All Toros, No Bull: RGVFC score an upset win in South Texas
RGVFC knocked off Orange County SC last Saturday.
After six straight wins for Orange County SC, they were defeated over the weekend by RGVFC at home. Kevin Rodriguez and Juan Carlos Obregon Jr. scored the goals for the Toros.
RGVFC Toros (9-15-7)
Gerson Echeverry’s side has now defeated Orange County SC three of four times over this season and last. Both seasons, Orange County SC have been in the thick of the Western Conference playoff positioning and beating them three times in two years is no small feat. On Saturday, they were tough, fortunate, and clinical when they needed to be.
Kevin Rodriguez and Nico Corti found their way onto the bench of the USL Championship Team of the Week. Rodriguez continues to prove me wrong for doubting him for much of the season, using pace and skill on the ball to create action for the Toros. JC Obregon Jr. certainly made his presence known in his first appearance. He scored almost immediately upon substituting on and drew a straight red card elbow from Michael Orozco in stoppage time.
At least for the moment, RGVFC have avoided the dreaded “e” for eliminated from the playoffs next to their name. In fairness, they will not be making the postseason for a third straight season, but they have won two straight matches for only the second time this season. The other time came in April. Next up, they will travel to Albuquerque for a matchup with a New Mexico United squad that needs a win. Could the Toros win three consecutive matches for the first time on the campaign in their final stretch of matches?
Top Toros
Kevin Rodriguez: He scored a lovely goal to open the tally and made three tackles. Rodriguez was a high-motor player for the Toros on Saturday.
Juan Carlos Obregon Jr.: What a debut for the 21-year-old. Less than two minutes into his debut, he scored the insurance goal for RGVFC.
Nico Corti: The goalkeeper made two saves and two punches in a clean sheet win over Orange County.
This Week’s Quote-A-Bull: Kyle Adams
On Juan Carlos Obregon Jr.’s impact in his debut:
“It was great! He’s been patiently waiting for his opportunity and took full advantage of it on Saturday night.”
New Mexico United (10-9-11)
Earlier this season, the expansion team sat right around the top of the Western Conference and they made an impressive run in the US Open Cup. Now, they sit a spot below the postseason cutoff line, tied on points with San Antonio FC. They only have two wins in their last nine matches. Last time out, NMU played to a 2-2 draw with Phoenix Rising FC.
New Mexico is there to be scored on. They only have three clean sheets on the season and have allowed the 12th-most goals in the USL Championship. They make up for a shaky defense with a potent attack. Kevaughn Frater, Santi Moar, and Devon Sandoval all have double-digit goal totals this season. Former RGVFC defender Manny Padilla is tied for the club lead in assists with Chris Wehan.
The Particulars
Saturday, at 8:30 PM Central Time, at Isotopes Park
RGVFC at New Mexico United
An Eloise Ending
