El Paso Locomotive FC ground out a 1-0 victory at Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC on Saturday night, with Jabari De Coteau striking late in the 85th minute to settle a tightly contested USL Championship affair.

The first half produced few clear-cut moments but plenty of needle. Both sides picked up yellow cards in stoppage time at the end of the opening period, with Jon-Talen Maples cautioned for Colorado Springs and Alex Méndez booked for El Paso.

Tensions carried into the second half. Arturo Ortíz went into the referee's notebook in the 59th minute for El Paso, and just a minute later Juan Tejada followed him for Colorado Springs. Four yellows across the two teams reflected the physical nature of a match that neither side was willing to concede easily.

For long stretches, it looked destined for a scoreless draw. Colorado Springs controlled territory at times but couldn't convert, and El Paso seemed content to stay compact and wait for their moment.

That moment came five minutes from full time. De Coteau found the breakthrough in the 85th minute to send the visiting side ahead, and Colorado Springs had no answer in the time remaining. It was the kind of goal — late and decisive — that separates teams pushing for playoff contention from those left chasing.

The result gives El Paso a valuable three points on the road and leaves Colorado Springs empty-handed at home, a frustrating outcome after a match they will feel they could have taken something from.