El Paso, Texas – El Paso Locomotive FC announced today that they have exercised their contract options on defenders Miles Lyons and Bence Pavkovic for the 2024 USL Championship season. The deal is pending league and federation approval.
The Lions have played an important role for Locomotive FC this season, starting eight of 17 games and playing 873 minutes in a total of 1,530 games in all competitions. The 20-year-old, who signed for El Paso midway through the 2022 season from the Barça Residency Academy, also recorded his first professional assist against San Antonio FC, setting up Luis Solignac’s equalizer to give Locomotive FC a point against the Copa. contributed to bring back Tejas’ competitor at the Toyota field in June.
“We’re delighted to extend Miles’ contract through next year,” said head coach and technical director Brian Clahout. “We have seen tremendous growth in him early in the season and I strongly believe this is just the beginning of his high potential. Continue to welcome him to our club in 2024 as we develop a talented player who is a key resource, a leader, team-first and willing to do whatever it takes to get better. I look forward to
A native of Tucson, Arizona, the Lions played at the prestigious Barca Residency Academy from 2018-2022, helping lead the U-19 team to the next MLS Southwest Division Championship.
“My time in El Paso was filled with special moments with some of the best players and coaches this league has to offer,” Lyons said. “I look forward to continuing to improve and help this team bring silver to the city of El Paso.”
Pavković has been one of Locomotive FC’s top performers this season and has played every minute of the USL Championship regular season so far since joining the club in January. He currently leads the team in defense clears (45) and passes completed (734).
“Bens is a key player in our backline who ticks all the boxes and it’s important to continue with him into 2024,” Krallhout said. “He’s an athletic, defensive centre-back, but he’s also a very good player in building games, which is a trait that’s hard to find. He’ll work with you. He’s fun to play and is a top professional who will add to our culture and winning mentality.It’s vitally important to keep Bens at the club and he will continue his success next season.”
The 26-year-old Hungarian made more than 100 appearances for his native Debrecen before moving to El Paso. Pavković had previously represented Hungary at youth international level in the U-17 and U-21 age groups.
“I’m happy that the club appreciates me and I want to live up to their trust,” Papkovic said. “We have a team with a great spirit to aim for the championship, so we will continue to do our best every day. Thank you to the club and the fans for their support.”
