EDINBURG, Texas (September 16, 2022) – Rio Grande Valley FC (10-12-6, 36 pts) set sights on strong Colorado Springs Switchbacks (16-10-3, 51 pts) side as playoff race tightens in the Western Conference. Rio Grande sits a point out of the playoff line while Colorado currently holds the third position in the conference standings.
The action will be live nationally on ESPN+ starting at 7:30 pm CST. This is the second meeting between the sides in the current campaign, the Toros trail in the series 0-1-0 in 2022 after a road 3-2 loss in Colorado which saw Rio Grande climb back from a 3-0 deficit late.
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HEAD-TO-HEAD (2022 Championship Figures)
Rio Grande Valley FC (28 Games) – 39 goals, 112 shots on target. | 35 goals conceded,
7 clean sheets | Western Conference Standing: 9th (36 points)
Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC (29 Games) – 54 goals, 137 shots on target. | 47 goals conceded, 9 clean sheets | Western Conference Standing: 3rd (51 points)
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The Toros made a statement at home with a convincing 3-1 victory over New Mexico United on September 10. Rio Grande switched gears after trailing early in the match, scoring three unanswered goals to thrill their fans at H-E-B Park after being gone for a six-game road slate.
Emilio Ycaza wrote his name into the score sheet once again as he sent a goal of the week nominated first-touch strike to the back of the net to equalize the match, 1-1. The Ecuadorian midfielder celebrated by mimicking an airplane “take-off”, predicting a change in pace as the Toros took off for two more goals to ease past New Mexico in their strongest offensive showing at home. Christian Pinzon added to his impressive goal streak as he now has scored five goals in as many matches,2-1. The dangerous attacker compliments well with Ricky Ruiz up front who has accounted for six assists on the year, joining Isidro Martinez as top assist distributor for RGV FC. Jonas Fjeldberg put the game away at the 68th minute with a simply shot ball after receiving an assist at the top of the 18-yard box from Ruiz on a break-away counter play, 3-1.
Colorado Springs Switchbacks present a strong threat offensively as the side depends on flashy attacker, Hadji Barry who has accounted for 16 goals this season. Former RGV FC forward, Elvis Amoh returns to H-E-B Park for the first time since his departure in the offseason, boasting 12 goals in the 2022 campaign.
Wilmer Cabrera’s side must play a lock down defensive match and not give too much space for the Colorado side to find attacking lanes which could turn into scoring chances. The Toros look to sharpen their offensive presence as they anticipate a shootout style match between the hungry sides.
For single match home tickets please visit rgvfc.com/singletickets or the H-E-B Park box office, open weekly from 10am-6pm CST.
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