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Level With Los Dos
RGVFC had a lead, conceded in the second half, and finished level. No, this isn’t deja vu. For what seems like the hundredth time this season, the Toros settled for a home draw, 1-1 vs. LA Galaxy II.
It was a solid start for the Toros, as Aldo Quintanilla beat the Los Dos keeper from outside the box in the 14th minute. Todd Wharton was able to find him in the middle of the pitch with some room to get a shot off. It was the striker’s club-leading fourth goal.
The staunch home defense of RGVFC did well to limit budding superstar Efrain Alvarez’s impact in the match, keeping the high-scoring Los Dos side scoreless until late in the second half.
Almost ten minutes after he substituted on, Frank Lopez was able to equalize. A long pass towards the edge of the box forced Nico Corti well off his line. The 23-year-old was able to curl a shot into the empty net. As they have in six other matches already, the Toros had to settle for a single point.
Mac Steeves, Adam Lundqvist, and Jared Watts all played on loan from the Houston Dynamo. Steeves had a great chance to bury an insurance goal but was stuffed at the doorstep.
Ballin’ Bulls
Dynamo Theory’s Man of the Match Aldo Quintanilla: The target man for RGVFC shoots with confidence and power. His strike from outside the area was the lone goal for the hosts. While it is still very early in his Toros’ career, Quintanilla is looking like one of the most capable scorers the club has had up top.
TOROS: With @_aldoQm scoring his fourth goal of the season tonight, I have an interesting poll question. Who is the best striker in @RGVFC history?
— Dynamo Theory (@dynamotheory) May 24, 2018
Todd Wharton: Great vision and passing ability from the Toros’ captain to find Quintanilla for his goal. Per usual, he passed the ball at a high clip (90%) and was the engine to the offense, completing 88% of his passes in the LA Galaxy half of the pitch.
Kyle Adams: He played well at left back and center back, showing his versatility to allow the Dynamo defensive loanees to play in their natural positions. Adams made eight clearances and like Wharton, completed 90% of his passes.
Talkin’ Toros
Robert Castellanos on always being ready when his number is called:
“Knowing that not everything is given, it’s earned. So, when having the chance to prove yourself, you don’t take any plays off.”
The Good Guys: Rio Grande Valley FC Toros (1-3-7)
At some point, things have to change for this young team. Too often, they have played well enough for three points and only came away with one. The defense was great again, Kai Greene returning to his right back position. They stifled one of the USL’s hottest offensive clubs.
On the other end, they had 12 shots with only two going on target. Mac Steeves should have converted his chance and Jesus Enriquez had a good look, but he sailed his effort. They played aggressive for the entirety of the match and they will hopefully start reaping the benefits to talent and hard work.
The Bad Guys: Real Monarchs SLC (9-2-1)
When you are looking to get some confidence with a win at home, you want to play a lesser team. Unfortunately, the Toros will face the best club in the USL on Monday, Real Monarchs SLC.
There is talent everywhere for the Real Salt Lake affiliate, from Chandler Hoffman to Masta Kacher to Maikel Chang to Justin Portillo. Defender Kalen Ryden actually leads the club with four goals. He’s one of ten players to score this season.
The Dirty Details
Monday, June 4th at 8PM CDT
RGVFC Toros at Real Monarchs SLC