Locomotive win big over Phoenix after a Aaron Gomez PK

EL PASO, Texas -- The El Paso Locomotive secure a massive win on the road over Western Conference rivals Phoenix Rising FC and bring the full three points back to the sun city.

The Locos entered into the match without striker Lucho Solignac, who was a late scratching before the game.

There were plenty of opportunities in the first half but neither team could find the back of the net.

It wasn't until the 71st minute that a goal would be scored - Aaron Gomez was brought down inside the box. He not only got a PK, but Rising's Manuel Madrid was sent from the field for the contact.

Gomez converted the PK to give the locomotive a 1-0 lead.

"Dylan [Mares] and I discussed who would take it," Gomez said after the game. "Dylan told me that if I felt confident about it, to go make the shot."

Gomez had missed a PK earlier in the season and also missed one against Phoenix in the penalty shootout when the two teams faced off in the 2020 Western Conference Final.

Saturday's win in Phoenix give the Locomotive their first win over the Rising in club history. El Paso now move to 4th in the Western Conference Standings.

The Locos will be back in action Saturday June, 18 at 10 a.m. MT when they take on USL Championship newcomers, Detroit City FC.