All Toros, No Bull: RGVFC drop a foul-filled match in Sin City
Another away loss for the Toros in an up-and-down 2019 season.
On a scorching, grasshopper-filled night in Sin City, RGVFC dropped a 2-1 result to Las Vegas Lights FC. Gabe Robinson and Irvin Parra provided the goals for the hosts while Carlos Small scored a record-scoring tally for Gerson Echeverry’s side.
RGVFC Toros (6-10-5)
Las Vegas has not been an easy place to play for any USL Championship team and it certainly wasn’t for the Toros. They were outmuscled and roughed up by the Lights, who registered 23 fouls. Eric Wynalda’s side allowed RGVFC to hold onto a lot of the possession, but they tightened up right outside the box. The Toros were primarily forced to fire shots from long range, outside of Small’s score in the first half.
Both goals for Las Vegas were scored from headers. Gabe Robinson was able to outjump Conor Donovan and Irvin Parra knifed behind Donovan and in front of Kyle Adams. Nico Corti stood little chance on either occasion and the goalkeeper came up with a big save on a counter-attack to keep things close.
It’s nice to see Carlos Small get back on track and in record-setting fashion, now the all-time leader in goals for RGVFC. The Toros will hope that home-cooking gets them back on track when they host Reno 1868 FC on Saturday.
Top Toros
Carlos Small: The new record holder did well to bury his chance in the first half. He tallied three shots on the night.
Eric Bird: Great one-touch assist from Birdman on Small’s goal. The Dynamo loanee had three shots on target and completed 86% of his 43 passes.
Kevin Rodriguez: This was probably his best performance yet for RGVFC. Rodriguez was active on the ball, won five fouls, shot twice, and had two chances created.
This Week’s Quote-A-Bull: Jesus “Chuy” Enriquez
On how to handle a team playing physical like the Lights:
“If they’re hitting, we have to hit, too (within the rules). That’s the only way to play against a team like that. Be smart about it, but make sure they feel our presence.”
Next Up: Reno 1868 FC (12-5-5)
Sitting second place in the USL Western Conference, 1868 FC have only one loss in their last seven matches. Last time out, they destroyed Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, 4-0 in northern Nevada.
The club transferred star striker Brian Brown this summer and Corey Hertzog has taken the club lead in goals with 11. Raul Mendiola has four goals and seven assists while Lindo Mfeka is coming off a brace.
When these clubs met earlier this month, Reno handed RGV a 4-0 loss at Greater Nevada Field. Sam Gleadle scored twice that night.
The Particulars
Saturday, 7:30 PM Central
An Eloise Ending
