All Toros, No Bull: A blowout loss and disappointing draw for RGVFC
RGVFC have only two wins in their last nine outings.
In the span of a week, the RGVFC Toros had two matches, neither ended the way they wanted. A 4-0 loss to Reno 1868 FC led into a scoreless home draw vs. Tacoma Defiance.
RGVFC Toros (5-8-5)
Let’s start with the match last Wednesday against Reno. They played the club in second place in the Western Conference and were dismantled in northern Nevada. Looking at some crucial numbers, Reno held 62% of possession and had 24 shots, including FIFTEEN in the RGVFC penalty area. The Toros were simply overmatched defensively, with Carlos Viveros noticeably struggling in his first league start.
To be completely honest, the draw last week was worse than the loss in the grand scheme of things. This time playing at home, the Toros were shutout by the club that has allowed the most goals in the entire league. RGVFC did tally 19 shots but only four went on frame. While it’s nice that Kyle Adams finished with five shots on the day, there is no way he can lead the club in shots as a central defender. If you want to find a silver lining in the match, Tacoma finished with zero shots on target. With an opening match loss vs. the Defiance, RGVFC have only one point to show for their two matches vs. the worst team in the Western Conference. That’s not a positive indication for a potential postseason berth.
I’ve said it multiple times previously, including last week’s article, but it’s worth repeating that the attacking players need to turn the skill and sizzle in the attack into scoring goals. Since Michael Salazar’s last match with the club in a 5-3 loss to Real Monarchs, RGVFC have only scored three goals in four matches, all coming vs. second-bottom Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC.
Top Toros
Isidro Martinez: The creative midfielder created seven chances across the two matches, including five vs. Tacoma. He continues to be a bright spot and could have impressive assists numbers with better finishing from his strikers.
Kyle Adams: I had a hard time putting a defender that started in a 4-0 loss here, but Adams was not directly responsible for more than one goal. He was also the best player on the pitch vs. Tacoma. In the two matches last week, he tallied 12 clearances, three interceptions, six shots, and only one foul conceded.
Romilio Hernandez: Against Reno, Romi had four clearances and three tackles. He followed that up with a 97% passing day vs. Tacoma, also registering an interception and a chance created.
This Week’s Quote-A-Bull: Kyle Adams
On how the club can turn it around after a tough week:
“We have to try and get a goal early this weekend to get our confidence back and get a little bit of rhythm for our attackers. And the defense needs to stay sharp at the back and give our forwards an opportunity to win us the game.”
Phoenix Rising FC (10-2-5)
After getting blasted by the Western Conference’s second-place side last Wednesday, the Toros will host the top side and the hottest team in the entire USL Championship. With eight straight wins, Phoenix Rising FC have overcome a slow start to rocket to the top of the table and score the most goals in the league.
When you talk about Rising FC, the first name you must mention is Solomon Asante. The speedy, skillful attacking player has twelve goals and nine assists. Junior Flemmings is not far behind with eight goals and five assists. Adam Jahn has added nine goals up top.
On the opposite end of the pitch, they’ve only allowed 17 goals on the season with eight clean sheets for Zac Lubin.
The Particulars
Saturday, 7/13, at 7:30 PM Central Time
RGVFC vs. Phoenix Rising FC at H-E-B Park
An Eloise Ending
