EL PASO, Texas – El Paso Locomotive FC announced on Tuesday it had signed defender Nicolás Cardona ahead of the 2026 USL Championship season. The transaction is pending league and federation approval and terms of the deal will not be disclosed per club policy.
“Nico brings stability in our defensive back line with versatility as a fullback and central defender,” said Locomotive Head Coach Junior Gonzalez. “His experience playing for the Puerto Rican national team along with competing both internationally and domestically makes him a great addition to our roster.”
Cardona arrives in El Paso after two seasons with Miami FC in the USL Championship. Over 53 appearances, he compiled four assists while leading the club in tackles (69) and duel success rate (57 percent) in 2024 along with tackle success rate in 2025 (81 percent).
The 27-year-old has made 69 appearances in the USL Championship over his career, having previously competed with Hartford Athletic. Cardona also featured for Chattanooga Red Wolves SC in USL League One, making 50 regular season appearances while helping the side reach the 2022 League One Final.
A native of in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Cardona made his international debut with the Puerto Rican national team in a 2021 friendly against the Dominican Republic. He later went on to captain the side and has appeared for the team in the Concacaf Nations League and World Cup Qualifiers.