In this in-depth interview, Junior Gonzalez discusses his journey to El Paso Locomotive FC, coaching philosophy, team development, recruitment strategies, and insights into the upcoming World Cup, providing valuable lessons for aspiring coaches and fans alike. Chapters 00:00Journey to El Paso: A Full Circle Moment 09:49Coaching Philosophy: Style and Strategy 20:05Building a Team: Recruitment and Player Development 29:56Navigating Challenges: Team Dynamics and Player Relations 35:00The Importance of Fan Support 39:05World Cup Aspirations and Player Development 41:57Preparing for the Upcoming Matches 45:03Building a Strong Community Connection 48:05Defining Success for the Season 50:04Fan Questions and Player Opportunities 54:01Training Dynamics and Analytics 57:58Goalkeeper Decisions and Team Chemistry 01:01:03A Message to the Fans

Another game another red card for El Paso Locomotive and it ended in them losing in Oakland 2-1. Phil and Mikka chat about the performance and the implications of what has been a tough stretch for Locomotive. 00:00Introduction and episode overview 12:21Weekend activities and local sports updates 14:34Recent game review: Oakland loss and team analysis 17:38Tactical formations and lineup decisions 27:05Goals and attacking patterns in the game 30:55Defensive errors and red card analysis 47:18Conceding goals at critical moments 52:52Significance of recent red cards and discipline issues 01:11:30Cristo Fernandez signing and implications 01:20:00Upcoming fixtures and team outlook

Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Road Trip Tales 02:46 Reflections on El Paso Locomotive's Recent Performance 05:49 Injury Updates and Player Absences 08:58 Tactical Decisions and Lineup Analysis 12:04 Goalkeeping Controversies and Performance Issues 15:06 First Half Analysis and Key Moments 17:51 Second Half Expectations and Tactical Adjustments 35:56 Momentum Shift: The Importance of Scoring Before Half-Time 40:17 Second Half Surge: Tactical Adjustments and Player Performance 45:18 Goalkeeping Showdown: Analyzing Key Saves and Missed Opportunities 50:15 Tactical Tinkering: Junior Gonzalez's Coaching Decisions Under Scrutiny 56:27 Looking Ahead: Upcoming Matches and Team Strategy 01:01:25 Cup Competitions: Reflections on the US Open Cup Journey

This episode covers the impressive start of El Paso Locomotive FC's season, tactical decisions, player performances, and a preview of the upcoming US Open Cup match against Houston Dynamo. Phil and Mikka analyze recent results, squad rotation, and key moments from the Hartford game, highlighting the team's strategic approach and future prospects.   00:00Introduction and Season Overview 07:23Lineup Changes and Tactical Adjustments 10:11Match Analysis: Hartford's Performance 17:22Key Players and Their Impact 24:11Goals Breakdown and Team Dynamics 31:18Moreno's Evolution and Contributions 39:00Historic Start to the Season 45:00Tony Alfaro's Standout Performance 49:10Goalkeeping Conundrum: Analyzing the Options 52:04The Mark Lowry Effect and Coaching Connections 53:57Managing Emotions and Game Control 56:47Looking Ahead: Houston Dynamo Match Preview 01:02:04Roster Skepticism and Pleasant Surprises 01:03:59Copa Tejas: Aiming for an MLS Scalp 01:10:48Upcoming Challenges: San Antonio and Beyond

Discover the latest insights into El Paso Locomotive FC's recent 3-0 victory over Monterey Bay, player performances, league dynamics, and upcoming US Open Cup fixtures. Breakdown of El Paso Locomotive's dominant win and standout players Rubio Rubin and Alex Mendez Tactical analysis of game flow, formation stability, and team chemistry Updates on USL labor negotiations and how they influence league stability Preview and strategic discussion of upcoming US Open Cup match against Laredo Heat   00:00 - Introduction and episode overview 02:05 - Los Locos' win recap and significance 02:19 - USL labor negotiations: protests, strikes, and league stability 09:26 - Key players' performances: Rubin, Mendez, Moreno, and debut analysis 17:54 - Match dynamics: team starts, possession, and tactical shifts 31:19 - Breakdown of the second goal and counterattack ruthlessness 34:36 - Analysis of Rubio Rubin's goal and its impact 36:03 - Continued team momentum and upcoming US Open Cup fixtures 62:41 - Rotation strategies for upcoming matches and player fitness updates 64:11 - Detailed overview of Laredo Heat's season, history, and key players 73:26 - Expectations for the upcoming US Open Cup match and team rotation 75:18 - Closing thoughts and upcoming fixtures

This episode covers the opening night of the USL season, analyzing El Paso Locomotive's performance, lineup surprises, and the ongoing labor dispute affecting the league. We also preview upcoming matches and discuss key players' impact.   Mikka's Match Review Article - Free for all on Patreon   Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 07:02 Season Opener Recap and Key Moments 09:44 Analysis of Goals and Defensive Set Pieces 11:26 USL Labor Dispute and Player Protest 14:28 Broadcast and Media Handling of Protest 20:25 League and Team Response to Labor Actions 25:40 Match Analysis: First Half and Tactical Insights 34:02 Rubio Rubin's Impact and Player Performances 43:03 Debut of Kenny Hoban and Young Players 55:49 Match End and Overall Impressions 01:03:06 Upcoming Fixtures and Next Challenges

This episode covers the ongoing USL labor dispute, the potential impact on the season opener, and the latest roster updates for El Paso Locomotive FC. We analyze the league's negotiations, the implications of a strike, and the club's player signings, including the intriguing trial of Cristo Fernandez Jeff Rueter's Guardian Article   Chapters Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 00:19 USL Players Union Vote and Strike Authorization 00:43 Impact of Labor Dispute on USL Season Opener 04:51 USL's Tactics and Union Busting Allegations 12:12 USL's Pressure Tactics and Player Fears 18:39 Potential for a Last-Minute Strike at the Season Kickoff 24:07 Cristo Fernandez Trial and Publicity Saga 30:19 Club Strategy and Signings: Is It a Publicity Stunt? 39:35 El Paso Locomotive's Roster and Season Outlook 57:15 Team Tactics, Player Roles, and Season Expectations 01:06:06 Colorado Springs Switchbacks' Signings and League Competition 01:09:31 Final Thoughts: Season Uncertainty and Optimism

Summary In this episode of Seriously Loco, Phil  and Mikka welcome Mike DiGiulio, the new president and general manager of El Paso Locomotive FC. Mike shares his unique journey into the world of soccer, transitioning from a family background in the car business to leading a professional soccer team. He discusses his previous experience with Monterey Bay FC, the challenges faced there, and the lessons learned that he hopes to apply in El Paso. Mike expresses his excitement about the potential of the Locomotive and the community's passion for soccer, emphasizing the importance of building strong connections with fans and enhancing the overall game-day experience. As the conversation unfolds, Mike reflects on the significance of infrastructure, including the desire for a soccer-specific stadium, and outlines his vision for the upcoming season. He highlights the importance of fan engagement and transparency, aiming to foster a strong relationship with the supporters. The episode concludes with light-hearted discussions about Mike's sports interests and his culinary experiences in El Paso, showcasing his enthusiasm for the new chapter in his life and the future of the Locomotive. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 01:42 Mike DiGiulio's Journey to Soccer Management 07:35 Transitioning to El Paso Locomotive FC 11:47 Challenges Faced at Monterey Bay FC 15:13 Infrastructure and Stadium Discussions 17:36 Role and Responsibilities as GM 26:54 Fan Engagement and Community Connection 29:21 Goals for the 2026 Season 35:26 Addressing the CBA Situation 43:22 World Cup Aspirations and Closing

The offseason never sleeps in USL Championship, and neither do we. On this episode we catch up on everything that's gone down since the final whistle blew. We start with an offseason check-in and the looming lockout. Mostly vibes at this point, but… are we actually getting a season? Then we dive headfirst into one of the strangest managerial sagas in club history. From the club's cryptic "We Got Him" tweet, to the league accidentally dropping a "Temperature" article leaking Benny Feilhaber as the new manager, to the club doing absolutely nothing until suddenly Junior Gonzalez is announced. Oh, and Rubio Rubin too. Same day. Because why not? We break down the entire timeline, share our thoughts on how it all unfolded, and give our first impressions of Gonzalez as the new man in charge. Plus, a look at the front office shakeup with Mike DiGiulio taking over for Andrew Forrest. Finally, we dig into the roster: what Rubio Rubin brings, which players are gone, who's coming back, thoughts on Carl Sainte, and the biggest remaining needs heading into the season, assuming we get one.

El Paso Locomotive had a historic night scoring 6 goals against a Las Vegas Lights team that had 0 fight left in them with a new manager due in. Locomotive could only beat what was in front of them but it's fair to say they did not have a great opponent to match up against. A big night for Eric Calvillo with his brace and Gabi Torres continued to impress. Then there's quick discussion of Miami FC and their poor form ahead of the matchup at the Estadio de Pitbull on Saturday evening.