All Toros, No Bull: Willis blanks OKC in a win for the Toros
In their final away match of 2019, RGVFC stepped up and shut out OKC Energy FC in a 2-0 road win.
For only the second time this season, RGVFC won a match away from H-E-B Park. The Toros went on the road and defeated OKC Energy FC by a 2-0 scoreline with goals coming from Conor Donovan and Carlos Small.
RGVFC Toros (10-15-8)
A rough season on the road ended with a high note for Gerson Echeverry’s side. They went into Oklahoma City and not only did they win, but they secured a shutout. They weathered some dangerous chances from the Energy and pushed the action themselves at times.
This match means a lot more than a win. It showcased some fight and character from a side that’s already been eliminated from playoff contention. Both Isidro Martinez and Eric Bird completed over 80% of their passes and Kevin Rodriguez has continued his good form, proving my early season criticisms wrong.
Next up, the Toros close their season at home on Friday night. I’d urge the people in the Rio Grande Valley to show up and make this a special season finale. There’s no way to tell how many people will return next season from this team. Send them off with your love and support for a long year of hard work.
Top Toros
Ben Willis: In a rare start, the rookie goalkeeper made three saves to blank OKC Energy FC at Taft Stadium.
Conor Donovan: Not only did the central defender score a quality headed goal, but he also connected on 90% of his passes and made four clearances.
Carlos Small: He converted a penalty kick for the insurance goal and created four chances on the day. The Panamanian had four total shots on the day.
This Week’s Quote-A-Bull: Kyle Adams
On Ben Willis’ performance vs. OKC:
“It’s great. We see it at training, day in and day out, and we knew that he could come up huge for us when we needed him to.”
Portland Timbers 2 (10-14-8)
This match could have had some postseason significance, but last night’s loss for T2 vs. El Paso knocked them out of playoff contention. Zach Kobayashi scored the only T2 goal in the 4-1 loss. Now, the match between RGV and Timbers 2 is simply a season finale for both sides in South Texas.
Former RGVFC captain Todd Wharton will play his first game as a visitor at H-E-B Park. In 33 matches, the midfielder has five goals. As is true with most MLS “2” sides, there lineup and danger men truly depend on who is loaned down from the first team.
The Particulars
Friday, 7:30 PM CDT, at H-E-B Park
RGVFC vs. Portland Timbers 2
An Eloise Ending
