Seriously Loco Soccer Pod

A supporter created podcast focused on El Paso Locomotive FC in the USL Championship. Made up entirely of supporters, the cast works to bring you coverage that you, the fan, can relate to. Jump in and get Seriously Loco with us.

Cali Buds - El Paso Locomotive vs Monterey Bay Review - USL Championship 03/17/2026

Cali Buds - El Paso Locomotive vs Monterey Bay Review - USL Championship 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 /episode/index/show/seriouslyloco/id/40508875

Switched Back - Colorado Springs Review - Monterey Bay Preview - USL Championship 03/10/2026

Switched Back - Colorado Springs Review - Monterey Bay Preview - USL Championship 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. - 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 /episode/index/show/seriouslyloco/id/40377810

USL Championship Preview 2026 - A Labor of Loco 03/06/2026

USL Championship Preview 2026 - A Labor of Loco 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 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 /episode/index/show/seriouslyloco/id/40337850

Getting Loco: Mike DiGiulio - President and General Manager - El Paso Locomotive FC 01/21/2026

Getting Loco: Mike DiGiulio - President and General Manager - El Paso Locomotive FC 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 /episode/index/show/seriouslyloco/id/39807730

El Paso Locomotive Appoint Benny Feilhaber I Mean Junior Gonzalez 01/03/2026

El Paso Locomotive Appoint Benny Feilhaber I Mean Junior Gonzalez 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. /episode/index/show/seriouslyloco/id/39598645

Yeah 6x - El Paso Locomotive Hit 6 Past Las Vegas Lights 08/08/2025

Yeah 6x - El Paso Locomotive Hit 6 Past Las Vegas Lights 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. /episode/index/show/seriouslyloco/id/37727130

Dead on Arrival - El Paso Locomotive Lose Copa Tejas Matchup to San Antonio FC 07/09/2025

Dead on Arrival - El Paso Locomotive Lose Copa Tejas Matchup to San Antonio FC The crew discuss El Paso Locomotive's 2-1 home loss to San Antonio FC in the Copa Tejas. The early goal from Juan Agudelo was cancelled out by a tap in from Amando Moreno but Alex Crognale had the last laugh with a goal in the 82nd minute. The team, mentality and some early mistakes are discussed as the group discuss just what this side needs to get back to consistent winning ways. /episode/index/show/seriouslyloco/id/37343975

Jager Blues 06/04/2025

Jager Blues El Paso Locomotive suffered its first loss of the season at Southwest University Park in the Jagermeister Cup against Colorado Springs Switchbacks. The 1-0 loss came courtesy of a Quenzi Huerman strike and the conversation centers around Locomotive playing a very changed lineup, how to build confidence in a fringe player, and the frustrating nature of the goal. Then the conversation shifts to the USL Championship match in Oakland against the Roots. Oakland has struggled for form but recently hired Benny Feilhaber, can the Locos make sure they don't get hit by the new manager bounce for the opposition? /episode/index/show/seriouslyloco/id/36843995

Derby Delight - Andy Cabrera Hat Trick- Locomotive Steam to USL Championship Derby Win 05/06/2025

Derby Delight - Andy Cabrera Hat Trick- Locomotive Steam to USL Championship Derby Win El Paso Locomotive had the greatest Derby Day of its history as it saw off the visiting New Mexico United 3-0 with a hat trick from Andy Cabrera to cap off a wonderful night. Then they look ahead to Locomotive's match against Austin FC on Wednesday night in the US Open Cup /episode/index/show/seriouslyloco/id/36450000

Field of Draws 04/23/2025

Field of Draws Derby Delight in the US Open Cup got the mojo back on track but El Paso Locomotive were unable to get all 3 points in Colorado Springs despite playing a man up for much of the game. The crew breaks down both matches and looks ahead to a trip to Texoma in the Jagermeister Cup. /episode/index/show/seriouslyloco/id/36273730

Working Hard-ford the Money 04/02/2025

Working Hard-ford the Money El Paso Locomotive escaped Hartford with all 3 points after a showing that was good enough if not really good. Phil and Mikka talk through the lack of overall quality, the questions of selection and the difficulty of going on the road and getting the win. Then they preview Wednesday's match against Ventura County in the US Open Cup and the return of Logan Ketterer to the SWUP on Saturday when Lexington SC comes to town. /episode/index/show/seriouslyloco/id/35971220

Derby Daze 03/25/2025

Derby Daze El Paso Locomotive FC had another terrible trip up north to Albuquerque in the Derby del Camino Real. New Mexico United claimed a late win due in large part to Locomotive having a quite conservative approach that seemed to be overly deferential to United. Plus they chat the US Open Cup win over Harpos FC and the USL's recent announcement about implementing Promotion and Relegation with the launch of their first division men's league in 2028. /episode/index/show/seriouslyloco/id/35849780

PTSD - Phoenix Traore Stress Disorder 03/18/2025

PTSD - Phoenix Traore Stress Disorder El Paso Locomotive have seen their fair share of crazy results at Southwest University Park but none from the comfort of a 4-1 lead and none that actually overwrote an overhead kick. Phil and Christian break down the game and all of the madness behind it. Then they look ahead to the USOC and Locomotive's search for a first win against Harpos FC of Boulder, CO and finally a look to the Derby del Camino Real in Albuquerque at the weekend. /episode/index/show/seriouslyloco/id/35741375

Opening Night Drama 03/13/2025

Opening Night Drama El Paso Locomotive earned a 2-2 draw by virtue of goals from Amando Moreno and Andy Cabrera, coming back twice to leave opening night of the USL Championship season with a point against Colorado Springs Switchbacks. Phil and Mikka discuss the reasons this draw was more encouraging than the draws last year, the mentality of the team, the function of the left side in attack and much more! /episode/index/show/seriouslyloco/id/35667505

Episode 143 - The F***in State of this Club 02/13/2025

Episode 143 - The F***in State of this Club El Paso Locomotive's offseason has been unspectacular in the wake of the worst season in club history by a distance and the lack of response is concerning. The SL Crew gets together to chat about the issues around the club and the seeming lack of interest from the hierarchy to change things /episode/index/show/seriouslyloco/id/35267265

Allow Me to Explain 10/22/2024

Allow Me to Explain Phil, Mikka and Christian are back to discuss just why they have not been recording through the back half of the season and what El Paso Locomotive should look like going forward /episode/index/show/seriouslyloco/id/33562367

It's So Over But We're Back 08/09/2024

It's So Over But We're Back Locomotive may not be doing much this year but we are ending our summer break and getting back on the mics. We have a lot to say about what is going on at the club, along with news of Wahab Ackwei joining alongside Arturo Ortiz and Justin Dhillon headed out to Colorado Springs. Then it is a look ahead to Miami which is a must win game if I've ever seen one since Miami is the only team in the League worse than Locomotive. /episode/index/show/seriouslyloco/id/32508897

Phoenix Rising Review - Oakland Roots Preview 06/19/2024

Phoenix Rising Review - Oakland Roots Preview Roster moves kick off the agenda tonight as Mikka and Phil talk through Liam Rose's unexpected departure from the club midseason. Diego Abarca and Elijah Martin also were announced as leaving as Wilmer Cabrera continues his shake up. El Paso Locomotive failed to win at home once again in the USL Championship after Eric Calvillo's opening goal was cancelled out by Panos Armenakas' equalizer. The discussion goes to the quality of the opening goal, the inability to continue that quality and the drop off that seems to happen especially at home with the lead. Then they look ahead to Oakland and a flying Roots team who will be a big test midweek for Locomotive. /episode/index/show/seriouslyloco/id/31804232

Wilmer Cabrera Interview - Birmingham Review - SAFC Preview 06/04/2024

Wilmer Cabrera Interview - Birmingham Review - SAFC Preview Phil and Mikka get the chance to sit down with Wilmer Cabrera who was just appointed the new Head Coach of El Paso Locomotive and got to talk about the whirlwind that brought him to town, the tough reality of the team's form and what he believes it will take to get a result against San Antonio FC and beyond. A refreshingly up front interview from a manager who has a US Open Cup among his honors. They follow that up with a discussion of Locomotive's home loss to Birmingham Legion in the USL Championship and look ahead to that SAFC match against a fellow rival also struggling for form. /episode/index/show/seriouslyloco/id/31593062

Wilmer Cabrera Joins Locomotive 05/21/2024

Wilmer Cabrera Joins Locomotive Phil and Mikka get together to chat about Brian Clarhaut's abrupt end to his tenure in El Paso and they look ahead to the Wilmer Cabrera Era (say that a couple times fast.) They look at underperformance of this current squad in the USL Championship against Cabrera's seeming knack for getting a tune out of an under-resourced squad. His US Open Cup triumph, his playoff escapades, it suggests there is a man who gets the most out of his teams and Locomotive are in desperate need of inspiration ahead of a stern test away to Ben Pirmann and Nick Markanich's unbeaten Charleston Battery. /episode/index/show/seriouslyloco/id/31396072

Beyond Must Win - Tulsa Review - Colorado Springs Preview 05/02/2024

Beyond Must Win - Tulsa Review - Colorado Springs Preview Phil and Mikka get back together and discuss what is the most difficult period in El Paso Locomotive's history. They talk about an ultimately anemic performance against FC Tulsa, the issues throughout the team in how this system works (or rather doesn't) and take a look at just how things could change. /episode/index/show/seriouslyloco/id/31082778

Rowdy In Tampa - Tampa Bay Preview - FC Tulsa Preview 04/25/2024

Rowdy In Tampa - Tampa Bay Preview - FC Tulsa Preview Phil and Mikka are back to talk about everything that went down in El Paso Locomotive's 1-1 draw against the Tampa Bay Rowdies. A good result that took a ton of work, a bit of luck and a one of the best goals you're ever likely to see from Javier Nevarez. They discuss the shape and this mysterious midfield role that 3 players have not made an impact from, the safe hands of Jahmali Waite and what that means as they look to get their first win of the USL Championship season against FC Tulsa. /episode/index/show/seriouslyloco/id/30978433

Back Home: Oakland Roots Review - US Open Cup Preview 04/17/2024

Back Home: Oakland Roots Review - US Open Cup Preview Phil and Christian meet up in-person for the first live episode of Seriously Loco since 2020. They have a time talking about El Paso Locomotive's 3-2 loss to Oakland Roots in the USL Championship and just how bad the mood is in the EP camp. Goals for Amando Moreno and Justin Dhillon were not enough to stave off Niall Logue (assisted by Memo Diaz) and Johnny Rodriguez. Some discussion then about the match against Union Omaha in the US Open Cup and a brief look ahead to Tampa Bay Rowdies away. /episode/index/show/seriouslyloco/id/30876413

Derby Del Camino Real Preview - El Paso Locomotive v New Mexico United - USL Championship 04/05/2024

Derby Del Camino Real Preview - El Paso Locomotive v New Mexico United - USL Championship Phil and Christian get together to talk about El Paso Locomotive's US Open Cup draw against Union Omaha in a rematch from 2023's tournament which Locomotive lost 2-0. Then it was onto Locomotive's 1-0 in the USL Championship to Las Vegas Lights and why midfield played an important part. Then it was onto the main event in previewing the Derby Del Camino Real against New Mexico where all Locomotive fans will be hoping that Amando Moreno has a big say against his former club to get Locomotive's 2024 campaign off the ground in earnest. /episode/index/show/seriouslyloco/id/30690593

Louisville City Review - Las Vegas Lights Preview 03/19/2024

Louisville City Review - Las Vegas Lights Preview The gang is all here as Phil, Mikka and Christian get together to chat El Paso Locomotive's 1-0 loss to Louisville City, the challenges the team had with a lack of rotation, the Brandan Craig injury and the overall lack of cutting edge in this side. Is it a personnel issue, a tactical issue or simply an issue of time? Then they look ahead to the away match in Las Vegas against a Lights side that is just a little more serious than they were the last time these two teams met. /episode/index/show/seriouslyloco/id/30434578

Hartford Athletic Review - Monterey Bay Preview - El Paso Locomotive USL Championship 03/12/2024

Hartford Athletic Review - Monterey Bay Preview - El Paso Locomotive USL Championship Phil and Mikka are back to discuss El Paso Locomotive's 1-0 Opening Night loss to Hartford Athletic. The crew discuss the new look team which saw 8 debuts, what went wrong on the night but primarily what went right. Lucas Stauffer and Bolu Akinyode in particular impressed, while it looked like Amando Moreno and Justin Dhillon were robbed of a good goal contribution by a wayward offside flag. Then it's a look ahead to Monterey Bay as they visit Southwest University Park this Wednesday where Locomotive can bounce back with all 3 points. /episode/index/show/seriouslyloco/id/30334488

Lead Them to Paradise - Season Six Premier 03/08/2024

Lead Them to Paradise - Season Six Premier Phil and Mikka return for a 6th season of El Paso Locomotive in the USL Championship. The first discussion takes us through a roster shake up that saw Locomotive add loads of USL-proven talent and some young pieces to make for a roster that should contend out West. Then they discuss Brendan Burke and his Hartford Athletic side which make the trip out to Southwest University Park to open the season. /episode/index/show/seriouslyloco/id/30285268

Staying Loco - Eric Calvillo 01/31/2024

Staying Loco - Eric Calvillo Phil and Mikka sit down with El Paso Locomotive and El Salvador central midfielder Eric Calvillo to talk about the upcoming USL Championship season. Eric discusses his travels with the El Salvador National Team and seeing Lionel Messi in person, talks about changes to the 2024 El Paso Locomotive squad and how he is ready to go and chase a title this year. DISCLAIMER: *slight Whataburger vs. In-N-Out discussion* /episode/index/show/seriouslyloco/id/29727468

Playoff Primer 10/18/2023

Playoff Primer PLAYOFF SZN BABY! Phil and Mikka are back to talk about El Paso Locomotive's 2-1 win over Oakland Roots to secure a 7th seed spot back in the USL Championship playoffs after missing out last year. The Crew talk about a calm finish (if maybe offside) from Emmanuel Sonupe, a bullet header from Noah Dollenmayer, plus insane goalkeeping from Benny Diaz to give us all 3 points. There were also some contentious non-calls for both teams who miraculously ended the game with only one red card to Locomotive old boy Memo Diaz. Then the Crew dissect Locomotive's first round playoff nemesis: Orange County SC. Phil and Mikka get into the numbers on OC, who the dangermen are, what their past as a recent USL Championship winner might bring, and answer listener questions along the way. There's also some chat about the USL Championship playoffs more broadly. Stay Loco! /episode/index/show/seriouslyloco/id/28352192

Charleston Phew 10/04/2023

Charleston Phew Mikka and Phil are back to talk about an El Paso Locomotive WIN. Yes, a WIN. The Crew talk about Los Locos' performance against Charleston Battery on Saturday night in a 5-goal thriller and ultimately a win that was crucial to keeping playoff hopes alive. They discuss the impact of players off the bench, questionable refereeing, and some quality finishes. Then it's on to a preview of midweek opponent San Diego Loyal, who Locomotive host and play for the very last time (RIP). Stay Loco! /episode/index/show/seriouslyloco/id/28219172

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