El Paso Locomotive FC holds first practice

El Paso’s new pro soccer team officially held its first practice Monday.

El Paso Locomotive FC will begin play in the USL (United Soccer League) in less than two months on March 9, so there’s plenty of work left to do.

However, the team is confident that it can field a group that can compete right away.

“You know, I don’t like to compare, but from what I see here I think we have a great team,” said forward Omar Salgado. “[Head coach] Mark [Lowry] has built a very competitive team that I think will do very well in this league. And I’m sure the fans will be very excited to see us play on March 9th.”

The team is still signing talent as that date approaches. And while 22 is the standard size of a team, the final roster may be a bit smaller than that.

“Between 20 and 22. I’m not going to sacrifice quality just to get to a certain number,” said coach Lowry. “We have to have quality players in training that aren’t going to drop the level,” he said.

Though it’s hard to tell how well a team will compete in its first season after one practice, Lowry says early returns are positive.

“These are high-level players who should fit very well into the USL and who should be able to fit comfortable in the USL. So, we want to win, but we also know there’s going to be growing pains,” he said.

In addition to holding the team’s first-ever practice Monday, the club will unveil its new jerseys Tuesday at a news conference. Then it’s plenty more training and finally the opener March 9 at Southwest University Park against Oklahoma City Energy FC.

“We expect to make the playoffs,” said Salgado. “I mean, this is what we’re here for. We’re very competitive, and we want to be in the top spot in this league.”