Locomotive, FC Juarez to square off in friendly: What to know
The El Paso Locomotive's friendly Wednesday night with FC Juarez won't mark the first time the teams have faced each other, but it will be the first time ticketed fans will be in attendance and it will be the first time they meet in the United States.
The sister clubs owned by Mountain Star Sports are coming off a Saturday match and both have a Saturday match coming up so who who they will actually put on the field for a friendly is an open question, but a sellout is possible at Southwest University Park and a big crowd is already guaranteed.
When does FC Juarez play the El Paso Locomotive?
The game is set for 7:30 p.m. Wednesday night at Southwest University Park.
Are tickets still available?
The Locomotive have issued a low-ticket warning, but as of Tuesday there were still tickets available.
What TV channel is it on?
The game will be televised on KVIA ABC-7.
What is the significance and what are the rules?
The match is an exhibition (friendly) and will not count in any standings. The teams will have unlimited substitutions and should be subbing freely in the second half. Locomotive coach Brian Clarhaut said he plans to use "a lot" of players.
El Paso's three players on loan from the Bravos will be allowed to play, and keeper Ramón Pasquel is likely to see significant time as regular top keeper, Jamaican national Jahmali Waite, is one of three Locos out on national team duty.
What kind of lineup will El Paso use and what does this mean to them?
"We are allowed to use (the loan players from Juarez), fortunately, they need match minutes," coach Brian Clarhaut said. "Our objective, as in any game, is to try to win the game. But we have to be smart coming off the three games, they're tired, as they should be. We'll see with the lineup. We have guys that need certain fitness components, which will play a part, but we want to give a good show to the Borderplex.
"This is a fantastic game for the community. It's a fantastic opportunity for our ownership to show the cooperation we have between the two clubs and it's good for football in the area."
Midfielder Liam Rose is excited for the game.
"As in any game you want to go out there and win. Obviously with that relationship it means a little bit more. It is a friendly, but it's going to be a great spectacle. We want to put on a good show and get the win.
"They are a very, very good team and to see that stadium packed is unbelievable."
What form are the teams in?
Not good. El Paso has one point in its first three matches, while Juarez is 0-3-8, with three points, which puts them 18th and last in Liga MX.
Bret Bloomquist can be reached at bbloomquist@elpasotimes.com; @Bretbloomquist on Twitter.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Locomotive, FC Juarez to square off in friendly: What to know
