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Toros Season Book-ended By Rivalry Losses
In their season opener, RGVFC lost a 1-0 match to San Antonio FC in the first USL fixture at H-E-B Park. For the last match of their 2017 season, the Toros lost again to SAFC, this time 3-1 at Toyota Field.
With playoff positioning on the line for the hosts and only rivalry bragging rights at stake for RGV, the match was dominated by San Antonio. Up until the 29th minute, the Toros did a good job of weathering the storm and keeping the match level. Then, Houston Dynamo goalkeeper Calle Brown made a blunder, diving to save the ball from going over the end line for a corner kick. Billy Forbes collected the ball and easily tapped it in. Ever Guzman doubled the advantage five minutes later.
After the half, RGVFC came out energized. Eric Bird cut the deficit in half with a 47th minute strike. But, before the hour mark arrived, Guzman pushed the lead back to two. The Toros never got any closer. Jose Escalante received a straight red card in the 73rd minute for a high kick to the back of a San Antonio player. A year after eliminating San Antonio from the playoffs and winning the season series, RGVFC dropped 2 of 3 against their Texas rivals in 2017.
Ballin’ Bulls
Dynamo Theory’s Man of the Match Eric Bird: The captain scored the lone goal and tried to keep his squad inspired.
TJ Casner: He was a spark plug off the bench as an early second half sub. Didn’t miss on any of his nine passes.
Ivan Magalhaes: Completed 90% of his passes and helped to limit the damage.
Talkin’ Toros
TJ Casner’s season ending message to the fans:
“The fans have been a fantastic part of the journey playing for the Toros for the past two seasons. As soon as we formed, they have been loyal and gracious to us in every capacity. I'm extremely happy to have had the opportunity to interact with a genuine group of people with a passion for soccer in this region. Shoutout to the kid who was wearing my jersey!”
What’s Next?
Stay tuned for my season recap next week, followed by my player yearly breakdowns the week after!