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Ted Lasso Star Debuts, Gets Yellow in 2-0 Loss

7/14/2026

25 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Fernández Debuts

Cristo Fernández, “Ted Lasso” star, debuted for El Paso Locomotive FC against New Mexico United on Saturday, entering in the 79th minute.
He received a yellow card in the 87th minute as El Paso fell 2-0.
Fernández signed after a two-month trial that included a preseason game versus New Mexico United.
The 35-year-old Mexican actor previously played youth soccer for Tecos and Guayama FC before injuries ended his pro hopes.

Summary

Fernández Signs Deal

El Paso Locomotive gave him a two-year contract in May 2026, indicating long-term confidence.
He started his soccer comeback in 2025 with performance coaches and physical therapists.
Early 2026 he trialed with Chicago Fire’s reserve side, proving restored fitness.
He played Dani Rojas on “Ted Lasso” (2020-2023), later inspiring his “Football is life!” catchphrase.

Summary

Locomotive Defeated

El Paso Locomotive lost 2-0 to New Mexico United in the third and final USL Cup group match on Sunday.
The defeat left Locomotive trailing in the group, endangering its chance to reach the knockout stage.
The result heightened the regional rivalry between the Texas-border club and New Mexico United.
Cristo Fernández received a yellow card in the 87th minute after fouling goalkeeper Kris Shakes shortly after entering the game.

History

Historical Context

MLS began play in 1996 after the USSF fulfilled its 1988 promise to create a Division 1 league, adding its first expansion clubs in 1998 and linking Chivas USA to Mexico’s Guadalajara in 2005. Those early cross-border experiments paved the way for USL’s Southwest growth, culminating in 2026 when El Paso Locomotive signed former “Ted Lasso” actor Cristo Fernández after a two-month trial.

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Fernández Debuts

Cristo Fernández, “Ted Lasso” star, debuted for El Paso Locomotive FC against New Mexico United on Saturday, entering in the 79th minute.
He received a yellow card in the 87th minute as El Paso fell 2-0.
Fernández signed after a two-month trial that included a preseason game versus New Mexico United.
The 35-year-old Mexican actor previously played youth soccer for Tecos and Guayama FC before injuries ended his pro hopes.

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