RGV FC Toros open season with a draw

The Rio Grande Valley FC Toros played to a 1-1 draw against Saint Louis FC. Pablo Aguilar scored for the Toros and Tony Walls scored for Saint Louis FC.

The Toros were dominant in the first half, outshooting Saint Louis six to one. RGV’s Guillermo Delgado had the first chance of the match as his shot was sent towards the upper right corner but stopped by Jake Fenlason, goalkeeper for Saint Louis. In the 17th minute, Zach Wright forced Fenlason to make a diving save.

Rio Grande Valley later tried their luck from outside the box. Todd Wharton shot a laser in the 27th minute and Matias Zaldivar took a shot in the 28th minute. Unfortunately for the Toros, neither shot found the back of the net. Saint Louis had their sole chance of the first half right before the halftime whistle when Corey Hertzog missed his shot.

RGV continued to create chances in the second half. Zach Wright’s shot in the 56th minute sailed over the crossbar. Then, RGV’s Jesus Enriquez almost got in the score sheet in the 60th minute. After cutting inside the box, his attempt at goal was denied by a last-second Fenlason save.

Jhon Montaño had an immediate impact after subbing in for Zach Wright in the 71st minute. In the 77th minute, Montaño used his pace to outrun the Saint Louis defense and cross the bar over to an unmarked Pablo Aguilar. Aguilar had to slow down and adjust his body to gain possession of the ball, turned towards goal, and took his shot.

However, the lead did not last long for the Toros. Off a corner kick, Saint Louis’ Wal Fall connected with a header that hit the crossbar. Tony Walls had to resort to an acrobatic tap in in order to score for the away team and even it up for both teams.

Rio Grande Valley FC Toros will play Reno 1868 FC next on Wednesday, March 28 and Sacramento Republic FC on Saturday, March 31.

Starting XI’s

RGV-Corti, Greene, Donovan, Adams, Luke, Wharton, Aguilar, Wright, Zaldivar, Enriquez, Delgado

STL- Fenlason, Reynolds, Fink, Walls, Stanley, Fall, Hilton, Barden, Calistri, Hertzog, Volesky

Goals

RGV-Aguilar 77’

STL- Walls 82’