The Rio Grande Valley FC Toros (6-4-4) suffered a 2-3 loss to Sacramento Republic FC (7-3-3) on Saturday June 18th. Sacramento’s Cameron Iwasa finished the game with a brace.
Sacramento Republic FC started the game hot. Cameron Iwasa put Sacramento on top in the first minute of action. Iwasa dribbled the ball and shot a laser that left Callum Irving, Toros’ goalkeeper, with no chance. Rio Grande Valley’s Jose “Memo” Rodriguez brought the two teams even on the 14th minute off a Christian Lucatero assist. Sacramento had a chance in the 33rd minute to take the lead once more when Toros’ Kevin Garcia had a turnover on the Toros’ side of the half, but Sacramento failed to convert on the play.
Sacramento Republic FC took the lead once again in the 53rd minute. Cameron Iwasa headed in a corner to collect his brace. Eric Bird pulled the Toros even on the 71stminute. Bird has now scored in back to back games. Kyle Murphy had an opportunity to get Rio Grande Valley the lead. In the 77th minute, Kai Greene headed back a cross from a set piece. The ball found Murphy who blasted it to the far post. Sacramento would get the win in the 87th minute. Sacramento’s Emrah Klimenta’s cross bounced off Callum Irving’s hands and found the back of the net to give Sacramento the lead for a third and final time.
The Toros will host two home games in one week after the loss in Sacramento. Arizona United SC will visit the Toros on Wednesday, June 22 while Orange County Blues come visit the Toros on June 26. Both games will kickoff at 7:30p.m. at UTRGV Soccer and Track Complex. Sacramento Republic FC’s next match will be on June 22nd against Arizona United SC.
