After a 6–2 loss in Colorado, the Houston Dynamo return home needing a response, but they’ll face a confident El Paso Locomotive side that has started to establish itself as one of the more dangerous attacking teams in the USL Championship. El Paso play with pace, verticality, and direct intent, often turning games into open, end-to-end affairs where their front line can thrive.

They typically set up in a 4-3-3 but look to break quickly once they win the ball, attacking space early rather than building long possessions. Their biggest strength is their front three, who combine well in transition and don’t need many chances to punish opponents. However, they can be vulnerable when forced to defend long spells, especially if their press is bypassed and the game becomes more structured.

For Houston, the key will be game control, limiting turnovers, staying compact in midfield, and avoiding the type of transitional chaos that El Paso feed off.

Key Players

Rubio Rubín

Rubín is the focal point up top, a physical striker who excels at holding the ball, winning duels, and finishing inside the box. He’s the reference point for El Paso’s attack and thrives when service comes early or in transition moments where he can attack a set defense.

Amando Moreno

Moreno brings pace and directness to the attack, constantly looking to run in behind and stretch back lines. He’s at his best in open games, where his movement and energy turn defensive recoveries into quick attacking chances.

Alex Méndez

Méndez is the creative piece in midfield, operating between the lines and linking play into the final third. He can slow games down when needed but is also capable of unlocking defenses with quick passes or set-piece quality.

Head Coach

Junior González

González has brought a clear identity to El Paso built on vertical attacking play and quick transitions. His teams are organized enough to compete structurally but are given freedom to attack quickly once possession is won. The result is a side that plays with energy, confidence, and a willingness to take risks in the final third.

Last Five Matches

March 19 - Laredo 0-2 El Paso (USOC)
March 28 - Sacramento 1-2 El Paso
April 1 - New Mexico 0-4 El Paso (USOC)
April 4 - El Paso 3-2 Las Vegas
April 11 - Hartford 0-4 El Paso

Last Match Staring XI (from Fotmob)

Here’s how El Paso lined up for their last game, a 4-0 win at Hartford.

2026 Roster

Goalkeepers: Abraham Romero, Sebastian Mora-Mora, Axel Jimenez

Defenders: Nicolas Cardona, Ricky Ruiz, Noah Dollenmayer, Alvaro Quezada, Guillermo Diaz, Arturo Ortiz, Kenneth Hoban, Joseluis Villagomez, Tony Alfaro

Midfielders: Michael Perez, Daniel Gomez, Eric Calvillo, Carl Sainte, Gabriel Torres, Alex Mendez, Kofi Twumasi, Robert Coronado, Abdiel Guzman, Diego Alvidrez, Xzavier Rede

Forwards: Diego Abitia, Amando Moreno, Jimmy Farkarlun, Beto Avila, Rubio Rubin, Omar Mora

Enemy Scouting Report: El Paso Locomotive FC

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