EL PASO, Texas (November 1, 2025) – A late penalty for Phoenix Rising FC lifted them 1-0 over El Paso Locomotive FC on Saturday night at Southwest University Park in the first round of the 2025 USL Championship Playoffs.
Both teams struggled to get things going offensively in the first half combining for just four shots and none on goal. Possession was about even as each defense tightened up and eliminated scoring chances.
The visitors came out of the half more aggressive, but a spectacular save from Sebastian Mora-Mora kept the match scoreless. Momentum shifted, however, after Frank Daroma was sent off in the 73rd minute and Phoenix converted a penalty after a hand ball from Tony Alfaro. Los Locos were unable to respond after the gut punch as their 2025 came to an end.
- Tonight marked the first home playoff match for Locomotive since 2021.