The Bull & Its Horns: RGVFC Wins A Rough Rivalry Match

Tempers Flare In South Texas Derby

Saturday’s match between RGVFC and San Antonio FC was the epitome of a rivalry match. Tempers flared early and often, a player was sent off, and the match was played extremely close. Thankfully, it was the Toros that came away with the win, with Jose Escalante netting a beautiful goal in the 17th minute.

It was also the Toros that got to play the match with their entire allotted eleven players. Early in the first half, after a Jose Escalante tackle, Ben Newnam kicked Escalante in the back of the head after the whistle. He was shown a red card and tempers would continue to flare up. Memo Rodriguez was injured before halftime and a San Antonio player tried to force him off the field faster, which rightfully wasn’t well received by Rodriguez. The match was chippy throughout with hard tackles, no calls, and a lot of cards.

The Toros couldn’t add to Escalante’s goal, but they withstood a valiant effort by SAFC in front of their home crowd. San Antonio outshot the Toros and had more corner kicks. Possession ended up at 50/50.

Ballin’ Bulls

Dynamo Theory’s Man of the Match Jose Escalante: The Honduran netted the only goal and is up for USL Goal of the Week. He also frustrated the San Antonio side so much, one of their players earned a red card for kicking him in the head. Escalante was also named to the USL Team of the Week honorable mention and called up for the Honduras U-22 national team.

Calle Brown: It seems every time the Dynamo send Calle down, he’s super impressive. Brown was sensational, making a few big saves to earn the clean sheet.

Kevin Garcia: The 2016 Toros’ captain did a great job organizing the defense and played composed in an emotionally charged match. Garcia hit on 90% of his 50 passes.

Talkin’ Toros

Jose Escalante discusses the intensity of Saturday’s match:

“It was a very difficult match because it is a special match: The South Texas Derby.”

The Good Guys: Rio Grande Valley FC Toros (9-13-7)

So far, Operation Spoiler is going well for the Toros. They’ve knocked off Reno 1860 FC and San Antonio FC, both top tier playoff clubs, 1-0 in back to back matches.

With more Dynamo players being loaned down, the club is playing with more confidence, especially with Kevin Garcia helping the backline. Memo Rodriguez had to go off with a leg injury, but hopefully that’s not anything serious.

It would have been nice for the Toros to completely dominate San Antonio after the sending off, but a win is a win. They will look to keep this rare win streak alive in the final home match of the season.

The Bad Guys: Swope Park Rangers (15-7-6)

The Sporting Kansas City affiliate has won three of their last five, including a 5-2 blowout over San Antonio FC. Kharlton Belmar and Nansel Selbol are leading an explosive attacking unit that has the Rangers tied for 5th in the league in goals scored.

Earlier this season, each club has bested the other. RGVFC won a 1-0 match at H-E-B Park, followed by a Swope 4-0 win at their home field.

The Dirty Details

2017 Home Finale at H-E-B Park

9/30 at 7:30pm CDT

Watch it live HERE.