2019 RGV FC Roster Breakdown

After making the playoffs in year one, RGV FC have missed the playoffs in year two and three. Now entering year four, we take a look at the roster that will look to get the Toros back into the postseason.

Goalkeepers

Isaac Acevedo

(Appeared for the US U-16 boys national team in 2018)

2019 Outlook: Signed on an Academy amateur contract, he will provide depth at goalkeeper and gain valuable experience in training.

Osmar Chavero

(Like Acevedo, he’s appeared for youth national teams. Member of the Dynamo Academy)

2019 Outlook: After flexing his skills in the Kick In For Houston charity match, Chavero will be a depth goalkeeper on an Academy contract with RGV.

Nico Corti

2018 stats: 20 appearances, six clean sheets, 52 saves, 30 goals conceded.

Outlook: As a rookie out of Stanford, he was the first-choice keeper last season for Gerson Echeverry. Outside of a first-team keeper getting loaned down, I would expect Corti to be the top guy again.

Ben Willis

NCAA stats with Gonzaga: 56 matches, 89 goals allowed, nine clean sheets

2019 Outlook: I’d expect him to compete with, and primarily back up, Corti in his rookie season.

Defenders

Kyle Adams

2018 stats: 25 appearances, 80% passing accuracy, 112 clearances.

Outlook: A remarkably valuable piece for the Toros in 2018 and he figures to be the same this season. He is a center back by trade but can fill in at full back when called upon. He got some experience with the first team this preseason in Arizona.

Robert Castellanos

2018 stats: Five appearances, 83% tackle success rate, six interceptions.

2019 Outlook: He didn’t get much of a chance last season but played well when he did. Only 20 years old, he has major potential and will be fighting for a consistent spot in the rotation.

Hector Copete

All I know is he joined the club from Colombia.

2019 Outlook: With a lack of defensive depth, I’d assume he will provide a rotational option for Gerson.

Conor Donovan

2018 stats: 27 appearances, 44 interceptions, 103 clearances.

Outlook: Signed by Houston Dynamo midseason, Donovan returns to the Toros on a USL contract for 2019. He will fill one of the starting central defense spots for RGV.

Zach Jackson

2018 stats: N/A

2019 Outlook: In his first professional season, the Dynamo Academy alum will be a rotational player on the backline.

Andrew Samuels

NCAA stats at Maryland: 78 matches, one assist

2019 Outlook: I’d expect him to factor in as a starter on a roster thin with outside backs.

Midfielders

Andres Arcila

NCAA stats at Seton Hall: 47 matches played, 18 goals, ten assists

2019 Outlook: From his college highlights, he looks like a skillful dribbler and could be a key attacking midfielder replacing the departed Pablo Aguilar and Matias Zaldivar.

David Cabrera

2018 stats: Two appearances, 82% passing accuracy.

2019 Outlook: I wouldn’t expect a big role for David this season. He provides depth in the midfield.

Robert Coronado (Toros list him as a defender, but we’ll see)

NCAA stats at Cal State Fullerton: 86 matches played, five goals, 18 assists

2019 Outlook: Without seeing any film on the rookie, he could help with depth in the RGV midfield.

Brad Dunwell

NCAA stats with Wake Forest: 91 matches (all starts), one goal, 14 assists

2019 Outlook: Ranked as MLSSoccer.com’s top senior prospect, the Houston Dynamo third round selection could be a starter in the defensive midfield.

Jesus “Chuy” Enriquez

2018 stats: 31 appearances, six assists, six goals

2019 Outlook: Don’t be surprised if Chuy is one of the biggest breakout stars in the USL Championship this season. The winger will have a full season of setting up Carlos Small and he will have a dangerous player like Maalique Foster with him on the pitch to attract defenders.

Victor Garza

2018 stats: Five matches, one assist

2019 Outlook: Coming off a season-ending knee injury, I expect Garza to work off the rust and factor in on the wing. He has also played full back in previous years.

Romilio Hernandez

2018 stats: Three appearances, 67% passing accuracy

2019 Outlook: Hernandez should benefit from having a preseason with the club after signing midseason last year. Also, the midfield position is thinner without Todd Wharton and Nicolas Perea.

Isidro Martinez

NCAA stats with UTRGV: 70 matches, nine goals, 13 assists

2019 Outlook: He will add depth to the midfield and attack.

Brandon Morales

2018 stats: Two appearances, 4/5 in duels, two key passes

2019 Outlook: As the former Toros Academy player continues to develop, I expect him to be primarily a super sub early in the season.

Kevin Rodriguez

NCAA stats with Northern Illinois: 59 matches, seven goals, 11 assists

2019 Outlook: A former Dynamo Academy player, Rodriguez will bring pace and playmaking to the wing.

Carlos Viveros

2018 stats (with Brazos Valley in the PDL): 13 matches, three goals, three assists

Outlook: A skillful, pacey winger, Viveros should provide depth behind the starters.

Forwards

Wilmer Andres “Andy” Cabrera

2018 stats: 14 appearances, seven key passes, six interceptions.

2019 Outlook: Andy will be a high-motor player, as a starter or substitute, but he needs to be more clinical this season. He will depart midseason to continue his soccer and educationally journey at Butler.

Maalique Foster

2018 stats (with Portmore United and LD Alajuelense): 14 matches, four goals, three assists

2019 Outlook: From everyone I’ve talked to, players and fans alike, this is that dude. The Jamaican’s got pace, skill, and an eye for goal.

Nico Lemoine

2018 stats with San Jose Earthquakes U-18/19: 14 matches, four goals

2019 Outlook: The 18-year-old will bring depth and potential to the 2019 Toros.

Camilo Monroy

2018 stats: One appearance, one key pass

2019 Outlook: He’s still only 20 years old and his pace and skill on the ball are hard to find. I’d expect him to return to a rotational role, as he had in 2017.

Aldo Quintanilla

2018 stats: 22 appearances, five goals, four assists, 35 key passes.

2019 Outlook: According to Aldo’s Instagram, it looks like he will miss some considerable time with a knee injury.

Carlos Small

2018 stats (with CD Arabe Unido & RGV FC): 21 matches, nine goals, one assist

2019 Outlook: He is the first choice striker for the Toros. After arriving midseason, he gave fans plenty to be excited about.

Five Player Predictions

Chuy Enriquez or Maalique Foster will be signed to the Dynamo during the season.

Brandon Morales will score his first professional goal within the first ten matches of the season.

If he plays a full season with RGV FC, Chuy will register more than ten assists.

Carlos Small will score 15+ goals and will lead the team.

Nico Corti will have 10+ clean sheets.