Photo credit to Christian Inoferio

Toros blanked in Austin

Heading into Sunday night’s game at Austin, a win for the Toros would have been a huge benefit. The win would put them in the tightly contested Western Conference race for the final playoff spots. With other opponents being held to minimal results, it was an ideal scenario for the Toros to make up some ground.

Before the game, the Houston Dynamo loaned out Alejandro Fuenmayor, Eric Bird, Ronaldo Pena, and Michael Salazar to the Toros and all four got the starting nod.

In the first half, the Toros began dominating the possession and presented the clearer opportunities to score. Early on it was Pena who had one of the Toros best chances to open the scoring as a ball was passed into the area but Salazar fired wide of the mark. RGV continued to press for an opener via the set-piece as well but no dice. In the 32nd minute Austin scored as Ewa Twumasi off a Thomas de Villardi pass to make it 1-0.

Before the half ended, the Toros were reduced to 10-men as Nico Corti was sent-off for an apparent hand ball outside the. Replay would suggest that the ball never made contact with the hand. Ben Willis, who has seen limited minutes this season, was forced into action as he came on for Pena. Austin had a set-piece chance before the half ended and Willis made a save.

During the second half, Austin would control the game and in the 60th minute Andre Lima added the second goal for the Bold. The Toros had a set piece chance as Isidro Martinez had his shot on target deflected and it would be the closest opportunity to get back into the game.

Austin added a third goal late in the match to seal all the points and the inaugural Copa Tejas in front of their crowd. The loss for RGV meant a chance to catch some of the other contenders for the last playoff spot.

What’s next for the Toros

The Toros have a home game against the Tulsa Roughnecks at H-E-B Park on Saturday night with the kick-off set for 7:30 PM.