In 2019, when El Paso Locomotive was putting together its first roster, getting set to launch into USL Championship as an expansion club, it just made sense for Memo Diaz to be on the roster. Born in El Paso, Memo grew up in Anthony, a tiny town that straddles the border between Texas and New Mexico. He played for amateur clubs on both sides of that border as he developed his game, and when it was time to go professional, Locomotive was the launch point.

Diaz has been a key part of the Oakland midfield for the last four seasons. Photo credit Oakland Roots

After two seasons playing for Locomotive, Diaz departed as a free-agent to help launch another new USL Championship side, Oakland Roots. Since joining the Bay-area club in 2020, he’s averaged over 30 appearances during his four seasons. He was a key part of an Oakland midfield that helped them qualify for the playoffs 3 out 4 years.

2024 was a continuation of excellence for Memo, with 31 appearances, 2 goals and 7 assists. But his success on the field was matched with equally exciting news in his personal life, a new baby girl. “I played a lot of minutes for Oakland and delivered a lot for the team,” said Diaz when asked about his year. “Off the field, of course, my baby was born…It was a great year all around.” That year ended with even more news, Diaz would be returning to El Paso to help with the club’s rebuilding under returning coach Wilmer Cabrera.

For Diaz, there were plenty of good reasons, on and off the field, of why now was the time to return the Borderland. “Off the field, I always wanted to play at home, but now we have our baby girl and my wife wanted to be with the family, especially when I travel. On the field, I’ve seen Locomotive’s last two season, and there’s a great opportunity to help turn things around.” Memo’s comment about those last two seasons for Locomotive is spot on. While the team was a solid playoff performer in its first three seasons, the last three have been more down than up, especially last season, when the team finished last place in the West and swapped coaches midseason. This year will offer Head Coach Wilmer Cabrera a chance to start fresh with a roster he helped shape.

Memo was part of a lively midfield during his last stint with Locomotive. *Photo credit El Paso Locomotive*

While this will be the second stint for Diaz with Locomotive, it will be his first time playing for Cabrera. “I’ve heard some great things about him,” Diaz responded when asked about his new coach. “It’s his first year with a full preseason, so we’re looking forward to adapting to him and getting this season started.”

Of course, the Memo Diaz joining Locomotive in 2025 is a different one that signed with the club in 2019. “It’s not always just hard work and running, I feel like my understanding of the game is something I can bring to help the team.” With a brand new daughter, he’s returning to his hometown club with a new perspective on life and a wealth of experience from his time in Oakland. Diaz should provide some veteran leadership for a club that’s desperate to return to the top of the West after a rough 2024.

- Dan Vaughn