With less than one week to go before the start of the 2021 USL Championship season, the El Paso Locomotive appears ready to start the season, though there was a recent and surprising development just last week. Midfielder Distel Zola announced via social media that he would be leaving the Locos, and a few days later, his Charlotte Independence destination was revealed.
It will be interesting to see if Locomotive head coach Mark Lowry decides to fill that spot left by Zola. In the meantime, let’s take a look at what Lowry’s options will be for his starting XI to start the franchise's third season in El Paso.
Goalkeepers
Logan Ketterer will be the undeniable starter. He's consistently made clutch saves over his first two years in El Paso, which logically should win over Lowry’s confidence. Though he has made a few mistakes at times that can be considered youthful indiscretions, I look for Ketterer to clean up those kinds of mistakes this season.
Javier Beker and Marco Canales will be working hard day in and day for their opportunities which will undoubtedly come.
Defenders
The third year will be the charm for Mechack Jerome. His debut season was cut way short due to a season-ending injury. Last season, he got better every passing week, coming back from said injury in a pandemic-shortened season.
Andrew Fox is the most solid and versatile piece in the Locos' defensive line. It doesn’t matter where Fox is placed; he gets the job done. Simply put, Fox is good enough to be with the Locomotive's sister club, FC Juárez of Liga MX.
Speaking of FC Juarez, Éder Borelli came over from Mexico last year to solidify El Paso’s back line. He'll do the same this upcoming year, and it wouldn’t surprise me if he’s more of a factor this season than last.
Yuma is one of the Locomotive's most reliable players. His presence is always felt on defense; he's solid all around and very reliable.
Matt Bahner and Macca King both give physicality to the Locos' defensive line. Both were practical and very efficient in their efforts, despite coming onto the squad well after the season began.
Niall Logue is a new addition to the defensive line this season. He comes to the Borderland with plenty of promise and praise accompanying him.
Midfielders
Dylan Mares is, simply put the engine that makes this team go. He's El Paso's best player, and is another one who deserves a chance with FC Juárez. He's certainly a lot better than a couple of million-dollar players that the Bravos currently have on roster (and who have disappointed).
Richie Ryan is a veteran who will once again have things on lockdown as holding midfielder. He's incredibly good and efficient in executing his responsibilities.
Bryam Rebellón is another player in the Yuma mold. His presence on the field of play is felt, and he is a factor regardless of where Lowry places him.
Louis Herrera, the hometown darling, keeps improving with every passing day, match and year. Expect for this, his third season, to be more of the same. Seeing Chapa become a professional soccer player over the last two seasons has been extremely interesting. Though he still has some growing to do, he'll undoubtedly get there.
Nick Ross is one of Lowry’s go-to men. This is where I disagree with mostly everyone — fans, fellow members of the media and the coaching staff.) I see his qualities being lower than what everyone says they are. I just don’t see him through the same lens everyone else does. If he proves me wrong this season, I’ll happily admit it.
José Aguinaga and Diego Luna are the two new additions to the midfield this season. Aguinaga has consistently shown promise this preseason, while Luna has shown a lot of spark in a short amount of time, only recently arriving to become part of the squad.
Forwards
Aaron Gomez, the Locos' star forward, should have another excellent season. He's adjusted very well on loan from FC Juarez, and he's been a very good fit in the USL Championship.
It will be interesting to see how much playing time Leandro Carrijó, the veteran forward, will get this season. Regardless, it's safe to say he will be a factor whenever he does. That’s the kind of forward Carrijo is; he doesn’t need many opportunities to put the ball in the back of the net.
Aidan Apodaca and Luis Solignac both arrive in El Paso very highly regarded, and I’m sure they will get plenty of opportunities early in the season to show what they can do.
