EL PASO, Texas – El Paso Locomotive FC announced on Thursday it had acquired defender Robert Coronado via transfer from USL League One club Central Valley Fuego FC. The transaction is pending league and federation approval. 

The move reunites Coronado with current Locomotive Head Coach Wilmer Cabrera, whom he competed for with Rio Grande Valley FC over the past two seasons. Across two stints with the Toros, Coronado made 91 appearances and recorded six goals and seven assists in the Championship’s regular season.

“We are excited to have Robert join us here in El Paso,” said Cabrera. “Robert is a very talented and experienced player who is going to bring quality possession and creativity into the team for the remainder of the season.”

Coronado has started all 11 of his matches this season with Fuego across league play and the USL Jägermeister Cup, scoring four goals and assisting another in 790 combined minutes. The 27-year-old has made 103 appearances in the USL Championship overall, having also appeared for OKC Energy FC.

Analysis

As with Wednesday’s move acquiring Ricky Ruiz from League One’s Chattanooga Red Wolves SC, Locomotive Head Coach Wilmer Cabrera is going to a known commodity in Roberto Coronado that can help bring stability to the center of defense for the side as it pivots in a new direction.

Coronado has been a sure defender at his prior stops in the Championship, posting a tackle success rate of 69.7 percent and a duel success rate of 56.6 percent. He’s also shown the ability to join the attack in wide areas has seen him log nine assists on 77 chances created across his 103 appearances. For a fanbase that wants to see its side play attractive, attacking soccer, this feels like a solid addition.