The Rio Grande Valley FC Toros, the USL hybrid affiliate of the Houston Dynamo, wrap up their preseason trip to Houston against the Dynamo Academy U-18 team at 4:30 p.m. today at Houston Sports Park.
“This has been a great trip for everyone,” RGV FC head coach Wilmer Cabrera said. “This is a good soccer environment and we need the games, the opportunity to watch our players in a different environment.”
RGV FC opened their preseason trip with a scoreless draw against Houston Baptist University last week before defeating San Jacinto College 4-0 on Saturday.
This trip also serves as an opportunity for the players to witness the level required to compete in a MLS club. For Cabrera, training near the Dynamo first team and watching the home opener provided a platform to push his players to reach the next level. The RGV FC squad watched the final 30 minutes of Dynamo training on Monday, following the conclusion of their own practice on an adjacent field.
“We have a goal for our boys,” Cabrera said. “Let’s watch the first team, this is where we need to be. The next goal for them is there, at BBVA Compass [Stadium]. It’s important to experience that and we are fortunate to have done so during our trip.”
RGV FC returns to McAllen on Wednesday to prepare for a preseason game against the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley at 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 12 in Edinburg, Texas. For tickets or more information, visit www.rgvfc.com.
The Dynamo and RGV FC formed a hybrid affiliation in July. As part of the partnership, the Dynamo control all technical aspects of the club, including the selection and formation of the coaching staff as well as the construction of the roster. RGV FC, which operates the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, the NBA D-League affiliate of the Houston Rockets, will manage business operations for the club, including the current construction of a 9,400-seat state-of-the-art soccer stadium in Edinburg, Texas, 330 miles southwest of Houston, across the Mexican border from Reynosa.
