CARY, North Carolina (April 6, 2022) – Rio Grande Valley FC stampeded past North Carolina FC in the second half at WakeMed Soccer Park on Wednesday evening to earn the club’s first-ever win in the historic North American tournament.
RGV FC set an up-beat pace in the first half, applying high pressure. Dylan Borczak used his dynamic attacking style to unbalance the back line of North Carolina FC and complicate as the Toros tallied 5 shots in the half.
At the 44th minute North Carolina scored the opening goal of the match on a counterattack play which developed from their half of the field after a turnover from Frank Lopez. At the top of the box Jaden Servania struck a power shot to the left side of the goal, striking the top post and got the bounce into the back of the net to give the home club the lead, 1-0. North Carolina closed out the half with four shots, two of those on target.
Rio Grande equalized in the 54th minute off the foot of Frank Lopez, 1-1. Lopez received a thru pass from Isidro Martinez at the center of the field and attacked the box, shooting to the right side of the goal to score the first ever goal for RGV FC in Lamar Hunt U.S Open Cup history. This marked Lopez’ first career goal in the U.S Open Cup.
The Toros picked up the intensity and kept North Carolina on edge. Frank Nodarse called game in the 79th minute as he controlled and struck a ball to the right side of the goal past a diving William Pulisic, 1-2. The goal marked Frank Nodarse’s first professional goal and first career goal in the U.S Open Cup.
RGV FC earned their first-ever Lamar Hunt U.S Open Cup victory after the final whistle. North Carolina shot only twice in the second half and was held to 40% possession, totaling six shots on the night. RGV FC doubled their shot count in the second half, totaling 10 and ended the night on 15 shots, four on goal.
Rio Grande Valley has advanced to the Third Round of the U.S Open Cup, a first in club history and awaits an opponent pending the official draw.
RGV FC returns to H-E-B Park to resume USL Championship play as they host Indy Eleven on Saturday April 9 at 7:30pm CST. To see more matchday information, visit www.rgvfc.com.
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