Early Bird Goal in Second Half Propels Toros to Victory

The RGV FC Toros earned a 1-0 over in-state rival El Paso Locomotive on Saturday night at H-E-B Park. The win came at a crucial time as the Toros earned a much needed time in midst of a playoff push. The win at home snapped a three game skid plus a rare clean sheet.

Early in the first half the Toros were able to break the El Paso defense as Carlos Small found a one-on-one opportunity against Logan Ketterer and sent his shot just wide of the mark that could have opened the scoring. El Paso possessed most of the ball and had a few chances but the RGV stood tall. The game went scoreless at the break with El Paso dominating the possession but the Toros creating the clearer chances.

In the second half, the Toros opened with the kick off and immediately decided to attack El Paso. It paid off as RGV produced an opportunity when Jesus Enriquez passed the ball and found Eric Bird. Bird took a shot just inside the box and produced the games lone goal just two minutes after the break. The Locomotive kept up with possession but the RGV defense held them only one shot on target.

Other talking points

Bird’s performance produced man of the match honors as his game has hit a good point but his goal tonight show the good form that he had been playing in the last few weeks. Additional playing the full 90 minutes with RGV in the last few weeks and leadership has given the Toros a different look.

Deshane Beckford debut for the Toros in a limited time show some promise for the future. Beckford arrived as a loan for RGV FC as they enter the stretch run and his limited minutes gave a small glimpse of what he can provide. He created a couple of chances which one nearly resulted in a second goal.

The defensive unit held a clean sheet at a important time because in recent games they have allowed early goals and the team would play from behind. The back line of Sam Junqua, Conor Donovan, Andrew Samuels, and Robert Castellanos was effective and held the Locomotive to one shot on target.

Up next for RGV FC

A trip to central Texas awaits the Toros as they will finish the final installment of the Copa Tejas as they will face Austin Bold. The Toros sit tied a top of the Copa Tejas standings but more importanly the ground that they have to make up to make a late push at the USL Championship playoff race.