All Toros, No Bull: A big win follows a blowout loss for RGVFC
After a blowout loss last Wednesday, RGVFC bounced back over the weekend with a 3-1 win.
The RGVFC Toros were hammered 5-0 by Fresno FC midweek before they upset Real Monarchs SLC at home, 3-1. Chuy Enriquez, Eric Bird, and Michael Salazar scored the goals.
RGVFC Toros (8-15-7)
Simply put, last Wednesday was a rough one for the RGVFC Toros. They were looking to rebound after a disappointing defeat against Sacramento Republic FC when they took on Fresno FC in a midweek matchup. Unfortunately, rather than bouncing back and showing resilience, the Toros were blown out by the Foxes, 5-0. That marked the fourth straight defeat for Gerson Echeverry’s side. There’s really no need to dwell on this one. It was an embarrassing blowout.
While they didn’t bounce back vs. Fresno, they surely did against Monarchs SLC. They were able to press the action early and after some close calls, Nico Lemoine drew a penalty and Chuy converted it. Eric Bird and Michael Salazar scored in the second half before Damian German pulled one back. The Toros did a great job of limiting the danger of most of Real Monarchs’ chances. Nine of the visitors’ shots were from outside the box and six of their 13 shots were blocked.
Back at home again this week, they will take on the in-form Orange County SC. When the clubs met earlier this season, OC took a 2-1 win in SoCal, despite playing down two players by the final whistle. Last season, the Toros took both matches for Orange County by 2-0 scorelines.
Before I give Chuy credit for his performances last week below, I have to take some credit here. When the Toros were playing in Las Vegas, I mentioned to the talented winger as we ate some delicious tacos that he may need to cut his horrendous rat tail to turn around his streak of no goals, which dated back to the spring. After the match vs. Fresno, he decided to cut the rat tail and is now officially rocking a smooth fade. What happens in the first appearance sans rat tail? A goal. You’re welcome, Toros Nation!
Top Toros
Jesus “Chuy” Enriquez: The new RGVFC record-holder in assists, Chuy converted a penalty and assisted on Michael Salazar’s goal against Real Monarchs SLC. He also came off the bench vs. Fresno and registered one of the club’s four shots on goal.
Congrats to Jesús “Chuy” Enríquez for becoming the all time assist leader in franchise history with 9 assists after last nights match against SLC! #RGVFC #SomosToros #WeAreToros pic.twitter.com/YNhcvoiR0Z
— RGVFC (@RGVFC) September 22, 2019
Eric Bird: On loan from the Houston Dynamo, Bird created three chances against Fresno before creating two vs. Monarchs SLC. He also scored the second goal of the win.
Michael Salazar: He scored the final goal for the Toros on Saturday and assisted on Bird’s goal. He had two key passes off the bench vs. Fresno.
This Week’s Quote-A-Bull: Jesus “Chuy” Enriquez
On becoming the club’s all-time leader in assists:
“It means a lot to me knowing that I was able to accomplish that out here, even though the club has a short history, it still feels really good and a confidence boost.”
Orange County SC (12-8-9)
Now listed as the #1 team on the USLChampionship.com Power Rankings, OCSC have won six straight matches. The club is solid on both sides of the pitch, top half in the league in goals scored and allowing the 13th-fewest goals. Last week, they snuck past Tulsa on the road.
Michael Seaton and Darwin Jones have both scored double-digit goals for Orange County this season. Thankfully for RGV, Aodhan Quinn will be suspended for this match due to yellow card accumulation. The midfielder has tallied seven goals and five assists. Behind him in the spine of the team, Walker Hume leads the club in clearances and aerial duels won and is second in passes.
The Particulars
Saturday, 7:30 PM Central, at H-E-B Park
Orange County SC at RGVFC
An Eloise Ending
