RGV FC drops third straight match; back-to-back home loss

The RGV FC Toros lost at home to Reno 1868 FC by the final of 2-1 at HEB Park on Saturday night. With this loss to Reno, it became third home loss in four home games, while also dropping the Toros further back in the playoff race.

Reno opened the scoring early on in the 9th minute as Thomas Janjigian headed the ball to the center of the goal off a Seth Casiple corner kick. The Toros responded back with a quick goal a minute later, as Kevin Rodriguez found Andres Arcila for his first professional goal. RGV pressured Reno and nearly took the lead as Andrew Samuels saw his effort saved.

Reno would use a counter attack to regain the lead as USL Championship veteran Corey Hertzog found Aidan Apodaca to give them the 2-1 advantage. Before the break, the Toros would have an opportunity to equalize but the Michael Salazar header would glance just wide.

During the second half, RGV took a total of 16 shots two which were on target and eight of the them which were blocked. Substitute Camilo Monroy hit the bar in the 83rd minute which was followed by a Nico Lemoine shot that was saved by Matt Bersano and saved the result for Reno. The RGV loss leaves them with a record of 6-10-5.

Three takeaways vs Reno

1. Giving up the early goal.

Last season the Toros did not have the issue of giving up the early goal. Its been an on-going trend in the first 15 to 20 minutes of a match in the last few games.

2. Showing grit and character

Last season, if the Toros gave up a goal the fight back was not shown until the very end. This season’s Toros team is willing to find a way to equalize or get back into the game for every goal given up.

3. Opportunities Galore

The Toros garnished 21 opportunities to score against Reno but only one found the back of the net. Before Salazar rejoined the team, RGV struggled to create opportunites. With Salazar in the lineup the team had over 20 chances.

Up next for RGV FC

The loss to Reno puts RGV six points behind the last playoff spot. Their next games are on the road as they will head to the mile high state to Colorado to face the Colorado Springs Switchbacks on August 10th.