal.
Late Heroics Seal the Win
In the third minute of stoppage time, Noah Dollenmayer rose to meet a cross from Zyen Jones and headed the ball home at 90+3 minutes. The dramatic winner secured all three points for the Locomotives and extended their unbeaten run to five matches.
Following the match, Locomotive’s coach praised the team’s resilience, noting that the late goal exemplified the squad’s determination to finish strong.
Looking Ahead
El Paso will close out its two‑game home stand on Saturday, August 29, when it hosts Loudoun United for a Star Wars‑themed night. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Mountain Time.
The victory adds momentum as the Locomotives continue their push for a top‑seed playoff position. Fans can expect a competitive finish to the regular season, with the Western Conference race tightening as teams vie for postseason berths.
Match Statistics
- Final Score: El Paso 2, Pittsburgh 1
- Attendance: 5,099
- Weather: 99°F, sunny
- Possession: 64% El Paso, 36% Pittsburgh
- Shots: 15 (El Paso) – 4 (Pittsburgh)
- Shots on Goal: 4 – 3
- Saves: 2 each side
- Fouls: 7 – 8
- Corners: 3 – 2
For a full lineup and additional match details, visit the official USL Championship website.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
