RGVFC’s record-setting strike overshadowed in 2-1 loss

Sacramento Snags the Win in the Second Half

Things started out so well for RGVFC. Carlos Small scored the fastest goal in the club’s three-year history, smacking home a shot in the first minute. Unfortunately, they could not find the net in any of the other 89 minutes of regulation.

After Small’s goal, each side found themselves leading the action. The goalkeepers were both tested and came up big a couple times with highlight reel saves. Tyler Deric would be called upon right before the half and that would be an omen for what was coming after the break.

In the 63rd minute, Cameron Iwasa would beat Kai Greene at the far post for a header off of a short corner. That goal gave him the club’s all-time lead. Another set piece helped Sacramento grab the lead and the win. Keven Aleman found Jeremy Hall on a free kick and Hall knocked home the header, with Deric unable to keep it out. Despite some chances in the final minutes, RGVFC could not pull level on the road.

In rare fashion, the Toros were actually out-possessed by their opponent, losing that battle 59%-41%. Unfortunately. a loss on the road for RGVFC is not rare. They are 0-7-3 away from H-E-B Park.

Ballin’ Bulls

Dynamo Theory’s Man of the Match Carlos Small: As his fitness continues to improve, Small is going to be a nightmare for the USL. His record-setting goal was great and his physical ability is fun to watch up top in the Toros’ attack.

Aldo Quintanilla: He showcased the ability to partner well with another striker. Aldo assisted on Small’s goal and continues to impress in his first year.

Talkin’ Toros

Nico Corti on what he’s able to learn from Tyler Deric:

“I’ve picked up a lot of great things from training with him everyday. He’s been really helpful about pointing out some of my technical deficiencies in goalkeeper training and giving me good feedback to correct those. Another big thing is seeing his intensity and communication with his back line whenever we are playing with the rest of the squad. There’s definitely another level of communication and assertiveness that I have to keep working towards and seeing Tyler doing it every day is super helpful for me.”

The Good Guys: Rio Grande Valley FC Toros (3-8-11)

As we enter the final ten matches, unfortunately, the playoffs are out of reach. But, there is a massive chance for the players to develop and also prove themselves. Gerson Echeverry has no question earned more time with this club and with the youth on the roster, there’s a good chance they improve a lot next season. But, who will be around? These final ten matches will serve as an audition to keep their spot or earn a starting spot in 2019.

Saturday, we got to see the Toros’ debut of Tyler Deric. The Houston Dynamo keeper made a highlight reel save in his return and will look to tighten things up as the rust comes off. Also dusting off the rust was A.J. DeLaGarza. Rehabbing the knee injury that ended his 2017 season, the defender played the first half with the Toros.

The Bad Guys: OKC Energy FC (8-12-5)

OKC will enter Saturday’s match feeling good. They won two matches last week and are climbing towards the Western Conference playoff positions. Midweek, they topped in-state rival Tulsa. Then, they upset the league-leading Real Monarchs.

Christian Volesky and Alex Dixon lead the club in goals with seven apiece. This is the first match-up between these two sides this season. If you recall, it was OKC that eliminated the Toros in their only playoff appearance, back in 2016.

The Dirty Details

Who: OKC Energy FC at RGVFC

When: Saturday, 8/18, at 7:30 PM CDT

Where: H-E-B Park

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