El Paso Locomotive (9-10-6, 33 points, West-6) dropped a 1-0 result against Monterey Bay F.C. at Cardinale Stadium on Saturday night. The two sides split the home-and-away results in the season as Locomotive claimed a 5-0 win over Monterey Bay in April.
In a near repeat of the first meeting between these two sides, El Paso Locomotive dominated in possession with an aggressive press throughout the first half. Forward Ricardo Zacarias found an early attempt that went just wide of frame in the sixth minute. In the 22nd minute, Midfielder Liam Rose took a beautiful shot from distance that flew just to the left of the frame. Locomotive continued its high pressure, keeping Monterey Bay F.C. off of the offensive throughout the opening 45 minutes, eventually forcing Monterey into a mistake in the penalty area. Forward Lucho Solignac took his attempt from the spot but his attempt went just over the crossbar leaving the match scoreless going into the break.
Locomotive nearly pulled ahead coming out of the break with Rose serving Lucho a beautiful cross that ended with a header going to the right of the post. Lucho had another opportunity in the 56th minute, taking an awkward shot from within six yards that Monterey Bay goalkeeper Antony Siaha saved with rapid reflexes. Locomotive continued to put the Monterey Bay F.C. defense through trials but Monterey goalkeeper Antony Siaha and his defensive line had the answers. In the end, Monterey would find the lone goal of the night in the 88th minute to steal three points at the death.
UP NEXT: El Paso Locomotive heads back out on the road to take on Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC at Weider Field on Friday, August 12. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. MT and will be broadcast live on EPSN+.