EDINBURG, Texas (May 17, 2019) – Rio Grande Valley FC (3-4-3, 12 pts.) is set to defend home turf against LA Galaxy ll (4-4-2, 14 pts.) on Military Appreciation Night (TICKETS). The Western Conference matchup at H-E-B Park is set to kickoff at 7:30 p.m. CST on ESPN+.
The first meeting between these two sides resulted in one of the most intense matches thus far for either team. There was no lack of offense on the pitch as RGV FC and LA Galaxy ll traded blows, ultimately ending in a 4-4 draw at Dignity Health Sports Park.
Since their last matchup against LA Galaxy ll, the Toros have gone 1-1-0 which includes what some would call an upset over then top ranked Portland Timbers 2. Galaxy ll is coming off of a 0-3 home loss to Fresno FC and are 1-2-2 in their last five competitions.
At H-E-B Park the Toros have played well this season, boasting a 2-1-1 home record which includes a routing of Las Vegas (5-2) before they went on the three-game road trip. Statistically it has not gone well for RGV FC at home when they face LA Galaxy ll. The home series is 0-2-2 in favor of the Galaxy but that means nothing this season as the Toros have already proven that records do not concern them.
As both sides have grown familiar to each other, there is good insight on what needs to be adjusted in order to earn a positive result against LA Galaxy ll at home for the Toros. Midfielder Romilio Hernandez broke down the mindset for Saturday; “I think for this game our main focus is going to be switching the ball from side to side quick and get it to the other side. Once it is on the other side, we can try to create triangles with the forwards and the outside back and move our way up and get crosses and get in good spots to score goals.” By doing so, RGV will be able to unbalance the Galaxy attack and push forward to provide that versatile mix of forwards to create space and put the ball in the back of the net.
Head coach Gerson Echeverry spoke on the similarities between the young sides and the danger that the LA offense can create if left unguarded; “It is very talented, similar to us on the young side, some really dynamic and technical players that are just dangerous, so they are capable of scoring goals in bunches, as they did with us when they scored four goals.”
As mentioned, Los Dos was able to score on four occasions but was still stunned by the power surge that a substitution like Michael Salazar created in just a short period of time. Salazar came in on a mission, scoring a hat trick to help the Toros escape the west coast with a point. Home field advantage and the support from the “Stampede”, the Toros supporter group, could be a perfect mix as RGV FC look to continue their positive home streak.
Updates on the match will be provided via Twitter at @RGVFC or by following #SomosToros. To see more matchday information, visit https://www.rgvfc.com .
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