The Bull & Its Horns: Memo’s Brace Leads RGVFC

Memo & Monroy

This was a vintage 2016 Toros’ match. Anyone watching the match could tell who the dominate side was, and the scoreline reflected that. Memo Rodriguez, returning to the Valley on a match day loan from the Houston Dynamo, opened the scoring. He pressed a Colorado Springs defender into a weak header back to the keeper, that Memo intercepted, and simultaneously chipped over the onrushing GK. His scoring would continue before the half ended, as Camilo Monroy heading a ball back towards the top of the box, where Memo controlled, and then laced a shot into the top corner.

Colorado Springs would get one back after the break. A header off the post, was cleaned up after some less than desirable marking on the rebound. The Toros wouldn’t allow it to stay that close. Eric Bird, in another impressive performance, found Monroy in the box, where he danced around defenders and put in his first USL goal.

Check out the highlights below:

Ballin’ Bulls:

Dynamo Theory’s Man of the Match Memo Rodriguez: The Dynamo loanee scored a brace in his first action with the Toros this season. He was named to the USL Team of the Week.

Camilo Monroy: Another eye catching performance for the teenage Colombian. Monroy has loads of pace, skills on the ball, and netted his first goal with RGVFC.

Charlie Ward: Statistically the top passer in the USL, Ward ran the show for the Toros last week. He spread the ball to all of his attacking options on the pitch, and has showcased some timely defending as well.

Talkin’ Toros:

Memo Rodriguez on the atmosphere in his first appearance at H-E-B Park:

“The atmosphere was amazing, the fans were awesome. The more the match progressed, there was more and more people coming in. I always wanted to play in this stadium since last year, and I'm happy that I played in it, and we got the win.

The Good Guys: Rio Grande Valley FC Toros (2-2-0)

Since dropping their first two matches, it’s now two straight wins for RGVFC. A lot of that has to do with Monroy, the must see youngster. He gives defenders fits with his speed, crafty moves on the ball, and high soccer IQ. Not only does he create chances for himself, but his activity causes the defense to take some of their attention away from other Toros’ attackers. Jose Escalante has been aggressive the past couple matches, and might form a great duo across the pitch from Monroy. Robbie Sagel has stepped in, and been solid in central defense next to Ivan Magalhaes.

The Bad Guys: Tulsa Roughnecks FC (1-2-0)

Tulsa, on the pitch, has won two matches this year. However, due to an ineligible player in week 1, their only win on record is against the Toros. One of the worst clubs in the USL last season, Tulsa is much improved, and will look to make it two wins over RGVFC early this season. Juan Pablo Caffa is a La Liga veteran, who pulls the strings for the Roughnecks attack.

The Dirty Details:

4/22 7:30pm at H-E-B Park

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