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.

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.

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?

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

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.

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.