The Bull & Its Horns: Call It A Comeback

Toros Show Toughness

Last week, the Toros showed us something. They exhibited a toughness that has been lacking at times this season. In a midweek matchup with Vancouver, RGVFC overcame a goal deficit twice, equalized on a late penalty for the 3-3 draw. Then on Saturday, they were down 3-1 before coming back to win 4-3. There was even a stupid so called “soccer expert” that counted the boys out. Oops.

Thankfully, I was wrong. The club proved they have some intangibles that can earn points, especially on the road. I’ll always be happy when the guys prove me wrong if it means they win!

Ballin’ Bulls:

Dynamo Theory’s Man of the Week Kyle Murphy: He was justly included on the USL’s Team of the Week. He tallied two goals and an assist over the club’s two matches last week.

Joe Holland: Impresses every time he’s down with the Toros. He scored the match winner against Seattle from a nearly impossible angle.

Jose Escalante: He also scored a goal from a ridiculous angle, the equalizer against Sounders 2. His cross for Murphy’s goal on Sunday was pinpoint as well.

Talkin’ Toros:

Leo Ayala on the importance of getting the results on the road:

“It was a massive win. Along with the tie right before it. It's what we needed to get the ball rolling again.”

The Good Guys: Rio Grande Valley FC (7-10-4)

RGVFC added a new face midweek, signing former New York Red Bulls defender Justin Bilyeu. He was a positive performer over both matches for the club. He is versatile on the backline and not afraid to attack.

As happy as I am the club made me look foolish for my tweet, the defense has looked that rough at times this season. Losing Kevin Garcia to the Dynamo was a bigger deal than people think. He was the organizer and a very talented defender. Hopefully, Bilyeu and the gang can form a cohesive unit and start getting some clean sheets. Their last shutout came on July 1st.

Jose Escalante has looked electric lately for the Toros and is a dangerous weapon on the wing. Jorginho James is starting to take a leadership role in the middle of the park and has been impressive. The Virginia Cavalier duo of Todd Wharton and Eric Bird hasn’t looked as sharp as it did early in the season, but they are both incredibly hard working players and their effort alone is a huge boost. I like Francisco Pungo up top and hopefully he can continue to get chances.

The Bad Guys: Phoenix Rising FC (7-7-4)

If there was a match to go to as a soccer fan in the Valley, it would probably be this one. Phoenix Rising has the most star studded lineup in the USL. Featuring global soccer legends like Omar Bravo, Shaun Wright Phillips, and Didier Drogba, the club has loads of talent.

Drogba has scored five times in his nine appearances and former Dynamo man Jason Johnson has added four this season. The shaky Toros’ defense will need to play concentrated soccer against Rising FC’s uber-talented frontline.

The Dirty Details:

8/12 at 7:30 PM CDT from H-E-B Park

Watch it live HERE.