The Orange Blocks: A Lights Out Win

The Rio Grande Valley FC Toros were no longer in the last place in the Western Conference heading into last Saturday night’s match against the Las Vegas Lights. The Toros had a tough task on their hands as Eric Wynalda’s Lights entered the match off a 5-0 win over Tacoma. But, the Toros had different ideas as they wanted to close out their homestand with another win.

The first 45 minutes proved to be a bit of change as the Toros did not lose as much possession, but they became more of the offensive creators. Early on, both teams traded quality looks and long passes with a lot of pressure. In the 13th minute, RGV saw more build-up play in the attacking third. They pressed and with a clinical final pass inside the box, as a handball was committed. Thus, the Toros earned a spot-kick that was converted by Wilmer Cabrera Jr. for his first professional goal. Not too content with only a goal, the Toros continued to press for a second goal. The goal came in the 19th minute as Maalique Foster found Isidro Martinez running down the middle of the attacking third. Down 2-0, Las Vegas would gain possession, but their opportunities came up short.

In the second half, the Toros began to look for a third goal and it did not take long. Just three minutes after the break, RGV benefitted from an own goal which would make it a 3-0 scoreline. Las Vegas would score a consolation goal, as Christian Torres made it 3-1 off of a Gabe Robinson pass. RGV would capitalize on chances that were not falling in the first few weeks. The fourth goal of the night came as Maalique Foster ran onto a loose ball from Jesus Enriquez and got around the keeper before firing it home. RGV’s Carlos Small and LV’s Sammy Ochoa put in the final two scores of the game. Gerson Echeverry’s side took the 5-2 victory in front of 3,000+ fans.

Up next for the Toros:

The recent homestand proved to be fruitful as they earned 7 of 9 points.  Now, the Toros have a quick turnaround with a mid-week road contest at LA Galaxy II on Wednesday night. While the Toros remain winless on the road, they are in good form heading into the match. Although the team history is against RGV with only three draws and four losses to Los Dos, there’s plenty of optimism to earn their first-ever win against the junior Galaxy.

Prediction time: While history suggests that the Toros are winless on the road this season and all-time vs LA Galaxy II, I reckon that another win is on deck and it will not be pretty. A 1-0 win will be enough as the Toros will continue their positive streak.

Top photo courtesy of Christian Inoferio