Split Points In Season Opener

In the first match of the 2018 USL season, RGVFC finished level with Saint Louis FC, 1-1 at H-E-B Park. Both clubs struggled to piece together any sustained attacks early in their season openers. Saint Louis looked ready to pounce on any counter-attack chances, while the Toros played the ball out to their dangerous wingers. The first solid effort on goal of the match came from RGVFC captain Todd Wharton. He fired a shot from well outside of the area that required a save. Matias Zalvidar and Pablo Aguilar did well to work the middle of the RGVFC attack. Zach Wright and Chuy Enriquez were able to beat the Saint Louis fullbacks on multiple occasions, but neither could capitalize on any of their chances.

In the 69th minute, Nico Corti would make his only save of the match, a leaping one for keep out a Corey Hertzog curling shot. John Montano would make his presence felt as a substitute five minutes into his shift. The 20-year-old Colombian showcased his pace, blazing by the Saint Louis left back. His pass to the middle of the area found Aguilar, who controlled, turned, and buried a shot.

Saint Louis would level the match in the 82nd minute. A corner kick was headed off the crossbar, only to be followed up by an acrobatic Tony Walls finish right in front of goal. Neither club could find a winner and split points in the season opener.

Ballin’ Bulls

Dynamo Theory’s Man of the Match Pablo Aguilar: The rookie out of the University of Virginia had an incredible debut. Not only did he score the first goal of the USL season, he also did well in possession and distribution. He was calm and collected on the ball and connected on 88% of his 50 passes.

Jesus “Chuy” Enriquez: RGVFC lacked danger and speed on the wing at times throughout last season. This year, they have Enriquez to take care of both categories. The 20-year-old was the target of multiple long balls over the top and has the necessary skill and creativity on the ball to give any defense fits.

Conor Donovan and Kyle Adams: I couldn’t choose one over the other here. The new Toros’ central defensive pairing was exceptional vs. Saint Louis, who has multiple dangerous strikers. Donovan intercepted five passes and Adams was always on time clearing the ball. They made life easy for Nico Corti.

Talkin’ Toros

Chuy Enriquez on the club’s opening match:

“I felt the team did good for our first match together. We needed to attack a little more, but that’ll come eventually. The teams chemistry will get better game by game. Not really the score we wanted, but good things will come from this team.”

“One more thing: For the first time playing at H-E-B Park, it was incredible. The fans made everything easier. I really, really did feel the support from everyone. I hope it’s always like this at home because we will need it.”

Bye, Bye, Bye

The Toros will have a bye next weekend before getting back into action on Wednesday, 3/28.