The Rio Grande Valley FC Toros could not come out of Merlo field with any points after being defeated 2-3 by Portland Timbers 2. RGV native, Omar Ontiveros scored the opening goal of the match, and Todd Wharton scored the second goal for the Toros.
Although Portland had the majority of the possession in the first half, the Timbers 2 were not making life difficult for Nico Corti, goalkeeper of the Toros. Rio Grande Valley capitalized on their first opportunity at goal in the 30th minute. Omar Ontiveros headed in a corner kick from Todd Wharton that had been tipped by Conor Donovan.
Timbers 2 found the back of the net early in the second half. Although the RGV defense had headed away a cross by Portland’s Jack Barmby, Jeremy Ebobisse volleyed in the deflection to tie things up. Timbers 2 were awarded a penalty in the 61st minute. Barmby got the best of Corti and gave the home team the lead.
Portland extended their lead in the 68th minute. Terrel Lowe sent in a lobbing cross to the far post from the left side of the field. Foster Langsdorf was able to connect with the cross to give Timbers 2 a two-goal lead.
The Toros were awarded a penalty in the 81st minute after Zach Wright was fouled inside the penalty box. Todd Wharton confidently stepped up and blasted in his shot to pull the Toros within a goal. Rio Grande Valley continued to be dangerous from set pieces. Matias Zaldivar lowered the ball down to Kai Greene with his chest. Unfortunately for the Toros, Kendall McIntosh blocked Greene’s shot.
The Rio Grande Valley FC Toros return to H-E-B Park on Wednesday, April 25. They will take on Orange County SC.
