The Southwest rivalry is back on. New Mexico United is set to return to USL Championship play against none other than El Paso Locomotive FC, and fans on both sides of the state line are paying close attention. According to reporting from the Albuquerque Journal, the matchup is drawing plenty of discussion as NM United gears up for their return to competitive action.
For those who follow the lower divisions of American soccer, this rivalry needs no introduction. New Mexico United and El Paso Locomotive FC have built one of the most genuine, passionate regional rivalries in the entire USL ecosystem. These aren't just teams separated by geography — they represent two communities with deep soccer cultures and fan bases that show up, make noise, and care about every single result.
El Paso Locomotive FC has been one of the model franchises in the USL Championship, consistently competing at a high level and drawing some of the most loyal supporters in the league. Meanwhile, New Mexico United has carved out its own identity with a community-first approach and a fan culture that punches well above its weight class. When these two clubs meet, it's never just a regular season fixture — it's a statement game.
The significance of this match extends beyond the local bragging rights. With USL continuing to grow its footprint across the United States and conversations around promotion, relegation, and the broader soccer pyramid intensifying, every result between clubs like NM United and El Paso Locomotive carries added weight. Performances in rivalry matches can define seasons, shift momentum, and energize fan bases heading into critical stretches of the calendar.
For El Paso soccer fans specifically, this is the kind of fixture that gets circled on the calendar in preseason. Locomotive supporters know that games against Albuquerque carry a different energy — and the team tends to respond to that atmosphere.
As NM United looks to shake off any rust and assert themselves in the Western Conference standings, facing a battle-tested El Paso side is about as tough a test as any club could ask for. These are the matches that reveal character, expose weaknesses, and sometimes produce the kind of moments that linger in a fan's memory long after the final whistle.
Keep an eye on this one. Southwest soccer is alive and well, and this rivalry continues to be one of the best reasons to tune into USL Championship action.