RGVFC week in review: An loss to in-state foe ends the Toros’ home streak

The season is roughly halfway through and the Toros are managing their way through the midseason grind. Injuries, transfers and international tournaments have taken over the USL at this time of the season and the RGV FC Toros aren’t immune to it either.

Toros-Bold Recap

The Toros came into last week’s match on a six-game unbeaten home streak. The newly founded Austin Bold FC came into town for the first ever matchup between the two teams. The Bold showed their potential in a US Open loss to the Dynamo earlier this month and used that momentum to attack from early on.

In the 18th minute, Bold midfielder Sonny Guadarrama had a laser of a strike from 40 yards out that forced Toros goalkeeper Nicolas Corti to make a diving save. Just four minutes later, Austin had another opportunity off of a free kick when the ball found its way to the feet of forward Kleber Giacomazzi. Corti was able to push Giacomazzi’s shot out of the way to preserve the scoreless tie.RGV finally had a chance in the 40th minute, when Camilo Monroy launched a missile from inside the top left corner of the box on goal. Bold keeper Diego Restrepo pushed that shot right into Jesus Enriquez who’s shot was blocked right after.

The game remained scoreless until a defensive blunder by the Toros in the 49th minute gave Austin the 1-0 lead. After a failed Bold cross into the box, Toros defender Robert Coronado was not able to secure the ball or able the clear it away. Coronado immediately lost the ball to Francis Atuahene who fired a shot to Corti who was unable to secure the rebound. The shot then bounced off of forward Andre Lima into the goal.

The porous defense continued in the 58th minute as defender Sean McFarlane launched a clean cross into the box that found its way to Lima once again. Corti deflected the ball away into Atuahene who fired the ball above the goal.

Toros didn’t muster another true opportunity for the rest of the game. Outside of the great play of Corti the keeper, this game was not one for Toros’ fans to be proud of. RGV was able to control much of the possession, however did not have many true opportunities.

The Toros will be headed to Reno to play 1868 FC next Wednesday.

Maalique Foster called up for the Gold Cup

With the summer transfer window coming soon, one player that could use a good summer is Foster. Currently on loan with the Toros from Alajuelense, Foster could be recalled, transferred or bought outright by the Toros or Dynamo given a successful Gold Cup run. FOster has been on the bench throughout the Gold Cup so far, but with Jamaica primed for a deep run, we could see Foster make an appearance.

Carlos Small named to USL team of the week

After scoring two goals in the previous week’s victory against the Switchbacks, Small was named to the USL team of the week and finished second in voting for the USL player of the week. Small has scored seven goals in 11 games this season and has been a key part of the Toros’ attack, when he’s playing. Hopefully Small can stay healthy and help the Toros rise up the standings.