Toros can’t find the target, finish level with NMU

A lot of Action, Not A Lot of Accuracy

Returning home after some time on the road, RGVFC Toros were looking for their first win of the 2019 campaign. Unfortunately, the club that has mastered finishing level did just that vs. New Mexico United.

In the first half, each club had a chance to lead the action, but neither tested the opposing goalkeeper with anything of substance.

The second half primarily belonged to RGV. They pressed the action and kept the ball in the attacking half. Within the first few minutes of the second frame, the Toros forced a couple of saves and looked like they might find a goal.

But, the shots on target would cease and there would be a lot of good moves into attacking areas before firing an errant shot.

Everything finished level at zero and it was split points in South Texas. RGV tallied more shots but held less of possession.

Ballin’ Bulls

Dynamo Theory’s Man of the Match, Isidro Martinez: He pulled the strings from the midfield to the attack for RGVFC. The rookie hit on 76% of his 51 passes and always had an eye for going forward. His delivery on corner kicks led to some nervy moments for New Mexico, tallying five successful crosses.

Maalique Foster: This was the best match so far for a player that was so heralded in the preseason. He used his skills and pace to create dangerous opportunities. The Jamaican finished with two chances created and drew two fouls.

Alejandro Fuenmayor/Kevin Garcia: The Dynamo duo in central defense combined for over 100 passes, 28 long passes, six clearances, and three interceptions.

Talkin’ Toros

Chuy Enriquez on how close the Toros are to their first win:

“We’re close. Real close!”

The Good Guys: Rio Grande Valley FC Toros (0-3-2)

Another dropped result for RGV, but this was at least a competitive one. The Toros pressed the action at home and were the more aggressive attacking side for the first time this season. If only they were clinical in their finishing...

This week, the Toros had another heavy Dynamo contingent. With the first team not in action, the starting XI included the aforementioned Alejandro Fuenmayor and Kevin Garcia, along with Juan David Cabezas, Samuel Junqua, and Tyler Deric.

I mentioned during my live tweet of the match that Robert Coronado has impressed me more than his Dynamo loanee counterparts. Hopefully, he will not continue to lose playing time every week to loanees. While I know that’s the nature of the beast, he’s been an impressive rookie and I think he will continue to showcase his skills when given the chance.

Going forward, it’s a simple matter of being better for RGVFC. They’ve played decent in nearly every match in the early season, but that has not been good enough. They need to be more clinical, establish more of a defensive presence in the midfield, and stay staunch in defense.

The Bad Guys: OKC Energy FC (2-2-1)

After securing victories in their first couple of matches, OKC Energy FC are winless in their last three. They lost 3-2 at home vs. Portland Timbers 2 last weekend.

In their five matches, they’ve scored multiple goals in four of them. Their 11 goals on the campaign are good for a third-best tie in USL Championship. A trio of attacking players that hail from Caribbean islands is leading the squad. Jamaicans Deshorn Brown and Omar Gordon have combined for five goals and Cordell Cato of Trinidad & Tobago has tallied two goals and two assists.

OKC will look to get out on the counter vs. RGVFC and the backline will need to be on high alert, because the Energy, wait for it, bring a lot of energy and pace on the break.

The Dirty Details

OKC Energy FC at RGVFC

Saturday, 3/13, at 7:30 PM

Your Weekly Dose of Eloise

Credit: Amy Elizabeth-Krebs Merk