All Toros, No Bull: RGVFC will face Fresno tonight after a loss on Sunday

After a late goal sunk them in Sac-Town, RGVFC will try to get back on track vs. Fresno tonight.

In a rare Sunday outing, RGVFC scored first before allowing two unanswered goals in a 2-1 loss to Sacramento Republic FC. Nico Lemoine scored the goal for the Toros and Sam Werner and Dariusz Formella tallied for the hosts. The Toros have two more matches this week, away tonight vs. Fresno FC and Saturday at home vs. Real Monarchs SLC.

RGVFC Toros (7-14-7)

It’s unfortunate to say, but the loss to Sacramento was a pretty typical result for RGVFC this season. They were the better side for a chunk of the match, but a few mistakes led to a loss by way of a late goal. It’s a young side that struggles to close out matches, but that’s not an acceptable excuse anymore.

Early on, the Toros were pressing the action and creating quality chances. Nico Lemoine opened the scoring with a rebound effort from close range. But, the away side could not add an insurance goal with their momentum and that allowed Sacramento to grab control of the match.

The two goals for Sacramento were both results of lapses in judgment and execution. First, a simple through ball narrowly avoided interception by Robert Castellanos and Werner got behind Andrew Samuels and converted. Republic’s late winner came when Houston Dynamo loanee Michael Nelson kicked the ball directly to a Sacramento player, who set up Formella’s tally.

While the playoffs aren’t realistic anymore, let’s see how this club rallies during this busy week after three straight losses. They can score an upset win tonight on the road and can give the home fans another upset on Saturday in their third-to-last match at H-E-B Park this season.

Top Toros

Nico Lemoine: It wasn’t a difficult goal, but Lemoine was in the right place at the right time to convert the lone score for RGVFC.

Kyle Adams: Making his return as the Toros’ captain, he connected on 86% of his passes, made two clearances, and intercepted three passes.

Isidro Martinez: Chelo registered 88% passing accuracy, four tackles, four interceptions, and won two fouls in the RGVFC midfield.

This Week’s Quote-A-Bull: Jesus “Chuy” Enriquez

On the positives of a quick turnaround:

“It’s good for us because we get another chance without having to wait a whole week.”

Fresno FC (14-5-8)

Sitting third place in the Western Conference, Fresno FC have lost two of their last three matches to clubs outside of the playoff picture, most recently to Las Vegas Lights FC in Sin City.

Jaime Chavez is leading the club in scoring after spending most of his career in the lower leagues. Anyone that knows the USL Championship is familiar with Fresno creator Juan Pablo Caffa. He has five assists and 52 key passes this season.

In the second match of the season, Fresno FC defeated RGVFC at H-E-B Park, 2-0.

Real Monarchs SLC (11-9-7)

The Real Salt Lake-affiliate only has one win in their last five matches and despite sitting in 6th place currently, they are only three points above the 11th position.

Douglas Martinez has 15 goals on the season and was recently signed to the first team, but he can still feature for the Monarchs. Sitting directly below Martinez in goals and assists is Maikel Chang. The Cuban midfielder has nine goals and four assists.

It was a barnburner when these clubs met earlier this season in Utah with Monarchs SLC winning the matchup 5-3.

The Particulars

Tonight, 9:30 PM CDT, at Chukchansi Park

RGVFC at Fresno FC

Saturday, at 7:30 PM CDT, at H-E-B Park

RGVFC vs. Real Monarchs SLC

An Eloise Ending

How could I not accept this rose!?

Carson A Merk

Reporting live from Sin City, I have covered both RGVFC and Las Vegas Lights FC since their inceptions. I also write profiles to highlight players from the NCAA to USL to NWSL and everywhere in between.