All Toros, No Bull: Split points in an odd match for RGVFC
In a wild, road match, RGVFC came away with a draw vs. Colorado Springs ahead of a rivalry match this weekend vs. San Antonio.
Over the weekend, RGVFC Toros came back from a two-goal deficit but conceded a goal late to finish level with Switchbacks FC. Andres Arcila, Kevin Rodriguez, and Michael Salazar scored one goal apiece in the 3-3 draw.
RGVFC Toros (6-11-6)
Saturday’s match was a strange one for RGVFC. They allowed a quality goal early before conceding a frustrating one as Kyle Adams failed to clear the ball off the line in an open goal as a Switchbacks player blasted it home. With Michael Salazar down on loan again, RGV pulled one back. Andres Arcila, getting another start, set up Salazar for the opener. Kevin Rodriguez leveled things up before a gorgeous free-kick goal from Arcila actually put the Toros up. Unfortunately, the win wasn’t meant to be and a stoppage-time equalizer ended things 3-3.
Set-piece defending and conceding late have been issues all season, even going back to last year. The playoffs are becoming less realistic, but player development can still be crucial. Houston Dynamo’s firing of Wilmer Cabrera puts everyone on notice. If there are star performers down the stretch, that could carry some weight with whoever the next first-team coach is. Andres Arcila is certainly catching some attention over the past few weeks. He’s a skillful dribbler, quality passer, and has two special finishes in two weeks.
Top Toros
Andres Arcila: For the second straight match, Arcila found the back of the net. This time, it was a silky smooth free-kick to put his club ahead in the second half. He assisted on Salazar’s goal with a lovely backheel pass.
Kevin Rodriguez: He scored the tying goal in the first half for RGV. Rodriguez also added three tackles and an interception. It was a positive performance for a player I’ve been critical of this season.
Michael Salazar: Back again on loan, Salazar took back the club-lead in goals on the campaign. He won a foul and created a chance, too.
This Week’s Quote-A-Bull: Robert Castellanos
On this week’s crucial South Texas Derby this weekend:
“It’s all or nothing. We are at a point of the season where we can’t drop any more points either, home or away. So due to it being a rivalry and this deep in the season, we all know what’s at stake. Nobody likes losing a derby so the guys and I know we’re going there to get points.
San Antonio FC (8-9-6)
After a slow start to the season, San Antonio FC have found their way into playoff position. They have only lost once in their last seven outings. Last time out, they hammered Reno 1868 FC, 4-1.
Cristian Parano was voted the USL Championship Player of the Week after scoring twice and tallying four key passe in a win over Reno. After arriving from Los Dos mid-season, Frank Lopez has been a quality addition for SAFC. Combined with a steady backline, this club is playing their best soccer of the season and could solidify their playoff positioning with a big rivalry win. The first South Texas Derby of the year went to RGVFC at H-E-B Park with the Toros winning 3-1.
The Particulars
RGVFC at San Antonio FC
Toyota Stadium
Saturday, 7:30 PM CDT
An Eloise Ending
