RGVFC Roughed Up on the Road

Ahead of the RGVFC vs. Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC match, it was clear home-field advantage would come into play. With freezing temperatures, intermittent rain, and a choppy pitch, the Toros were already in the hole. Add in the fact that Switchbacks FC played a solid match, and it was too much to overcome for RGVFC.

Possession was nearly even, but it was Colorado Springs that seemed on the front foot all night. They tallied 13 shots compared to four for the Toros. Neither side was able to break through in the first 45 minutes, but the hosts opened the scoring in the second half. Josh Suggs curled in a free-kick in the 63rd minute. After a penalty was called on Conor Donovan, Jordan Burt doubled the Switchbacks’ lead from the spot.

A cross from substitute Jesus “Chuy” Enriquez found Aldo Quintanilla in the 80th minute and the striker buried the chance. It cut the lead in half, but the Toros couldn’t pull level and lost to Colorado Springs for the first team in club history.

Ballin’ Bulls

Dynamo Theory’s Man of the Match Chuy Enriquez: An early substitute in the second half, the winger brought flair and danger to the RGVFC attack. He created chances by beating the Switchbacks defense to the end line. Chuy’s cross was on target to Aldo and gave him his first assist of the season.

Kai Greene: He put in quite the shift on Saturday. Greene was tested consistently at right back, made three interceptions, and seven clearances.

Aldo Quintanilla: The striker buried a header for the lone Toros’ goal of the match. He also won three fouls and completed 87% of his passes.

Talkin’ Toros

Chuy Enriquez on how it felt to record his first assist of the season:

“It felt good. It would’ve felt better if we took the win, but we’re getting there.”

The Good Guys: Rio Grande Valley FC Toros (0-1-2)

RGVFC continues to showcase their depth, but also inexperience early in the season. Three matches in and the club is still searching for a win. They haven’t been bad so far, they just haven’t been able to play well enough across 90 minutes to secure three points.

A trouble trend for the Toros has been allowing goals on set pieces. After struggling with dead ball situations against Republic FC, Nico Corti was beat by a free kick in Colorado Springs. He’s made a few quality saves this season but needs to be more composed and consistent in goal. With a two-match road trip coming up, we could see Matt Sanchez or maybe Houston Dynamo keeper Michael Nelson get a chance in goal.

Speaking of Dynamo loanees, having some veteran players loaned down could help stabilize this young Toros squad. As the season wears along, it could be beneficial for the first team players to get minutes and the USL players to get advice from the veterans.

As I tweeted Saturday, I had the chance to sit down with Gerson Echeverry in Colorado Springs. He’s a very engaging, knowledgeable manager. My gut feeling was already in favor of him being a successful coach for the Toros, but that conversation confirmed it even further.

The Bad Guys: Seattle Sounders FC 2 (1-3-0)

For the second straight week, RGVFC could see a familiar face. After taking on former Toro Taylor Hunter, the club could be taking on Calle Brown with Seattle Sounders 2. After leaving the Dynamo this off-season, he’s made two starts in goal for S2. After a win opening week against the rival Portland Timbers 2, Sounders 2 has lost their three matches since. David Estrada and Nick Hines have impressed early on in 2018.

Before the Toros come to town, they face Real Monarchs SLC tonight at home. RGVFC took both matches last season vs. S2, with 3-1 and 4-3 victories.

The Dirty Details

Saturday, 4/14, at 7PM Central Time

RGVFC vs. Seattle Sounders 2 at Cheney Field.

Visit Match Center HERE. The match will be live on the USL’s new broadcast partner ESPN+