All Toros, No Bull: Two road losses push RGVFC’s winless run to 12 matches

Over the last week, RGVFC had two chances on the road to come away with their first win of 2020 when they faced FC Tulsa then San Antonio FC. Instead, they were defeated twice and have now won zero of their first 12 matches this season.

RGVFC Toros (0-9-3)

With last night’s draw between Austin and Tulsa, the Toros survive another day before being officially eliminated from the 2020 postseason. While it’s not mathematically impossible yet, The Comeback isn’t happening for the Toros and this weekend will likely see their playoff chances go from less than 1% to 0%. Funny enough, on this date in 2016, RGVFC became the second club in the Western Conference to clinch a playoff berth.

Now, let’s look back on last week…

RGVFC battled with FC Tulsa at ONEOK Field last Wednesday, but Luka Prpa’s second goal of the season was sandwiched by a pair of goals for Dario Suarez. It was a close match throughout and including chances for both clubs to come away with three points or at least a draw for the Toros.

Saturday’s South Texas Derby was a different story. In their final match vs. San Antonio this season, the Toros conceded a goal within ten seconds of kickoff, tied for the fastest in league history, and nearly allowed another less than a few minutes later. Kyle Sanchez Edwards opened his professional account with a 10th-minute equalizer.

Hunter Gorskie was left unmarked following Kyle Ihn’s save on a corner kick and a shot from distance was redirected in by the defender to put SAFC back up. Not long after, Ignacio Bailone scored to put the hosts up 3-1 before the half-hour mark even arrived. Deshane Beckford pulled a goal back in the second half, but the Toros couldn’t find an equalizer. As they have in every match, the club fought until the end. A slight silver lining in an otherwise dismal season.

Ihn was traded to the club from OKC Energy FC last week and immediately stepped into the starting lineup on Saturday ahead of Paul Blanchette. He had some nervy moments and allowed three goals, but he did come up with some quality saves.

Top Toros

Kyle Sanchez Edwards: The most dynamic striker on the roster, Sanchez Edwards scored his first professional goal in the loss vs. San Antonio. His quickness and skill on the ball give the Toros a different look up top. He assisted on Luka Prpa’s goal vs. Tulsa.

Luka Prpa: He scored the club’s lone goal against FC Tulsa and had a slick assist on Saturday to set up Deshane Beckford’s goal. He hasn’t been a huge factor of late and this past week was a step in the right direction for the rookie.

Deshane Beckford: Against San Antonio, he came on at the half and provided good energy as the Toros tried to comeback. He had a nice finish on his goal and finished the match with three total shots.

This Week’s Quote-A-Bull: Deshane Beckford and Gerson Echeverry

On the key in getting out on the front foot and not falling behind early vs. Austin

Beckford: “It’s just (about) taking the early chances and don’t concede.”

Echeverry: “Pressing them and not letting them play at the tempo they’re comfortable at.”

Austin Bold FC (3-2-5)

While the Toros are only playing for pride at this point, Bold FC are battling for their postseason chances. They played back-to-back matches vs. FC Tulsa, who they are level with on points, in the last week. Both matches ended in draws, including coming back from two goals down to finish at 2-2 last night. After battling back to level, Bold FC definitely put their foot on the gas for a winner. They finished with 15 corners on the night and had some close calls down the stretch, including Tulsa defender and former Toro Kevin Garcia saving a ball at the last moment to prevent a counter-attacking goal.

In last night’s match, Billy Forbes was a game-changer for Austin, using his pace to make long runs and create chances for himself and his teammates. He leads the team with six goals this season. Ismaila Jome also continues to be a key player at both ends of the pitch, leading the club in crosses and doing his duty on the backline, too.

The Toros have conceded seven goals in two losses vs. Austin thus far and this is the final matchup between the two clubs this season. In other news related to both clubs, Austin signed former RGVFC striker Aldo Quintanilla to provide depth up top.

The Deets

Saturday, 8 PM CT, at H-E-B Park

Austin Bold FC at RGVFC