Toros try to play spoiler vs. San Antonio

A 2-1 Triumph Over Tulsa

RGVFC defeated another club out of the playoff picture over the weekend, winning 2-1 over Tulsa Roughnecks FC.

After a largely event-less first half, a trio of goals came in pretty quick succession. First, Todd Wharton was able to find Nicolas Perea on a corner kick and the midfielder fired a quick header past Tulsa goalkeeper Fabian Cerda. Two minutes later, Jesus “Chuy” Enriquez delivered a beautiful ball over the top and Carlos Small ran under it, dribbled past an onrushing Cerda, and tapped the ball home.

The hosts would pull one back when Joaquin Rivas put home a goal from point blank range.

In stoppage time, first team goalkeeper Michael Nelson was called upon to make a big save and Kyle Adams the ensuing clearance. Despite the late drama, the scoreline held at 2-1 in favor of the Toros.

Tulsa held a 61-39% edge on possession, 16-11 on shots, 82-76% on passing accuracy. Nelson was a big-time player as usual on loan from the Dynamo, making three saves.

Ballin’ Bulls

Dynamo Theory’s Man of the Match, Nicolas Perea: The midfielder added his third goal of the season, all of them coming in the second half of the campaign.

Carlos Small: He scored the match winner for RGVFC. His speed, patience, and strength gave Tulsa’s defense trouble.

Todd Wharton: Another set piece assist for the captain. He also completed 82% of his 45 passes.

Talkin’ Toros

Nicolas Perea on scoring key goals down the stretch for his team:

“It’s a great feeling to score and if those goals help the team secure points, it’s even better. After a long and tough season, I’m trying my best to help the team end on a high!”

Todd Wharton on how special it will be to play spoiler vs. San Antonio:

“We are just focusing on ourselves and trying to win the game. We know it will be heated, especially with their playoff hopes on the line, so we have to be ready for anything. They beat us at home, so we are looking to return the favor.”

The Good Guys: Rio Grande Valley FC Toros (8-12-13)

We have arrived at our destination to end this season. RGVFC will have a chance to end it on a high note, defeating their rival and hindering their playoff chances.

As the recent weeks have been since the club was officially eliminated, Saturday’s match will serve as an audition for Toros players, for the Houston Dynamo organization or another club. Outside of the surprising 4-0 defeat to Reno 1868 FC, RGVFC have won three of four. All of that for pure pride and professionalism, no playoff hopes in sight.

You can look forward to my official 2018 player reviews on October 24th, right here on Dynamo Theory.

The Bad Guys: San Antonio FC (14-12-7)

It all comes down to this week for SAFC. They handled business over the weekend defeated Las Vegas Lights FC. A win vs. RGVFC certainly helps their cause, but wins for Saint Louis and Swope Park would nullify that.

Ever Guzman has been in form for San Antonio with 10 goals on the season, but the main player to watch is Lance Laing. On loan from FC Cincinnati, the forward has been scoring goals and setting others up during his stint in South Texas.

The Dirty Details

Saturday, 7:30 PM CDT, Toyota Field

RGVFC at San Antonio FC

Your Weekly Dose of Eloise

Credit: Amy Krebs-Merk