All Toros, No Bull: RGVFC routed early, rally late in loss vs. Real Monarchs
RGVFC rallied on the road but still came up short in the Utah altitude.
The RGVFC Toros made it two straight losses on the road when they were defeated by Real Monarchs SLC last Saturday, 5-3. Douglas Martinez (2), Maikel Chang, Josh Heard, and Noah Powder provided the tallies for the Real Salt Lake affiliate while Michael Salazar scored once before Carlos Small added a brace.
RGVFC Toros (4-4-6)
The June 1st loss to Orange County SC was frustrating because the Toros were not able to take advantage of two red cards on OCSC. Their loss over the weekend was frustrating because they allowed themselves to get blown out in the first half-hour of the match.
Were there some tight calls that went against the Toros? Absolutely. Did a couple of them seem to be the wrong decision? Sure. But, as I always say, the referees can’t lose you a match. Missed calls in big moments can flip momentum or cost you a goal, but there were hundreds of other moments in that match that you could have used to seize the result.
The big news this week was Michael Salazar Jr. signing with the Dynamo. As I tweeted, he is so deserving of this opportunity. Overcoming a major leg injury, he worked his way back and was able to be a game-changer for the Toros. He will be missed, but that’s the nature of the beast for MLS affiliates.
Without Salazar and Maalique Foster, the club will need major contributions from Carlos Small, Chuy Enriquez, Camilo Monroy, and the other attacking players (Andy Cabrera until he leaves for Butler).
Top Toros
Player of the Week Carlos Small: He came off the bench and pushed the Toros back into the match with two key goals.
Michael Salazar: Before signing with the Dynamo, he broke the club record for goals in a season with a headed finish on Saturday.
Isidro Martinez: Playing his usual playmaker role, Chelo was able to create chances for the guys up top and registered an assist.
This Week’s Quote-A-Bull: Robert Castellanos
On how tough it was to go down early on the road:
It was pretty tough on us since we were the away team, going down early in the game put us in a situation where we had to chase the game. The second half, our team came out stronger and I had complete faith in the guys that we would come back and tie the game. But, we kept fighting and giving it our all until the final whistle.
Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC (4-8-2)
Things have not been going too well for Switchbacks FC…at all. They sit only ahead of Tacoma Defiance on the table and have just 14 goals scored on the season. One of their saving graces has been a decent defense, only allowing 21 goals on the season.
Jordan Burt has six goals on the season from his defensive position to lead the team. On the wing, Shane Malcolm has added three goals and an assist.
The Particulars
Saturday, 6/15, at 7:30 PM CDT
RGVFC vs. Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC
A Surprise Sterling Ending
