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EDINBURG, Texas (August 24, 2019) – Rio Grande Valley FC (7-11-7, 28 pts.) defeat El Paso Locomotive FC (8-8-8, 32 pts.) at H-E-B Park on Saturday night, 1-0. Deshane Beckford debuted tonight for the club. 

The RGV FC kicked off the match with a right footed shot from Carlos Small in the 5th minute when he took Locomotive’s defensive line and shot to the right but missed. Two minutes later, El Paso tested the Toros when Edson Partida took a left-footed shot from the center of the box but was blocked by Jesus Enriquez. 

In the 13th minute, defender Andrew Samuels sent a cross inside the box, but Small’s shot was blocked by goalkeeper Logan Ketterer. Kevin Rodriguez sent a shot from the left side of the box but was sent too high. 

The Locomotive FC tested Nico Cortiwhen Sebastian Velasquez took the Toros defensive line then shot a left-footed shot from the center of the box but sent it too high in the 34th minute. Two minutes later, Isidro Martinez sent a long shot from outside the box but missed to the top right corner. 

Corti was tested back-to-back from the Locomotive when both Velasquez and Partida shot but Corti saved both shots in the 41st and 42nd minute. Houston Dynamo loanee, Michael Salazar, sent a shot to the top center of the goal but Ketterer deflected the shot out. 

Last attempt from the Toros before the half was when Small sent a right footed shot from outside the box to the bottom right corner during a free-kick but keeper saved it. 

In the second half, the Dynamo loanee, Eric Bird, shot a right footed shot from the center of the box to the top left corner of the goal past Ketterer, 1-0, in the 46th minute. Locomotive’s Andrew Fox sent a left-footed shot from the center of the box but sent it too high in the 68th minute. 

In the 85th minute, Sebastian Contreras took a long dangerous shot from the right side but missed to the left side of the goal. During stoppage time, the new Toros acquisition, Beckford, took a right footed shot from the right side of the box but was saved in the center of the goal. 

Beckford debuted tonight for the Toros totaling four minutes with two shots and one at goal. Both Salazar and Small totaled four shots each with one on target. Bird totaled three shots with one on target and totaled three key passes. Enriquez had four key passes and one assist. 

Defensively, Robert Castellanos totaled nine clearances, one interception and added one total shot. He also led the squad with 44 total passes and 90.9 passing accuracy. 

Bird contributed seven tackles, three interceptions and ended the night with 87.2 percent passing accuracy. Samuels totaled three tackles, four interceptions and had one key pass. Corti ended the night with two saves. 

The Toros squad overall totaled 17 shots, four on target with 84.6 percent passing accuracy. RGV FC has now scored 26 goals of their 39 goals in the second half. The Locomotive totaled nine shots and 90.4 percent passing accuracy. 

RGV FC will head on the road to Austin Bold FC on Sunday, September 1 for the last Copa Tejas showdown. Kickoff will be at 7:30 p.m. CT. The match will be available on ESPN+. 

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.

Attendance: 4275

Scoring Summary: RGV FC – Bird 46’ (Assist by Enriquez).

Misconduct Summary: ELP – Ryan 56’ YC, Ryan 91’ RC (2x YC).

ELP – Ketterer, Fox, Kiffe, Monsalvez, Beckie, Ryan, Salgado, Herrera, Velasquez, Partida, Kiesewetter.  

Subs: Makinde, Gomez, Diaz, Fordah, Contreras. 

Stats: Shots: 9 Shots on Goal: 1 Saves: 3 Fouls: 8 Corner Kicks: 5 Offsides: 0. 

RGV FC – Corti, Samuels, Junqua, Donovan, Castellanos, Bird, Small, Enriquez, Rodriguez, Martinez, Salazar.

Subs: Beckford, Willis, Lemoine, Coronado, Arcila, Hernandez, Adams.  

Stats: Shots: 17 Shots on Goal: 4 Saves: 2 Fouls: 9 Corner Kicks: 7 Offsides: 1.

#  SOMOS TOROS #

EDINBURG, TEXAS (Friday, August 23, 2019) – Rio Grande Valley FC has acquired midfielder Deshane Beckford on loan for the remainder of the season from Montego Bay United in Jamaica, the club announced today.

The 21-year old joins the Toros’ roster after one season with Montego Bay United of the Red Stripe Premier League in his native Jamaica. Beckford appeared in 11 matches and scored three goals for Montengo Bay during the 2018-19 season.  

The midfielder joined the Jamaican U-23 squad at the 2019 Pan American Games where he scored three goals in three matches for the Reggae Boyz. He finished with a brace in a 2-1 victory over host country Peru. 

With the addition of Beckford, RGV FC now has 24 players on the active roster.

RGV FC is the hybrid USL Championship affiliate of the Houston Dynamo. The hybrid relationship between the Dynamo and RGV FC, in which the Dynamo control all aspects of soccer operations including employment of the technical staff and player selection while RGV FC manages the business side of the club, was unique in MLS when RGV FC was launched in 2016 and has quickly been emulated by multiple MLS clubs over the past year.

PLAYER PROFILE – DESHANE BECKFORD

FULL NAME:                      Deshane Beckford

DATE OF BIRTH:               April 14, 1998

HEIGHT:                             5’7”

WEIGHT:                            135 lbs.

BIRTHPLACE:                    Montego Bay, Jamaica

HOMETOWN:                     Montego Bay, Jamaica

PREVIOUS CLUB:             Montego Bay United 

FIFA NATIONALITY:          Jamaica

TRANSACTION: The Rio Grande Valley FC Toros acquire midfielder Deshane Beckford from Montego Bay United.

#  SOMOS TOROS #

EDINBURG, Texas (August 23, 2019) – Rio Grande Valley FC (6-11-7, 25 pts.) is home for a Copa Tejas match against El Paso Locomotive FC (8-7-8, 32 pts.) at H-E-B Park (TICKETS). The matchup is set to kick off at 7:30 P.M. CST on ESPN+ and Somos El Valle 5.2. 

The Copa Tejas was introduced this season after the addition of two more Texas based teams to the USL Championship league, Austin Bold and El Paso Locomotive FC. Copa Tejas was formed by supporter groups of San Antonio FC, El Paso Locomotive FC, Austin Bold FC and RGV FC. The award will be given at the end of the 2019 USL Championship regular season to the Texas team with the best head-to-head record amongst the four clubs. 

As the Copa Tejas table sits currently, RGV has earned five points in the competition. El Paso has accumulated just three points, which sets them in fourth place trailing only the Toros. After a draw against San Antonio this past week, 2-2, RGV FC looks to climb the standings in both the league and Copa table. 

Home matches have been a strong point for RGV, five of their six total wins on the season have come at H-E-B Park. As the pressure mounts up to land positive results and keep the playoff hopes alive, the young Toros squad is locked in and ready to go all out in this battle, the rivalry adding on a bit of fuel to the fire. 

Overall, El Paso Locomotive has had a fair inaugural season. Their ability to control matches and maintain possession for an average of 58 percent during play gives headaches to defending teams because there is little room for error on both ends. RGV will have to play smart and capitalize any attacking chances in case the possession begins to sway one way on Saturday. 

On the offensive end, Jerome Keisewetter has scored 10 of the 26 total goals for the El Paso, making him a concerning piece to look out for in this match. Quick runs or a sudden lob could result in the deciding goal so Echeverry and company must game plan correctly to stop not only Keisewetter, but Sebastian Contreras as well who has created 41 chances for El Paso thus far. 

Defensively, Locomotive FC benefits from the strong goalkeeping of Logan Ketterer. He has locked in nine clean sheets, accompanied by 44 saves this season alone. Set pieces and break away chances may be a good opportunity to test the goal of Ketterer, while remaining composed throughout the midfield and beyond to avoid a counterattack on possession plays. 

Head coach Gerson Echeverry praised the offensive efforts, especially as of late; “It starts with the delivery. More importantly it is about the way in which we attack the ball. Guys are attacking the ball more, when you attack the ball and place it on target, something positive can always happen.” 

With that being said, the Toros must press up high and take a shot at goal often to unbalance the back line of El Paso. Remaining focused on their own objective and not getting carried away with the calls being made on the field or getting caught off guard on the counter plays will also be huge in this chase for three big home points. 

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 . 

#  SOMOS TOROS #

SAN ANTONIO, Texas (August 17, 2019) – Rio Grande Valley FC (6-11-7, 25 pts.) draw with San Antonio FC (8-9-7, 31 pts.) tonight in the South Texas Derby at Toyota Field, 2-2. Carlos Small scored his ninth goal of the season, tied for most goals scored in a single-season with Michael Salazar. 

The South Texas Derby opened up with a lead by SAFC in the 14th minute when Jack Barmby sent a left-footed shot from outside the box sending it straight past Nico Corti to the bottom left corner, 0-1. In the 44th minute, Cristian Parano sent a left-footed chip shot to the top left corner over Corti, 0-2. 

The Toros had some attempts at goal early on in the match when Houston Dynamo loanee, Salazar, sent a shot from outside the box but missed to the right side of the goal in the 4th minute. In the 28th minute, Robert Coronado tested Matt Cardone when he drove the ball into the left side of the box and sent a shot but missed to the left.  

RGV FC fell short with 10-men on the field when Dynamo loanee, Alejandro Fuenmayor, was given a straight red card after committing a foul against Frank Lopez in the 29th minute. 

In the 47th minute, Kevin Rodriguez sent a dangerous left-footed shot from outside the box but hit the crossbar. SAFC threatened the goal when Brian Gomez sent a shot from the right side of the box but Conor Donovan managed to block it. 

Following a corner, RGV FC were able to put a goal in the back of the net when Small reached to head the ball to the top left corner, 1-2, in the 75th minute. Five minutes later, SAFC scored an own goal, Ebenezer Ackon, after attempting to block Small, 2-2. 

The Toros ended the Copa Tejas match with 10 total shots, one on target and 75.7 percent passing accuracy. SAFC totaled 21 shots, four on target and 88.6 percent passing accuracy. 

Dynamo loanee, Eric Bird, totaled four shots tonight along with nine tackles and three interceptions. Jesus Enriquez totaled 34 passes with 82.4 percent passing accuracy. 

Defensively, Robert Castellanos totaled six clearances, one tackle and four blocks. Coronado totaled five tackles, two clearances and five interceptions. Corti totaled two saves tonight. 

RGV FC returns to H-E-B Park to host El Paso Locomotive FC on Saturday, August 24. Kickoff will be at 7:30 p.m. CT. The match will be available on ESPN+. 

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.

Scoring Summary: RGV FC – Small 75’ (Assist by Martinez), OG 80’ (E. Ackon).

SAFC – Barmby 14’ (Assist by Hernandez), Parano 44’ (Assist by Restrepo). 

Misconduct Summary: RGV FC – Fuenmayor 31’ RC (Professional Foul), Martinez 38’ YC, Samuels 49’ YC, Castellanos 51’ YC, Rodriguez 87’ YC (Time Wasting), Jackson 90’ YC.   

SAFC – Greene 68’ YC, Lopez 88’ YC (Not Retreating).    

SAFC – Cardone, Greene, Ackon, Yaro, Hernandez (Eboussi 63’), Barmby, Lahoud, Parano, Gomez, Lopez, Restrepo (Forbes 73’).  

Subs: Viscosi, Fenwick, Guzman, Perez.

Stats: Shots: 21 Shots on Goal: 4 Saves: 0 Fouls: 16 Corner Kicks: 6 Offsides: 3. 

RGV FC – Corti, Samuels, Coronado, Fuenmayor, Castellanos, Bird, Rodriguez (Jackson 87’), Arcila (Donovan 35’), Enriquez, Martinez, Salazar (Small 69’). 

Subs: Lemoine, Cabrera, Willis, Dunwell. 

Stats: Shots: 10 Shots on Goal: 1 Saves: 2 Fouls: 15 Corner Kicks: 5 Offsides: 0.

#  SOMOS TOROS #

Scoring Summary: RGV FC – Small 75’ (Assist by Martinez), OG 80’ (E. Ackon).

SAFC – Barmby 14’ (Assist by Hernandez), Parano 44’ (Assist by Restrepo). 

Misconduct Summary: RGV FC – Fuenmayor 31’ RC (Professional Foul), Martinez 38’ YC, Samuels 49’ YC, Castellanos 51’ YC, Rodriguez 87’ YC (Time Wasting), Jackson 90’ YC.   

SAFC – Greene 68’ YC, Lopez 88’ YC (Not Retreating).    

SAFC – Cardone, Greene, Ackon, Yaro, Hernandez (Eboussi 63’), Barmby, Lahoud, Parano, Gomez, Lopez, Restrepo (Forbes 73’).  

Subs: Viscosi, Fenwick, Guzman, Perez.

Stats: Shots: 21 Shots on Goal: 4 Saves: 0 Fouls: 16 Corner Kicks: 6 Offsides: 3. 

RGV FC – Corti, Samuels, Coronado, Fuenmayor, Castellanos, Bird, Rodriguez (Jackson 87’), Arcila (Donovan 35’), Enriquez, Martinez, Salazar (Small 69’). 

Subs: Lemoine, Cabrera, Willis, Dunwell. 

Stats: Shots: 10 Shots on Goal: 1 Saves: 2 Fouls: 15 Corner Kicks: 5 Offsides: 0.

#  SOMOS TOROS #

SAN ANTONIO (August 16, 2019) – Rio Grande Valley FC (6-11-6, 24 pts.) takes the short trip north to take on rival San Antonio FC (8-9-6, 30 pts.) at Toyota Field as Copa Tejas resumes. The Western Conference matchup is set to kick off at 7:30 P.M. CST on ESPN+.

After a tough to swallow last-minute draw against Colorado Springs FC on the road, the Toros are eager to face off against interstate rival San Antonio FC. The match has always been an intensely and passionately fought battle between both sides. 

The last match between the two teams resulted in a convincing 3-1 victory for RGV FC at H-E-B Park. If that result can repeat itself for Gerson Echeverry, it will be a big positive note after a few tough road matches. 

SAFC enters the contest boasting an 8-9-6 record which has kept them in the playoff picture, as they occupy the tenth and final spot needed to qualify for postseason. At home, they have six victories and four draws, with two losses. Toyota Field is a tough soccer environment to enter as a rival so the local fans will try to intensify the match on Saturday night. 

There is no doubt that a derby match spikes the intensity of competition on the pitch. Returning member of the RGV roster, Robert Castellanos, has occupied the backline for the Toros in previous matches against San Antonio and offered up his take; “It is an away game, but at the same time we are playing in Texas, so at the end of the day these matches are played a little bit differently. You play with more heart because nobody likes to lose derbies. No matter what, we need to go out there and get a result.” 

As of late, there have been some quality minutes played by the younger members of the Toros roster. Last game midfielder Kevin Rodriguez scored his first professional goal, after being highlighted as a key piece upfront. Andres Arcila has scored a goal in the last two matches, both very impressive strikes from mid-distance.

Look for those two players to make an impact this match. SAFC has weapons of their own, however; Frank Lopez is the scoring leader for the team with 10 individual goals. Jack Barmby closely follows suit with six goals of his own. Barmby is a lot more dangerous as an attacking piece for San Antonio due to his ability to open up the field and create chances, 46 this season to be exact. On the defensive end, goalkeeper Matt Cardone has kept six clean sheets in 22 appearances. 

The Copa Tejas was introduced this season after the addition of two more Texas-based teams to the USL Championship League, Austin Bold and El Paso Locomotive FC. Copa Tejas was formed by supporter groups of SAFC, ELP, ABFC and RGV FC. The award will be given at the end of the 2019 USL Championship regular season to the Texas team with the best head-to-head record amongst the four clubs. 

Currently, RGV FC sits in second place of the Copa Tejas with 4 points. Austin Bold and SAFC are tied for first with 7 points, Locomotive FC has totaled 3 points. 

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. 

#  SOMOS TOROS #

Scoring Summary: RGV FC – Salazar 27’ (Assist by Arcila), Rodriguez 42’ (Assist by Martinez), Arcila 58’.

COS – Malcolm 12’ (Assist by Bone), Burt 20’, Rwatubyaye 93’ (Assist by Jome).

Misconduct Summary: RGV FC – Coronado 96’ YC.  

COS – Robinson 47’ YC, Burt 47’ YC, Schweitzer 81’ YC.  

COS – Rodriguez, Rwatubyaye, Burt, Jome, Reaves, Schweitzer, Robinson, Hundley (Donsu 83’), Malcolm, Bone (Jack 67’), Seth (Dewing 53’). 

Subs: Yaro, Raben, Romero, Ceus. 

Stats: Shots: 18 Shots on Goal: 7 Saves: 0 Fouls: 13 Corner Kicks: 6 Offsides: 0. 

RGV FC – Corti, Samuels, Adams, Junqua, Castellanos, Rodriguez (Enriquez 67’), Monroy, Bird, Arcila (Coronado 78’), Martinez, Salazar.

Subs: Lemoine, Cabrera, Donovan, Willis, Small.   

Stats: Shots: 8 Shots on Goal: 3 Saves: 4 Fouls: 6 Corner Kicks: 1 Offsides: 1.

https://www.uslchampionship.com/coloradospringsswitchbacksfc-riograndevalleyfc-1037368 

#  SOMOS TOROS #

COLORADO SPRINGS (August 10, 2019) – Rio Grande Valley FC (6-11-6, 24 pts.) and Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC (6-14-4, 22 pts.) end in a draw tonight at Weidner Field, 3-3. Kevin Rodriguez scored his first career goal this evening. 

The first half was a high scoring half. Switchbacks FC Shane Malcolm shot a left-footed shot from outside the box and sent it to the far-left corner of the goal getting the lead in the 13th minute, 0-1. Seven minutes later, Colorado threatened the Toros goal with two different shots. 

The first shot was saved and deflected by keeper Nico Corti where he then deflected another shot inside the box where Jordan Burt managed to put the ball in before Kyle Adams cleared for the Toros, 0-2. 

RGV FC didn’t stay much behind when in the 27th minute, Houston Dynamo loanee, Michael Salazar, took on the Colorado defending line. Salazar sent a shot from the left side of the box to the right side of the goal going past the keeper, 1-2. 

Before the end of the half, Isidro Martinez sent a through ball to Rodriguez in the 42nd minute. Rodriguez then sent it from the center of the box to the bottom right corner past keeper Abraham Rodriguez equalizing the match, 2-2. 

In the 59th minute, Andres Arcila took a free-kick from outside the box where he sent a left-footed shot to the top right corner claiming the lead for the Toros, 3-2. Following a corner during stoppage time, Abdul Rwatubyaye managed to head the ball into the top left corner past Corti equalizing the match, 3-3. 

In the 62nd minute, Corti was once again tested by the Switchbacks offense when Ismaila Jome sent a cross inside the box and Corti saved it midair. Burt sent a left-footed shot from outside the box to the top center of the goal but Corti, once again, deflected the shot out for a corner in the 92nd minute. 

Overall, the Toros ended the night with eight total shots, three on target and 42 percent of possession held. Colorado Springs ended the night with 18 total shots, seven on target and 58 percent of possession.

Corti sealed the night with four saves. Arcila scored his second goal of the season in as many matches. Salazar once again is the goal-scoring leader for RGV FC with 9 goals. 

Adams led the team with 58 total passes and 93.1 percent passing accuracy. Defensively, Dynamo loanee, Sam Junqua, totaled eight tackles, one clearance and one interception. Robert Castellanos totaled six clearances along with one tackle, one interception and 90 percent passing accuracy. 

RGV FC continue on the road as they face off interstate rival, San Antonio FC on Saturday, August 17. Kickoff will be at 7:30 p.m. CT. The match will be available on ESPN+. 

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.

Scoring Summary: RGV FC – Salazar 27’ (Assist by Arcila), Rodriguez 42’ (Assist by Martinez), Arcila 58’.

COS – Malcolm 12’ (Assist by Bone), Burt 20’, Rwatubyaye 93’ (Assist by Jome). 

Misconduct Summary: RGV FC – Coronado 96’ YC. 

COS – Robinson 47’ YC, Burt 47’ YC, Schweitzer 81’ YC.   

COS – Rodriguez, Rwatubyaye, Burt, Jome, Reaves, Schweitzer, Robinson, Hundley (Donsu 83’), Malcolm, Bone (Jack 67’), Seth (Dewing 53’).  

Subs: Yaro, Raben, Romero, Ceus. 

Stats: Shots: 18 Shots on Goal: 7 Saves: 0 Fouls: 13 Corner Kicks: 6 Offsides: 0. 

RGV FC – Corti, Samuels, Adams, Junqua, Castellanos, Rodriguez (Enriquez 67’), Monroy, Bird, Arcila (Coronado 78’), Martinez, Salazar. 

Subs: Lemoine, Cabrera, Donovan, Willis, Small.   

Stats: Shots: 8 Shots on Goal: 3 Saves: 4 Fouls: 6 Corner Kicks: 1 Offsides: 1.

#  SOMOS TOROS #

EDINBURG, Texas (August 4, 2019) – Rio Grande Valley FC (6-11-5, 23 pts.) fell to Reno 1868 FC (13-5-5, 44 pts.) this evening at H-E-B Park, 1-2. Andres Arcila scored his first goal of the season with the Toros. 

Reno kicked off the match with a goal in the 9th minute following a corner. Seth Casiple sent a corner kick into the box where Thomas Janjigian headed the ball to the right side, splitting the defense, 0-1.

RGV FC snapped back when Arcila sent a strike to the top of the left side of the goal going past Matt Bersano equalizing within the minute, 1-1. 

In the 20th minute, Aldan Apodaca drove the ball, taking Nico Corti and sending the ball past him to get the lead for Reno, 1-2. 

Corti was tested once again in the 29th minute when Raul Mendiola sent a shot from outside the box to the top left corner but managed to save the third goal of the night. 

Both squads continue to create action at H-E-B Park. In the 58th minute, Houston Dynamo loanee, Eric Bird took a right footed shot from the right side of the box but was saved at the top center of the goal. Two minutes later, the 1868 FC attacked when Apodaca sent a shot from the right side of the box but Corti saved it.

In the 62nd minute, Dynamo loanee, Michael Salazar headed the ball from the center of the box but was blocked. Jesus Enriquez took a left-footed shot from the center of the box but was blocked off.

Salazar had another attempt when he headed the ball after a cross from Isidro Martinez but hit the right post in the 65th minute. One minute later, he shot from outside the box but was blocked, once again.

Enriquez had a dangerous attack when he took a left-footed shot from the right side of the box but sent it too high and wide to the left in the 71st minute. Reno 1868 had an attempt when Casiple sent a left-footed shot from outside the box but missed to the right.

RGV FC did not want to end the night without earning any points. In the 83rd minute, Camilo Monroy sent a shot from the left side of the box but hit the top crossbar. Bird sent a shot off of the deflection of Monroy’s attempt but sent too high.

The Toros continued to attack before the final whistle. The squad had two back-to-back attempts when Robert Castellanos took a right footed shot from outside the box but was blocked by Reno’s defense. Kyle Adams had the next attempt when he sent a shot from outside the box and 1868’s defense blocked the shot.

Dynamo loanee, Sam Junqua, had the last attempt of the night when following a corner, he sent a left-footed shot from outside the box but sent it too high.

RGV FC ended the night with a total of 21 shots, 16 in the second half, four on target. The Toros had 12 shots from outside the box tonight adding on 82.3 percent of passing accuracy. They held 50.5 percent of possession, 56.6 percent in the second half.

Reno 1868 totaled nine shots, four on target, and 83.5 percent of passing accuracy.

Defensively, Corti had two saves tonight. Castellanos totaled two clearances, three interceptions, one block and one tackle. In addition, he had 80 percent passing accuracy with 45 total passes adding one shot.

Junqua totaled two tackles, two clearances and led the team with 81 total touches. He also had 86.8 percent passing accuracy with 53 total passes. 

Bird led the Toros with five total shots, one on target. Salazar added four total shots and three key passes. 

RGV FC head on the road to go up against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC on Saturday, August 10. Kickoff will be at 7:00 p.m. CT. The match will be available on ESPN+. 

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.

Attendance: 3408

Scoring Summary: RGV FC – A. Arcila 10’ (Assist by K. Rodriguez).

RNO – T. Janjigian 9’ (Assist by S. Casiple), A. Apodaca 20’ (Assist by C. Hertzog).

Misconduct Summary: RGV FC – Bird 73’ YC.  

RNO – Akanyirige 30’ YC, Seymore 92’ YC.  

RNO – Bersano, Klimenta, Akanyirige (Richards 45’), Janjigian, Lacroix, Mfeka, Casiple, Mendiola (Gleadle 71’), Seymore, Hertzog, Apodaca (Musovski 85’). 

Subs: Carroll, Hernandez, Lewis, Aune.  

Stats: Shots: 9 Shots on Goal: 4 Saves: 3 Fouls: 12 Corner Kicks: 3 Offsides: 2. 

RGV FC – Corti, Samuels, Adams, Junqua, Castellanos, Enriquez (Lemoine 81’), Martinez, Bird, Rodriguez (Monroy 76’), Arcila (Small 68’), Salazar. 

Subs: Donovan, Coronado, Willis, Hernandez.   

Stats: Shots: 21 Shots on Goal: 4 Saves: 2 Fouls: 2 Corner Kicks: 9 Offsides: 0.

#  SOMOS TOROS #

COLORADO SPRINGS (August 9, 2019) – Rio Grande Valley FC (6-11-5, 23 pts.) travels to the elevation to take on Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC (6-14-3, 21 pts.) in their own home. The road matchup is set to kick off at 7:00 P.M. CST at Weidner Field on ESPN+.

As the season starts its latter portion, both teams are in desperate need of wins wherever they may come. Colorado currently trails the Toros in the standings by two points, placing them in the sixteenth spot. 

On the road, RGV FC has not been at their best as they chase a three-point result this Saturday. The Toros will head into the match with a 5-game losing streak on the road. 

The Switchbacks have given up 40 total goals to their opponents on the season, scoring exactly half that amount, 20. Their seemingly low goal-scoring ability thus far may impact the way in which the Toros prepare for this match. Perhaps an emphasis on attacking and looking to unbalance the Colorado defense early and often is a good game plan this time around. 

In the last meeting between the sides, on June 15, RGV FC was able to lock in a clean sheet, 3-0 victory at home. With the amount of created chances on the rise for Gerson Echeverry’s side, there are hopes of netting goals if they are disciplined. “Just one more goal than them will be ideal. We just need to minimize the giving up of bad goals, make sure that they earn anything they get, and we are not giving them easy looks into our goal”, said Echeverry.

Switchbacks FC last saw action this past Wednesday when they faced Portland Timbers II at Weidner Field, that match ended in a 2-2 draw. Jordan Burt has been the dynamic scorer for Colorado Springs with five total goals on the season. Teammate Ismaila Jome has been making it happen on the attack with 36 created chances for the attacking third game of the Switchbacks. 

A reliable defensive piece for RGV FC is Andrew Samuels who has shown some solid work in the backfield, he provided his input on the upcoming match; “The mindset is three points and nothing less. We know that we need that if we are going to stay in this playoff run. We are going there to hopefully get a win and play our best, just like we did against Reno 1868 FC, put them on the back foot and hopefully the [goals] fall for us this time.”

If the Toros execute on all of their chances, you can rely on a similar result as last time, especially in the backfield. Discipline and determination will be the motto for both sides in this match. 

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. 

#  SOMOS TOROS #