El Paso Locomotive, New Mexico United play to 1-1 draw as fans return to stands for soccer opener

EL PASO, Texas -- The El Paso Locomotive may have only come away with a 1-1 draw against New Mexico United on Saturday night, but the real victory was having fans in the stands at 70% capacity for the first time in two years at Southwest University Park. 

There were first-timers, die-hards and some even made the trek from across all parts of New Mexico for the big event and no matter what number this game marked or where they came from, everybody was just ecstatic to be back.

"It feels amazing,” El Loco Enmascarado said. 

"It feels good to be back knowing we're able to see soccer again,” Andres Barrientos said. “Having the community back together after such a long time of not being together as a community and just being back the feeling of soccer, the pride and show us what El Paso is made of."

Most fans ABC-7 spoke with said they felt comfortable attending because they have been vaccinated and they know most others have been as well.

"I feel safe, I got my vaccine already,” Enmascarado said. “I know a lot of people already got their vaccines and everything they were playing it safe. You've still got to play it safe but honestly we're all here just because of the fun, the action and the soccer game."