All Toros, No Bull: RGVFC can’t convert, lose a tough one at home
RGVFC get blanked in a tough home defeat to Tulsa Roughnecks FC.
With the playoffs already a long shot for RGVFC, they needed a win vs. Tulsa Roughnecks FC at home on Saturday. Unfortunately, they were not able to find the net and suffered a 1-0 defeat at H-E-B Park, almost certainly ending their postseason hopes. Marlon provided the lone score for Roughnecks FC.
RGVFC Toros (7-13-7)
Against Tulsa, the Toros were really good and aggressive in the attack, especially in the first half, until it came to finding the back of the net. The combination of Nico Lemoine, Kevin Rodriguez, and Chuy Enriquez did well to press the action and get into dangerous areas in the box, but the shots just simply were not finding the net. They tallied 11 shots in the first half.
In the middle of that attack, I think Carlos Small needed to, using a boxing term, really sit down on his shots. He finished with five shots, but a few of them could’ve found the back of the net if he really struck a grade-A ball.
The first-half injury to Robert Coronado was tough for the Toros. It took off an attacking option on the wing and a quality defender. I think the “Roberts”, Coronado and Castellanos, are both high-level prospects and it’s great to see them getting consistent match time lately. Hopefully, the injury to Coronado is a minor one and he doesn’t miss much time.
Unfortunately, the Toros will likely miss the playoffs for a third straight season. They still have one of the most talented, young rosters in the Western Conference, but they were not able to win enough matches and take advantage of their chances this season.
Top Toros
Jesus “Chuy” Enriquez: With the Toros playing with high energy in the attack, Chuy was the engine for RGVFC, making runs from the midfield to the penalty area. Statistically, he had four shots, three chances created, and went 33/37 on his passes.
Nico Lemoine: In a rare start for the 19-year-old, he was all-action for the Toros’ attack. He registered four shots on the night.
Isidro Martinez: Chelo was pulling the strings in the midfield, as usual, creating two chances, connecting on three crosses, and completed 61 passes (88.4% accuracy).
This Week’s Quote-A-Bulls: Deshane Beckford & Robert Castellanos
Beckford on how the club can score goals vs. Republic FC after the shutout against Tulsa:
“We just need to take our chances in the early part of the game.”
Castellanos on what it takes to get a clean sheet on the road:
“We just have to stay more focused and organized knowing that we are coming to someone’s home. Minimize the chances they get towards goal and put ours away so we have the home team chasing the game.”
Sacramento Republic FC (11-11-4)
After a 3-0 drubbing over Tacoma this past weekend, Sacramento will face Austin Bold FC on the road tonight. Republic FC currently occupy 6th on the Western Conference table, but they are only three points ahead of 13th.
It’s a usual suspect that leads Sacramento in goals and assists. Hometown hero Cameron Iwasa has 13 goals and five assists on the season. This summer, they added Thomas Enevoldsen from Indy Eleven and he provides another proven goalscorer at this level. Defender Mitchell Taintor leads the club in clearances, aerial duels won, and passes.
The Particulars
Sunday, 4 PM Central Time, at Papa Murphy’s Park
RGVFC at Sacramento Republic FC
An Eloise Ending
