The first USL Championship match in the Desert Showcase presented by Visit Tucson didn’t disappoint in the goal-scoring department, as Louisville City FC put in three second-half goals to pull away for a 5-2 win over El Paso Locomotive.
Two-time champion Louisville City opened the scoring in the 24th minute. Cameron Lancaster easily slotted in a cross from Ray Serrano from only a few yards out.
Lancaster grabbed a second for Louisville by sending a free kick into the top right corner of the net.
El Paso was awarded a penalty kick just before the end of the first half. Luis Solignac stepped up to take the kick, but Louisville’s Kyle Morton saved the shot, but did not hold onto the ball. El Paso’s Nick Hinds quickly stepped up and powered the ball into the back of the net.
Louisville City led 2-1 heading into the second half, but El Paso quickly tied the game.
But in the 64th minute, Louisville City’s Brian Ownby took advantage of the goalkeeper misplaying the ball in the box and slotted the ball home into an empty to reclaim the lead.
Louisville’s Jorge Gonzalez finished off an Oscar Jimenez corner moment’s after Ownby’s goal to give Louisville a comfortable 4-2 lead.
Gonzalez grabbed his second of the match after finishing a pass from Corben Bone in the 72nd minute.
Louisville City came into the match with experience from two closed-door matches, having played MLS side Austin FC and NCAA Division I Grand Canyon University. This was El Paso Locomotive’s fourth time on the field in 2022 having previously played matches against El Paso Locomotive U-19, Barcelona Residency Academy and UDA Soccer Academy.
The Desert Showcase presented by Visit Tucson continues Feb. 20 when the Oakland Roots take on FC Tulsa at Kino North Grandstand at 10 a.m. (RESERVE YOUR SEATS).
