The Bull & Its Horns: Dynamo Reinforcements Can’t Get The Toros A Win

Winless Streak Reaches Six

Desperately looking for a win, RGVFC got a boost from their MLS affiliate Houston Dynamo. For the match against Sacramento, Memo Rodriguez, Kevin Garcia, Jose Escalante, and Taylor Hunter all came down from the first team. Unfortunately, despite the different look in their lineup, the result was all too familiar, as the Toros lost 2-1.

RGVFC struck first, as Kyle Murphy scored his team high sixth goal in the 69th minute. But, as they have multiple times this season, the club couldn’t hold the lead. Sacramento equalized not much later. Then, in stoppage time, Republic FC took the victory on the road. They outshot the Toros 17-13, with five on target. Sacramento also won the battle of possession, which is a rarity against RGV.

Ballin’ Bulls

Dynamo Theory’s Man of the Match Kyle Murphy: The most consistent scorer RGV has had this season. He put home another quality goal this weekend.

Eric Bird: The two-way midfielder made nine tackles against Sacramento and did a good job moving the ball around as well.

Memo Rodriguez: A budding star with the Dynamo, it was nice to see Memo’s skillset back down in the Valley. He created chances and excitement on the ball, nearing scoring a goal and nearly assisting on another.

Talkin’ Toros

Victor Garza discusses the club taking on the role of spoiler:

“We all know the difficult situation we are in. It has been a tough season. Even though we have minimal possibility, we will fight till the end. Moments like these are where we must show our true character and leave our hearts out on the field. We have to fight to win; for our own dignity, value, and future. If other teams want to see us as spoilers, it is up to them.”

The Good Guys: Rio Grande Valley FC Toros (7-13-7)

Sadly, the USL playoffs are nearly guaranteed not to include the Toros in 2017. After finishing second in the West last season, they will miss the playoffs in their second ever season.

Inconsistency and a mass exodus of talent in the offseason can be primarily blamed. Losing Memo, Charlie Ward, George Malki, Kevin Garcia, and possibly most importantly, Wilmer Cabrera, has brought RGVFC down this campaign. The club’s final five matches will allow for Junior Gonzalez to evaluate players and get Dynamo first team members some minutes. Christian Lucatero is getting his shot and could cement his position as a key player for the 2018 version of the team. Also, every team they play, is currently in the playoff picture. RGVFC could be a spoiler and build momentum heading into the offseason.

The Bad Guys: Reno 1868 FC (14-5-7)

Sitting second place in the Western Conference, Reno 1868 has not lost since August 2nd, and they’ve won six of their last seven. Led by Dane Kelly, who is tied atop the Golden Boot race, Reno is two goals away from breaking the USL record for goals in a season.

In their only previous meeting, it was 1868 FC taking a 3-2 victory over the Toros.

The Dirty Details:

9/16 at 7:30pm CDT from H-E-B Park

Watch it live HERE