The Rio Grande Valley FC Toros are unbeaten in six games following a 1-0 victory over rival San Antonio FC Saturday night at the UT RGV Soccer Complex. Captain Kevin Garcia’s headed goal from a Memo Rodriguez set piece delivery was the difference as the Toros improved to 2-0-1 in three meetings with their Texas rivals.
After the match was delayed more than an hour due to lightning in the area, RGV FC extended their undefeated run to six games (4-0-2) since their last defeat on April 30. The Toros are fourth in the Western Conference with 19 points from 11 games (5-2-4) and three points back of co-leaders Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC and Vancouver Whitecaps FC II.
Toros midfielder Emilio Garcia hustled to gain a corner kick that led to the winning goal in the 40th minute. Rodriguez, a Dynamo Academy alumnus, curled the delivery to the front edge of the six-yard box and Kevin Garcia rose first to steer a header into the far side of the net for his first goal of the season.
It was Rodriguez’ second-consecutive game with an assist after he set up Jose Escalante at Saint Louis FC on May 29.
“It was an important win for us at home,” RGV FC head coach Wilmer Cabrera told HoustonDynamo.com by phone. “It was a good performance overall from the whole team, which you always want, the whole team to perform well. We were organized defensively and we created a lot of options offensively."
RGV FC out shot San Antonio FC 12-5 and shut out their Texas rivals for the second consecutive game following a 0-0 draw at San Antonio on May 25.
“We found the target more but [goalkeeper Josh] Ford was very sharp and was good,” Carbera said. “San Antonio fought a lot, but I think we were the much better team overall.”
The Toros have allowed just three goals in their last five games, with two shutouts and single goals allowed in three games.
“Right now we are finding the good rhythm and the understanding of the defensive side of the game. This is very important for the players to understand. When you keep a solid defense, it works home and away.”
The Toros have overcome a few early-season issues, including set-piece defending, decision making and closing out games when they have a lead. The result is the six-game unbeaten run and a confidence on the road, where the club hasn’t lost since March 26 at Tulsa Roughnecks FC, the first game in team history.
“The consistency has come because they know each other and they are working more as a unit. Tactically they have been more solid, and all three goalkeepers they have been solid.”
Dynamo goalkeeper Calle Brown kept his third shutout in four games on loan with the Toros. The University of Virginia product has allowed one goal and made 10 saves in four starts with RGV FC.
“I think we have to be pleased because we see progress every game. The players understand the concept. They understand the mistakes you cannot make and they work in practice to be better and during the games we have seen improvements. That is positive because we have to get the confidence and go attack and play home or away.”
Kevin Garcia and Charlie Ward have played all 990 minutes this season and continue to gain plaudits from the head coach. TJ Casner leads RGV FC with four assists and also received praise for his development this season.
“Kevin (Garcia) has been very solid as a captain and Charlie Ward has been outstanding. TJ Casner has been working very hard with and without the ball to create chances for his teammates and has been very good.”
Next up, RGV FC will try to extend their road unbeaten streak to seven (3-0-3) with a midweek visit to Swope Park Rangers, the USL club of Sporting Kansas City, at 7:30 p.m. CDT on Wednesday at Swope Soccer Village.
Rio Grande Valley FC vs. San Antonio FC
June 4, 2016 – UT Rio Grande Valley Soccer Complex – Edinburg, Texas
Scoring Summary:
RGV FC – Kevin Garcia 1 (Memo Rodriguez 2) 41
Rio Grande Valley FC: Calle Brown; Kai Greene, Kevin Garcia ©, Ivan Magalhaes, George Malki; Charlie Ward, Emilio Garcia (Eric Bird 89); TJ Casner, Memo Rodriguez (Christian Lucatero 86), Jose Escalante (Taylor Hunter 78); Kyle Murphy
Summary of Dynamo Academy alumni in Saturday’s game:
Memo Rodriguez made his 11th appearance and recorded his second assist of the season, with assists in the last two games. The midfielder has three goas in 674 minutes this season.
Christian Lucatero made his ninth appearance of the campaign, playing the final four minutes. The 18-year-old has two assists in 66 total minutes this season.
*Note: The Dynamo and RGV FC have a hybrid affiliation, with the Dynamo in control of all technical aspects of the soccer operation, including the construction of the roster and the coaching staff. Meanwhile, the McAllen, Texas based Rio Grande Valley Vipers run the business operations, including the current construction of a 9,400 seat soccer stadium that will resemble Houston’s BBVA Compass Stadium.
