El Paso, Texas – On Saturday night, September 12, 2026, El Paso Locomotive FC continued its impressive run in the USL Championship, beating Louisville City FC 2‑1 at the Southwest University Park. The win marked the team’s seventh consecutive victory, underscoring a season that has seen the Locos dominate opponents with disciplined play and timely scoring.
Key moments from the match
The game opened with a promising attack from El Paso, and the first goal came from a penalty kick. Alex Méndez stepped up and calmly slotted the spot‑kick after Louisville defender Brandon Dayes fouled forward Rubio Rubín inside the box. The early lead set the tone for the Locos, who pressed forward with confidence.
Louisville City responded with sustained pressure in the attacking half, but the Locos’ defense held firm. Just before halftime, the second goal arrived. A swift transition that began deep in El Paso’s defensive zone saw Nico Cardona win the ball and launch a counter‑attack. Rubio Rubín, who had earlier earned the penalty, finished the move with a well‑placed strike, giving the Locos a 2‑0 advantage heading into the locker room.
Late Louisville response
The second half saw Louisville City attempt a comeback. In the 77th minute, Manny Perez headed a cross into the net, cutting the deficit to one goal. The goal sparked a brief surge of energy from the visitors, but El Paso’s back line remained organized, limiting Louisville’s chances in the final fifteen minutes.
Locomotive’s goalkeeper made several key saves in the closing stages, preserving the 2‑1 result. The home crowd celebrated the victory, recognizing the significance of a seventh straight win for a club that has become a source of pride for the El Paso community.
Looking ahead
Following the win, the Locos will travel to Phoenix, Arizona, for their next fixture on September 19 against Phoenix Rising FC. The match is scheduled for an 8:00 p.m. Mountain Time kickoff. El Paso will aim to keep its unbeaten streak alive as the season progresses, while Louisville City will look to regroup and address the defensive lapses that cost them the game.
El Paso Locomotive FC’s recent form has drawn attention from fans across West Texas, reinforcing the growing popularity of professional soccer in the region. The team’s success reflects strong community support, solid coaching, and a roster that blends experienced veterans with promising young talent.
For supporters planning to follow the team on the road, tickets for the Phoenix game will be available through the club’s official website and at the stadium box office. The Locomotive organization encourages fans to travel with the team, emphasizing the shared spirit of competition and community that defines the club’s identity.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
