Locomotive FC looks to stop losing streak in matchup against Phoenix Rising FC

EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — El Paso Locomotive FC (3-12-3, 12 pts) will take on Phoenix Rising FC (5-7-6, 21 pts) in a USL Championship matchup at Phoenix Rising Stadium on Friday night.

Locomotive FC aims to snap a three-game losing streak in its matchup against Phoenix Rising FC. The Locos are coming off a 2-0 loss against Las Vegas Lights FC at Southwest University Park last Friday.

Phoenix Rising FC has dropped its last two games in USL Championship play. Phoenix Rising is coming off a 2-1 loss to San Antonio FC on July 6.

El Paso Locomotive FC will be without some key players for Friday’s game. The Seriously Loco Soccer Podcast was first to report some members of the squad tested positive for COVID-19. A spokesperson for El Paso Locomotive FC told KTSM that defender Eder Borelli and midfielder Javier Nevarez did not travel with the team for Friday’s game due to contracting COVID-19.

There could be more players that miss out on Friday’s match given the fluidity of the situation.

El Paso Locomotive FC did make three signings earlier this week. The club announced it signed defender Robert Coronado and midfielders Stiven Rivas and Ricky Ruiz.

Coronado comes to El Paso from USL League One side Central Valley Fuego FC. He started all 11 of his matches this season with Fuego across league play and the USL Jägermeister Cup, scoring four (4) goals and assisting another in 790 combined minutes.

Rivas joins the Locos on loan from Colombian side Real Cartagena whereas Ruiz arrives on transfer from USL League One side Chattanooga Red Wolves SC for an undisclosed fee.

A spokesperson for the team said Ruiz and Coronado are available for selection for Friday’s game.

Kickoff for the game between El Paso Locomotive FC and Phoenix Rising FC is set for 9:00 p.m. MT at Phoenix Rising Stadium. The game will be nationally televised on CBS Sports Network.

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